I. Job Information

Job Title: Programme Officer – Strategic Initiatives (Africa)

Unit: Strategic Initiatives

Reports to: Vice President Strategic Initiatives

Reports: 1

Grade: P2

II. Organizational Context

The World Maritime University (WMU) is a postgraduate and research university established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the maritime agency of the United Nations. WMU offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes, postgraduate diplomas, and Professional Development Courses with the highest standards in maritime and oceans education and training. WMU also has a highly respected research programme supported by specialized research groups across the maritime and ocean fields.

WMU and Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) have established a strategic partnership to strengthen global capacity related to maritime safety, sustainability and evidence-based policy development. The partnership supports a number of thematic pillars, including data and evidence generation, fellowships, maritime education and training cooperation, and regional capacity development initiatives.

Within this context, the Strategic Initiatives division at WMU is expanding its engagement with partners in Africa in areas such as maritime safety and security, maritime education and training, the decarbonization of maritime transport and the development of the blue economy.

The Programme Officer – Strategic Initiatives (Africa) contributes to the development and implementation of initiatives related to WMU’s engagement in Africa, including initiatives such as the African Maritime Education and Training Forum (AMETF) and the Future Ready Shipping project, while also supporting broader collaboration and programme development under the WMU–LRF strategic partnership.

AMETF is a collaborative platform to harmonize maritime education and training systems, empower institutions, and promote gender equality and youth participation. The Future Ready Shipping project is designed to support the African continent’s transition toward a sustainable, decarbonized, and digitally advanced maritime sector, with the goal to promote economic growth, environmental protection, and social development.

1. Purpose of the Position

The Programme Officer – Strategic Initiatives (Africa) is responsible for the implementation of assigned WMU initiatives related to Africa within the framework of the WMU–LRF strategic partnership and other institutional programmes.

Working under the guidance of the Vice-President (Strategic Initiatives), the incumbent contributes to programme development and coordinates the implementation of assigned activities, facilitates partnership development and stakeholder engagement, conducts research activities and project coordination in support of WMU initiatives in Africa.

The position facilitates the development of collaborations with maritime administrations, maritime education and training institutions, regional organizations and other stakeholders, and contributes to projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime safety, sustainability and ocean-related capacity development.

2. Level of Responsibility / Accountability

The Programme Officer contributes to the development and implementation of programme activities related to WMU’s strategic initiatives in Africa.

The position is responsible for facilitating programme coordination, analytical work and stakeholder engagement activities under the guidance of the Vice-President (Strategic Initiatives).

Key responsibilities include:

Implements and coordinates assigned components of projects and initiatives related to maritime education and training in Africa;
Facilitates programme planning, coordination and monitoring of activities;
Conducts research, analysis and preparation of knowledge products;
Facilitates development of partnerships and collaborative initiatives with African and international stakeholders;
Coordinates the preparation of project proposals and funding applications;

3. Enabling environment

The Programme Officer operates within the Strategic Initiatives division and works closely with academic units, research groups and administrative units across the University.

The role supports initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime education and training systems, promoting knowledge exchange and fostering cooperation between African and international institutions.

The incumbent collaborates with faculty members, researchers, international partners and regional stakeholders involved in maritime education, policy development and capacity-building initiatives.

The position also works closely with other WMU initiatives related to maritime safety, maritime decarbonization, digitalization and blue economy development.

4. Internal / External Focus of the Job

Internal

The Programme Officer collaborates with:

Vice-President (Strategic Initiatives) on programme development and implementation;
WMU faculty members and research groups contributing to projects related to maritime education and training;
Academic programme leaders and researchers involved in capacity-building initiatives;
Administrative units supporting project management, finance and communications.

External

Externally, the incumbent liaises with:

maritime education and training institutions in Africa;
maritime administrations and regional organizations;
international partners involved in maritime capacity development;
academic institutions and development partners collaborating with WMU.

The position supports and contributes to stakeholder engagement activities, workshops and collaborative initiatives with external partners.

II. Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of key functions:

Programme coordination and project implementation in support of WMU initiatives in Africa
Research and analytical support for policy and programme development
Partnership development and stakeholder engagement
Proposal development in support of resource mobilization
Supervision and coordination of research support

1. Programme coordination and project implementation in support of WMU initiatives in Africa

Implements and coordinates assigned components of WMU initiatives and projects related to Africa within the Strategic Initiatives division.

Expected Results:

Programme activities and projects are implemented effectively in accordance with agreed objectives and timelines.
Workshops, consultations and collaborative activities with African and international partners are organized and coordinated successfully.
Initiatives such as the African Maritime Education and Training Forum (AMETF), the Future Ready Shipping project and related activities are implemented and developed.
Programme progress and activities are documented and monitored.

2. Research and analytical support for policy and programme development

Conducts research and provides analytical inputs supporting programme development and policy discussions.

Expected Results:

Research inputs and analytical materials support programme planning and development.
Draft Background papers, reports and briefing materials are prepared in support of programme activities.
Data and information relevant to maritime education and training development are collected and analyzed.

3. Partnership development and stakeholder engagement

Actively engages with African and international stakeholders involved in maritime education and training initiatives.

Expected Results:

Engagement with partner institutions and stakeholders, facilitates the development of collaborative initiatives.
Workshops and stakeholder dialogues facilitate knowledge exchange and cooperation.
Partnerships contribute to the development of regional networks and initiatives.

4. Proposal Development in support of Resource Mobilization efforts

Supports the preparation of funding proposals and development of new programme initiatives.

Expected Results:

Contributions to project proposals support the development of externally funded initiatives.
Programme documentation and concept notes are prepared to support new partnerships and projects.

Contributes to the identification of funding and partnership opportunities

5. Supervision and Coordination of Research Support

Supervises and coordinates the work of assigned researchers supporting programme activities.

Expected Results:

Research support activities are effectively coordinated.
The researchers assigned contribute to programme-related research outputs and analytical work.
Research activities align with programme objectives.

IV. Impact of Results

Effective performance of the Programme Officer contributes to the successful development and implementation of WMU initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime education and training capacity and other programme areas in Africa.

Through programme coordination, research support and stakeholder engagement, the position facilitates the development of collaborative initiatives that enhance knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional partnerships and contribute to the modernization of maritime education systems.

These activities contribute to WMU’s broader objectives in maritime safety, sustainability and capacity development.

V. Guidance and supervision received

The Programme Officer reports to the Vice-President (Strategic Initiatives).

The incumbent performs assigned duties with a degree of professional independence appropriate to the level of the position while operating under the guidance of the Vice-President.

Strategic priorities, programme development and major external engagements are discussed with and guided by the Vice-President.

VI. Competencies

Functional competence:

Knowledge of maritime policy frameworks, maritime education and training systems or related policy fields.
Ability to conduct independent research and analysis in support of policy and programme development.
Familiarity with international development cooperation or capacity-building initiatives.
Ability to support project planning and implement assigned programme activities.

Managerial competencies:

Ability to coordinate project activities and manage multiple tasks effectively.
Ability to work collaboratively with academic and external partners.
Ability to plan and coordinate workshops, meetings and stakeholder consultations.

Behavioral competencies:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively and sensitively in multicultural and international environments.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Initiative and adaptability in a dynamic project environment.

VII. Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree in public policy, maritime affairs, international relations, environmental policy, development studies or a related field relevant to the activities of the position.

Experience:

A minimum of 2 years’ professional experience in policy research, programme coordination, international development cooperation or related fields.
Experience working with international organizations, academic institutions or capacity development initiatives is desirable.
Experience related to maritime policy, maritime education and training, or sustainable maritime development would be an advantage.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French or other languages relevant to African regional cooperation, would be an advantage.

Application

The position offers an attractive salary (P-2 Grade of the ICSC salary scale with UN Pension Scheme), free of income tax in Sweden, a benefits package and relocation expenses. Applicants must fill in the Personal History Form, and should send a letter of interest, a fully updated CV, and contact information of three referees when submitting the application.

Deadline for Applications: 30 June 2026.

Programme Officer – Strategic Initiatives (Africa)

Malmö HQ

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Programme Officer – Strategic Initiatives (Africa)

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