Ocean Partnerships Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING

The World Maritime University (WMU) is a postgraduate and research university established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. WMU offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy programmes, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Professional Development Courses (PDCs) 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. The Ocean Partnerships Officer position is located at WMU’s headquarters in Malmö, Sweden.

Since its inauguration in May 2018, the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) has established itself as a leading centre of excellence by operating at the interdisciplinary interface of ocean science, policy, and law to deliver evidence-based research and capacity development programmes that address critical global oceans challenges such as the triple planetary crisis and the BBNJ Agreement.

Based at WMU’s headquarters, the Ocean Partnerships Officer (OPO) is a pivotal role designed to bridge the gap between academic excellence and global impact. The OPO will help promote the GOI’s strength, growth, and long-term sustainability, within the framework of WMU’s Development Plan. Working at the science-policy nexus, the OPO will contribute to ensuring that the GOI remains the "partner of choice" for global oceans initiatives through robust capacity-development and research dissemination.

MAIN PURPOSE

The OPO will report to the Vice President for Advancement and Operations, alongside functional collaboration with the Director of the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) and the overall supervision of the President.

The OPO serves as the University’s lead liaison to the global oceans sector in terms of WMU’s Development Plan. This is a dynamic, strategic partnerships, programme development, and broad resource mobilization role focused on strengthening GOI’s institutional growth, external engagement and long-term sustainability. The OPO will develop and manage relationships with partners, funders, donors and institutional stakeholders in order to secure research funding, fellowship and capacity development opportunities, in-kind contributions, institutional collaborations and broader support for GOI’s growth.

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial professional who excels at strategic partnership-building, programme development, institutional engagement and resource mobilization. As a collaborative and strategic problem-solver, the OPO will work closely with the Vice President for Advancement and Operations and the Director of GOI to handle high-level partnerships and opportunities. The OPO will also collaborate across the WMU community to secure proposals, donor engagement communications and touch points, and stewardship reports.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Salary: P4 Grade (ICSC scale), tax-free in Sweden, plus a comprehensive benefits and relocation package.

Deadline: 31 July 2026.