About IDDRI
Founded in 2001, IDDRI is an independent think tank working on major sustainable development challenges at the international level.
Our ambition is to foster a society that ensures good living conditions for all, through an equitable process, within planetary boundaries. We strive to build a sustainable Europe, enable an inclusive ecological transition, and strengthen cooperation between countries.
To achieve this, IDDRI produces rigorous analyses that connect key issues and offer innovative frameworks. As a trusted broker, we convene dialogue platforms between countries with a diversity of stakeholders (governments, businesses, civil society, and the research community).
With a team of 50+ staff members, IDDRI places a strong emphasis on engaging with a broad network of partners around the world.
The Ocean Programme
The Ocean Programme aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment and its resources through an approach based on:
- Strengthening intergovernmental cooperation at the UN level by supporting the development and implementation of ocean-related agreements and the integration of marine issues into other international frameworks (climate, biodiversity);
- Advancing regional ocean governance frameworks, which play a critical role in conserving marine resources while safeguarding the livelihoods and well-being of the communities that depend on them.
- To achieve these objectives, IDDRI develops and leads a range of projects at the science-policy interface. The Programme is currently focused on supporting the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, with particular attention to the establishment and management of marine protected areas (MPAs). At the same time, the Ocean Programme is identifying a new strategic area of work to shape its engagement over the coming years.
Objectives and Mission
Under the supervision of the Director of the Ocean Programme, the Senior Research Fellow will contribute to the Ocean Team's efforts to design and implement high-impact activities. In particular, the successful candidate will:
- Contribute to IDDRI’s ongoing work on the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement through projects focused on:
- The establishment and enforcement of High Seas MPAs: IDDRI is part of several coalitions supporting States in developing High Seas MPA proposals. For some of these proposals, IDDRI is responsible for developing specific components of the management plans, including compliance mechanisms, institutional arrangements, and financial planning.
- The organization of technical dialogues on the elaboration of draft High Seas MPA proposals: IDDRI is leading the development of a series of technical dialogues on the key components of High Seas MPA management plans. These dialogues are targeted at technical teams currently involved in the preparation of draft High Seas MPA proposals, aiming to learn from experience and draw practical lessons through exchanges with MPA practitioners.
- The use of technological tools for the monitoring, control, and surveillance of human activities at sea: For several years, in cooperation with technology providers, IDDRI has been exploring how technology can be leveraged to monitor and control human activities within future High Seas MPAs, as well as the policy and technical measures needed to ensure its effective implementation.
- The monitoring and analysis of BBNJ-related policy processes: IDDRI follows policy processes dedicated to BBNJ at the global (BBNJ Prepcom and future COPs, developments at the International Seabed Authority) and the regional levels (Regional Fisheries Management Organizations, Regional seas conventions), and develops policy-relevant recommendations.
2. Participate in the Ocean Team’s efforts to develop a new strategic area of work by:
- Contributing to internal brainstorming to identify a new area of work where IDDRI can make a meaningful contribution, with a particular focus on emerging issues at the nexus of economic and environmental challenges;
- Conducting strategic analyses and stakeholder interviews to assess opportunities, constraints, and potential areas for IDDRI’s engagement;
- Developing impact strategies and identifying the activities required to achieve them;
- Contributing to fundraising efforts, including the development of project concepts and funding proposals.
3. More broadly, carry out the typical responsibilities of an IDDRI Senior Research Fellow, including:
- Monitoring scientific research, policy developments, and international negotiations, including through participation in conferences, expert meetings, and policy events;
- Identifying, designing, and implementing strategic activities that contribute to the Programme’s impact objectives;
- Producing high-quality analytical and research outputs (e.g. reports, studies, datasets, and conceptual frameworks), and translating research findings into policy-relevant insights, including policy briefs and recommendations;
- Developing, scoping, and facilitating dialogues, workshops, and other stakeholder engagement activities to support policy processes;
- Designing and implementing communication and outreach activities to disseminate the Programme’s work, including drafting blogs, briefing notes, and speaking points, and representing IDDRI at conferences, public events, media engagements, and policy discussions;
- Contributing to the management and administration of projects, including work planning, coordination with partners, monitoring project progress, and drafting reports for donors.
Required Qualifications
The successful candidate will have:
- A Master's degree or PhD in a relevant social science discipline (e.g. economics, political science, development studies, law or a related field);
- At least five years of relevant professional experience, including in projects involving engagement with the private sector;
- Solid knowledge of, and strong interest in ocean governance, including issues related to the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement;
- A good understanding of economic dynamics, competitiveness and investment challenges, or experience of a specific sector or value chain;
- Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills;
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders;
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international and multicultural environment;
Full professional proficiency in English and basic proficiency in French.
The following would be considered an asset:
- Experience with international policy processes and multilateral environmental negotiations
- Demonstrated expertise in designing, developing, and implementing multi-stakeholder projects and partnerships;
- Professional proficiency in Spanish.
Contract
- Duration: 2-year contract (CDD-OD in French)
- Salary: between 43k€ and 49k€ gross annual salary according to IDDRI HR policy, i.e. qualifications and experience.
- Location: Paris
Other advantages:
- 40 days off/year
- 10€ lunch allowance (60% paid by IDDRI)
- Transit Pass (55% paid by IDDRI)
- “Mutuelle” (additional health insurance – 50% paid by IDDRI)
- Homeworking flexibility (3 days per week after 6 months)
- Beginning: as soon as possible
How to apply
Applications should be sent to lisa.dacosta@iddri.org and julien.rochette@iddri.org by 23 September 2026 midnight.
Candidates should submit a one-page cover letter; a CV (max. two pages); a writing sample (e.g., a publication, media article, or essay); and the details of at least two referees.
IDDRI is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. All applications will be considered. We will do our best to get back to each applicant, but due to the volume of applications, we apologize in advance if we are unable to get back to everyone.