Issue date: 04 January 2024

UPDATE (04 March 2024) The following candidates have been selected:

Rank First Name Last Name Sex Country Country Class.
First-ranked Candidates
1 Nterei Bakoa F Kiribati LDC/SIDS
Reserve or Alternate Candidates
R1 Joy Asur F Nigeria
R2 Mohamed Mohamed M Somalia LDC
R3 Franklin Oketch M Kenya

In accordance with its contract for exploration for polymetallic nodules, signed with ISA on 15 April 2016, Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is offering one (1) Master’s Fellowship to a candidate from a developing State as part of its 2024 training programme.

OUTLINE

The “Master of Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management” programme will be organized by CIIC in collaboration with the Faculty of Science of the Free University of Brussels, Antwerp University and Ghent University. The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach integrating physical, chemical, geological, ecological, and societal aspects, including nature conservation and sustainable development.

In general, the Oceans & Lakes programme puts strong emphasis on acquiring skills, both in marine and lacustrine research and management. It requires full-time attendance and active participation in lectures and practical exercises, visits to marine research centres, field trips and excursions.

The course programme consists of six (6) parts:

For further information on the master’s programme, please visit: http://oceansandlakes.chromis.be/node/126

 DURATION

The master programme in “Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management” (Oceans & Lakes) is a two-year fellowship with enrolment slated for September 2024.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

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

  • Education: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry and biotechnology, chemistry, geology, geography and geomatics, bio-engineer science, or environmental sciences, with good overall scores (at least upper second class or equivalent) from a university or recognized equivalent.
    • For other bachelor’s in science, applied science and life sciences, equivalency will be evaluated based on scientific competences and skills of the students.
  • Language: Proof of sufficient knowledge of English (spoken and written).
  • Nationality: Applicant must be a national of a developing country that is a Member State of the International Seabed Authority.

ISA Member States are encouraged to nominate qualified candidates, who must be from developing countries, for the training programme and should give assurance that:

  • All information supplied by the candidate is complete and correct.
  • The candidate will be made available at the time and for the period required for the training;
  • The candidate will be placed on leave of absence with pay for the duration of the period of the training (if applicable);
  • Upon successful completion of the training, the candidate will be appropriately employed in their professional capacity or in a related field.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

The successful candidate will benefit from a full-ride scholarship. CIIC will cover all relevant costs including visa fee, flight, transportation, lodging, food, books and living expenses.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Trainees will be required to sign the ISA Contractors’ Training Programme General Guidance and Code of Conduct for Trainees prior to the start of the fellowship.

At the end of the training, trainees must submit a report to CIIC and ISA outlining the training completed; the benefits of the training opportunity; the knowledge gained; and how the training will advance their career and/or educational pursuits.

Upon successful completion of the programme, trainees will also receive a certificate 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 with full transcript
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
  • Proof of sufficient knowledge of English.
  • A one-page motivation statement outlining how the programme will further the applicant’s career.

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:                              2024

Programme Name: Master’s Fellowship

 

Application Deadline: 5 February 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.