Director

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

The New York Service Cluster (NYSC) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the activities for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was established in 2005 as an initiative of the Secretary General of the United Nations as a political soft power tool for conflict-prevention and conflict-resolution in identity-based settings.

The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations seeks to reduce tensions across cultural divides that threaten to inflame existing political conflicts or trigger new ones. Through preventive diplomacy initiatives, it works at grassroots level, promoting education, youth, media and migration projects aimed at building trust and mutual respect among diverse communities.

The Director of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations serves as the head of the Secretariat. Under the guidance of the High Representative, the Director of the UNAOC Secretariat will be responsible for performing the following duties:

• Management of the overall work of the Secretariat including across the different locations outside the New York office to ensure the work is carried out in accordance with the priorities of the High Representative and the overall objectives and strategy of UNAOC;
• Develops strategies and initiatives designed to advance the broad goals of the UNAOC;
• Provides strategic advice to the High Representative, develops new initiatives aligned with the vision of the High Representative and oversees the programme of work and activities of UNAOC;
• Engages in regular consultation with the heads of other UN agencies/organizations to ensure coordination and strategic and operational coherence between UNAOC activities with the UN priorities.
• Builds substantive partnerships with relevant civil society organizations including faith-based organizations;
• Oversees the implementation of the operational activities The Director of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Secretariat reports to the High Representative for the UNAOC.

** Functional Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Outreach

• Oversee the development of strategies and initiatives designed to advance the broad goals of the UNAOC, in consultation with the High Representative.
• Hold high-level talks with principals representing major stakeholders such as governments, international organizations, relevant academic and research institutions, as well as potential donors and corporate sponsors for the purposes of facilitating and forming implementing partnerships.
• Raise the profile of the Alliance by making public appearances and taking part in international conferences, high-level meetings, senior management meetings and working groups within the UN system.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relations with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations partners, including relevant agencies within the UN system.
• Develop and maintain relations with Group of Friends members via their Permanent Missions in New York and their national Focal Points.
• Develop and maintain all senior-level working relationships with, relevant civil society groups, faith -based organizations and diverse religious leaders, government officials, political actors, international organizations, academic and research institutions and media as well as the wider UN system.

2. Support to the High Representative and Management of AOC Secretariat

• Advise the High Representative on strategic developments and political matters relevant to the work of UNAOC.
• Identify emerging political and socio-economic issues pertaining to the mandate and analyze implications on the work of UNAOC and makes recommendations on possible strategies.
• Ensure effective systems are in place for the UNAOC Secretariat and for its future Cluster Offices to support the activities of the High Representative and special envoys.
• Direct and oversee the development and implementation of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations’ Implementation Plan as well as the Action Plans.
• Direct and oversee the organization and planning of United Nations Alliance of Civilizations activities, including the UNAOC Global Forums, and other high-level meetings and activities.
• Oversee the preparation of reports on UNAOC activities.
• Manage and coordinate the flow of work between UNAOC Secretariat in New York and other regional UNAOC offices to ensure the work is carried out in accordance with the priorities of the High Representative and the overall objectives and strategy of UNAOC.
• Draft speeches and statements for the High Representative high-level public appearances.

3. Team Management

• Provide clear and effective leadership to the AOC Secretariat, being responsible and accountable for the administration, guidance and direction of its work.
• Provide both leadership and support to the UNAOC Team, ensuring cohesive and effective team operations and optimal staff motivation, providing regular supervision and annual performance appraisal for the Management Team members and ultimate oversight of all Secretariat personnel.
• Ensure all operational structures, systems and processes are in line with UNAOC policies and procedures.
• Ensure effective planning, recruitment and development of a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and ensure gender and geographical diversity.
• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
• Champion gender parity, gender mainstreaming and diversity.
• Manage Secretariat staff, including staff recruitment development, and evaluation.
• Manage and oversee the UNAOC Secretariat’s budget and fundraising activities within the framework of the Replenishment Mechanism Oversee the preparation of reports on UNAOC activities.
• Lead coordination with the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General on substantive matters.

Impact of Results The effective and successful achievement of results by the incumbent directly impacts on the development and performance of the Secretariat, visibility and image of UNAOC as an effective UN organization whose is aligned with the overall priorities on the UN agenda including conflict prevention and conflict resolution.

Work implies frequent interaction with, but not limited to, the following: Managers and staff within the Alliance Secretariat, as well as representatives of UN Agencies, multilateral and other international organizations. Constant interaction at senior level with Governments, Private Sector organizations and representatives of non-governmental organizations especially faith-based organizations and religious leaders across the faith spectrum.

Results expected: Stewarding the assets, resources, reputation and high regard of UNAOC at local, national and international levels. Effectively manage and supervise work programmes, staff as well as optimizing mutual benefits with partners and stakeholders; ensure coherent framework to guide programmes. Proven leadership in the development of innovative programmes with significant impact on the overall effectiveness of the United Nations. Intellectual and professional leadership, characterized by consistency and integrity, for overall strategy, quality, delivery, and results.

** Education/Experience/Language requirements

* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in international relations, social science, public information and communications or other related discipline is required. Experience:

Required:

• A minimum of ten (15) years of experience that combines Public Diplomacy, Public Information, and International relations (both bilateral and multilateral), engagement with civil society organizations especially faith-based organizations is required;
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in strategic communications, media briefings and/or public speaking as well as linguistic capabilities, or authorship of papers (published or internal) relevant to the UNAOC areas of work is required;
• At least three (3) years of senior leadership experience including supervising professional staff or managing financial sustainability of operation is required;
• Proven experience in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) is required.

Desirable:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of proven experience in working within the UN system is desirable;
• In-depth knowledge of Islamic and Western civilizations and related faith issues including combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, Christian-phobia and other intolerance-related issues will be a marked asset;

• A proven track record in working with and/or providing strategic guidance and advice to senior UN officials including the Secretary-General is desirable. Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

• Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset