Post Number : PAX 008
Grade : P-5
Parent Sector : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: External Relations
Type of contract : Fixed Term
Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 26-AUG-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Under the authority of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX) and the direct supervision of the Director for Priority Africa Coordination Division (DIR/PAX/AFR), the incumbent will coordinate relations with African Member States and Regional Organizations in Africa. The incumbent will closely follow relevant national/regional developments and prepare the necessary briefings (Regional Desk for Africa) and will also ensure coordination and monitoring of UNESCO's Global Priority Africa, including its Operational Strategy, with internal and external stakeholders, and will actively contribute to the development of partnerships to support it.
In particular, the incumbent will:
Provide leadership and backstopping as regards overall relations and cooperation with African Member States and Regional African Organizations, by ensuring strategic and programmatic support, as well as providing high-level briefings and guidance to senior management for their audiences with Member States, Heads of States and Government and other senior officials at UNESCO Headquarters, and during senior management official visits to African countries or participation in high-level events. Coordinate, monitor and track the implementation of Global Priority Africa and its Operational Strategy for Priority Africa, in order to achieve clear and measurable results, while ensuring cooperation with Member States, Programme Sectors, Central Services, Field Offices and other stakeholders, as well as the preparation of statutory documents on Global Priority Africa, including the mid-term and final evaluations of the Operational Strategy and the follow-up of related recommendations. Develop and implement strategies to mobilize support by multilateral and regional partners, Member States, funding institutions and other groups, including private sector and civil society, in and outside the Africa region , towards the implementation of Global Priority Africa and its Operational Strategy. Strengthen in close cooperation with the UNESCO Liaison Office in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and UNESCO Regional Offices in the Africa region, the working relationships with the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities and organizations for regional integration, as well as South-South and triangular cooperation, in view of joint actions in agreed priority areas and joint advocacy towards partners. Produce regular and timely statutory reports on Global Priority Africa for UNESCO Governing bodies, as well as strategic notes and briefings for Senior management, ensuring efficient follow-up of the Executive Board and the General Conference decisions on Priority Africa, in close coordination with Member States and senior management.
Education
Work Experience
At least ten (10) years of progressively relevant professional experience, at the appropriate management level, in the field of external relations, diplomacy, or related fields, of which preferably five (5) years acquired at international level, within the UN system, other international, national or private sector institutions. Extensive experience in diplomatic work or development issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence, including building and maintaining strategic relations with international organizations, regional organisations. Experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and management. Experience in advocacy, resource mobilization and partnership creation, notably at the international level. Experience in leading, managing and motivating teams of professionals.Skills & Competencies
Commitment and knowledge of the Organization's mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities. Proven capacity to produce high-quality and policy-oriented analytical reports and recommendations in the areas of competence of the Organisation. Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to work collaboratively and to build relationships with diverse groups of organizations and individuals, relevant institutions, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, including through networking. Proven ability to communicate, advocate, and negotiate with colleagues, staff and stakeholders at all levels within and outside the Organization. Demonstrated analytical, drafting and organizational skills, including in providing high-level and strategic advice to senior management, in establishing plans and priorities, and in implementing them effectively, as well as in devising implementation plans. Proven skills in administration and management of financial and human resources. Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment. High sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.Languages
Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.
Education
Work Experience
Skills & Competencies
Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the UN System. Broad general culture and geopolitical knowledge of the Africa region. Strong diplomatic skills and a sense of strategic negotiation. Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
Languages
Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
This vacancy is archived.