Issue date: 2 September 2024

In accordance with its contract for exploration for polymetallic nodules, signed with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) on 15 April 2016, Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is offering two x Deep Dive (Dive 2) online training placements to candidates from developing States in 2025.

 

OUTLINE

Deep Dive is the first and only e-learning training platform exclusively devised to address all elements of the legal regime in Part XI of the United National Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement including technical and scientific aspects.

Developed by the ISA Secretariat together with renowned international experts in the field, the online curriculum articulates along three progressive levels (Dive 1, 2 and 3) each comprising of modules that offer a mix of compulsory and elective lessons to ensure the successful transfer of foundational knowledge with a degree of flexibility to accommodate personal preferences.

CIIC is offering two (2) placements to participate in Dive 2. This Dive has been designed to address the needs of individuals with some basic knowledge of the legal regime of the Area and the work of ISA but in need for further knowledge on specific aspects.  It is comprised of Module 1 (mandatory) and two other modules to be chosen by the candidate.

The modules are as follows:

Module 1 UNCLOS and governance of the Area Module 1 covers the role of ISA in regulating the Area and the responsibilities of Member States within the framework of UNCLOS.
Module 2 Marine mineral resources of the Area Module 2 covers marine minerals from economic and social perspectives through the lenses of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Module 3 Marine scientific research in the Area Module 3 analyses the legal aspects and benefits of marine scientific research and the role of ISA in collecting data for science-driven decision making.
Module 4 Protection of the marine environment from activities carried out in the Area Module 4 analyses the legal frameworks and tools to ensure that the deep-sea mining effects are considered and minimized.
Module 5 Technology development and innovation in relation to the sustainable development of mineral resources of the Area Module 5 looks at the technology and the testing of mining components in the context of activities in the Area.

 

DURATION

The training is self-paced and allows candidates to learn at their own pace. However, candidates are required to complete the modules within a defined two-month period. The course is scheduled to begin in January 2025.

 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for this programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Education: A degree in a relevant discipline including, but not limited to: Law, International Relations, Natural sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering, Business and Economics (Candidates are required to submit full degree transcripts) and/or 3 to 4 years of relevant work experience with some knowledge of the legal regime of the area and some familiarity with the work of ISA.
  • Language: Proficiency in English attested by an internationally recognized English language proficiency test where the candidate’s mother tongue or language of study is not English. Acceptable tests include IELTS (band 6.0 or above), TOEFL (internet-based test score 80+ and paper-based test score 550+), Cambridge examinations (level CPE/C2).
  • Technology: Candidates must have access to a computer with reliable internet connection.

 

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

CIIC commits to covering all expenses related to course tuition fees.

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The selected candidates will be required to sign the ISA Contractors’ Training Programme Code of Conduct for Trainees prior to the start of the programme.

No later than four (4) weeks after the training has ended, each trainee shall submit an end-of-training report to CIIC and ISA outlining, amongst other things, the training completed, the benefits of the training opportunity, the knowledge gained and how the training will advance their career/educational pursuits. The report shall also include key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of the training activities.

Trainees shall also be required to submit a supplementary report to ISA five (5) years after the training has been completed, to allow for an assessment of the long-term benefits of the programme.

Upon successful completion of the programme, trainees will be awarded certificates from ISA.

HOW TO APPLY:

All interested applicants are invited to register and submit their applications on the ISA CTP Application Portal, along with their supporting documents, including:

  • A coloured passport sized photo
  • A copy of their passport biographical page or national identification card.
  • Signed nomination form [doc/pdf]  by the nominating entity.
  • Copy of degree and/or certificate along with transcript
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
  • Proof of sufficient knowledge of English.

 

Applicants must select the following options when applying for this training opportunity on the Application Portal:

Contractor Name:       Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC)/PMN

Year:                             2025

Programme Name:    Deep Dive

Specialization:           Dive 2

 

 Application Deadline: 31 October 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.

 

One of the Voluntary Commitments registered by ISA at the 2017 UN Ocean Conference (#OceanAction 40768) and reiterated in 2022 was ‘Enhancing the role of Women in Marine Scientific Research through Capacity Building’ – As partner of the Women in Deep-Sea Research project (WIDSR), CIIC has pledged to allocate 50% of its training opportunities to qualified women applicants.