Marawa Research and Exploration Ltd. (Marawa) - International Seabed Authority

Issue date: 19 December 2023

In accordance with its contract for exploration for polymetallic nodules, signed with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) on 29 January 2015, Marawa Research and Exploration Ltd. (Marawa) is offering three (3) training placements to Dive 3 of the ISA Deep Dive e-learning programme for candidates from developing States as part of its 2024 training programme.

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.

Marawa is offering four placements to participate in Dive 3. This Dive will fit the needs of individuals with some knowledge of the legal regime of the Area and includes all the 5 modules available on the platform, namely UNCLOS and the Governance of the Area, Marine mineral resources of the Area, Protection of the marine environment from activities carried out in the Area, Marine scientific research in the Area, Technology development and innovation in relation to the sustainable development of mineral resources of the Area.

Dive 3 will guide participants through the key features of the regime of the Area and will also provide key information on the scientific and technological aspects relating to activities in the Area. It consists of five (5) modules, each containing several mandatory lessons and a few electives to be chosen by the trainees. 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 course period. The course is scheduled to begin in May 2024. The exact dates will be later communicated to the trainees with sufficient notice given.

The estimated time required to complete the course is 150 hours.

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)
Work Experience: 5 or more years of relevant professional experience with good knowledge of the legal regime of the Area and 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

Marawa commits to covering the expenses related to the tuition fees required to access the course.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

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

At the end of the training, trainees must submit a report to Marawa 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.

Trainees who have satisfactorily completed Dive 3 will be awarded certificates.

HOW TO APPLY:

All interested applicants are invited to register through the ISA online portal through which they will submit their applications along with the requested 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.

Application Deadline: 28 February 2024 Extended to 18 March 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), Marawa has pledged to allocate 50% of its training opportunities to qualified women applicants.