Job Description

Field(s) of Specialization:

Marine Policy, Blue Economy, Coastal and Marine Governance, GIS and Spatial Planning, Science Diplomacy, Sustainable Development

Position Title:

Blue Economy Expert

School/Institute/Unit:

METU – Institute of Marine Sciences

Location:

Mersin – TURKEY

Summary Description:

METU-IMS is the leading international marine science institute in Turkey with a 100% English education and research.  All METU-IMS faculty engage in teaching, research and service. The Institute carries out research on the Eastern Mediterranean as well as on the Aegean, Black Seas, and Turkish Straits System. The long-term vision of METU-IMS is to integrate fundamental research, blue growth solutions and public outreach towards the overall goal of sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems based on excellent science.

METU-IMS is currently coordinating national Blue Economy related projects.

 

We are seeking a highly motivated professional with expertise in blue economy strategy development, GIS and spatial analysis, marine and coastal governance, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability transitions to support the development of Türkiye’s 2053 Sustainable Blue Economy Strategic Action Plan. The successful candidate will contribute to strategic planning processes, marine spatial analyses, stakeholder consultations, digital mapping and visualization activities, governance assessments, and the development of decision-support tools for sustainable marine and coastal management. The project supports the development of integrated blue economy governance approaches, marine spatial planning, digital twin applications, and sectoral analyses across Türkiye’s marine regions, with a pilot focus on the Mersin Bay area.

Responsibilities:

  • Maintain an excellent knowledge of current EU policy activities in the field of marine sciences, blue economy, European Green Deal, Mission
  • Support the design and implementation of stakeholder engagement processes and co-creation activities.
  • Support GIS-based spatial analyses related to marine and coastal sectors, including blue economy activities, environmental pressures, and sectoral interactions.
  • Support the development of WebGIS platforms, spatial databases, dashboards, and data visualization tools.
  • Contribute to marine spatial planning and blue economy strategy development processes.
  • Assist in the preparation of sector analyses, suitability analyses, and conflict/synergy assessments among marine sectors.
  • Support the preparation of strategic planning documents, technical reports, and visual communication materials.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams working on digital twins, climate scenarios, marine ecosystems, and decision-support systems.
  • Support policy and governance analyses related to marine spatial planning, integrated coastal zone management, climate adaptation, and sustainable blue economy development.

Minimum Degree Required:

Master’s degree (or higher) in oceanography, geography, GIS, Coastal and Marine Management, Environmental Sciences, Spatial Planning, Earth System Sciences or related fields are required. Marine science background is a plus, but not a strict requirement.

Required special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
  • Experience in sustainability, environmental science/management, or a related discipline
  • Strong experience in GIS and spatial data management.
  • Experience with marine/coastal spatial planning, environmental mapping, or land-sea interaction analyses.
  • Experience in blue economy strategy development, sustainability planning, or coastal governance.
  • Proficiency in GIS software and spatial analysis tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
  • Experience with data visualization, WebGIS platforms, dashboards, or geospatial databases is considered an asset.
  • Minimum of 3-year relevant experience in a similar role in an international or EU project
  • Experience working with stakeholders, public authorities, or coastal communities is an advantage.
  • Excellent level of English.
  • Excellent teamwork capability
  • Ability to travel in Turkey and abroad
  • Military obligations fulfilled where applicable

Preferred special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a fast-paced environment, within and across departments/functions, managing multiple priorities
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Creativity thinking through new ideas and approaches

Posting Date:

6 July 2026

Closing Date:

6 August 2026

Date Review Begins:

As soon as applications are received

Required Applicant Documents to Submit:

Applicants are asked to submit a CV, a 2-page (max.) statement of experience and interests.

Quick link for Posting:

Please send your application documents directly to Barış Salihoğlu sabaris@metu.edu.tr and Devrim Tezcan (dtezcan@metu.edu.tr)

Proposed Start Date:

August 2026 (ASAP)

Type of Contract:

Temporary  (1 year contract)

Job Status:

Part-time

Salary:

To be determined based on qualifications and experience

Pay Basis:

Project-based consultancy

Position open to internal candidates only?

No