DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Director-General and the direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX), the Director of the Division of External Relations (DIR/PAX/DRX) has the overall responsibility for the smooth running of the Division, providing the necessary leadership and ensuring the supervision of its staff. The Director is responsible for the liaison with Member States and Associate Members, in particular with their Permanent Delegations, their National Commissions and representatives to the Executive Board, as well as with United Nations system organizations and international, regional and sub-regional intergovernmental organizations.

The Director will be responsible for:

• Providing ADG/PAX and the Director-General with authoritative and sound policy advice and decision-making support, as well as solutions and options for action with regard to all aspects of the Sector’s work related to relations with Member States as well as National Commissions. Ensuring risk management through the early identification, analysis and assessment of risks and the development of strategies and advising those in charge on risk management in terms of the prevention, reduction and elimination of unacceptable risks.
• Providing strategic and intellectual direction, leadership and supervision to the Division staff. Formulating and implementing the Division’s programme by determining priorities and deciding on resource allocation with a view to the optimal achievement of objectives and ensuring timely deliverables. Ensuring that roles, responsibilities and lines of accountability are clear for each staff member. Managing, guiding, developing and training the staff under his/her supervision. Fostering teamwork and communication within and outside the Division, across organizational structures.
• Guiding and supervising the timely and effective preparation of the documents required for the Organization’s governing bodies, ensuring that said documents are technically and intellectually sound, clear and objective and meet high standards of quality, include comprehensive data, and are consistent with the Organization’s strategy. Ensuring the timely provision, to ADG/PAX and the Director-General, of policy analysis, briefing notes, position papers, and discussion and concept notes, as well as documents on policy issues. Obtaining the agreement of decision-makers to achieve the necessary impact.
• Building strong networks and consensus for concerted actions with UN System agencies, intergovernmental organizations, providing guidance and advice within UNESCO and ensuring UNESCO’s positioning in intergovernmental meetings and conferences.
• Advocating, promoting and fostering the work of UNESCO and ensuring the visibility of the work done by the Sector and all Field Offices.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in international relations, political science or related fields.

Work Experience

• At least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible professional experience at the appropriate management level, of which preferably seven (7) years acquired at international level, within the UN system, other international, national or private sector institutions, including a wide experience in diplomatic work or development issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence, in association with national and international organizations.
• Experience in advocacy and partnership creation, notably at the international level.
• Experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and development.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of, and commitment to the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
• Good knowledge of UNESCO’s programmes and policies and of international development policies and institutions.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer extensive programmes and financial resources.
• Leadership capacity, high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
• 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; ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations with internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills, including in providing 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 the management of financial and human resources.
• Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a large and diversified body of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with strong representational abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with a broad range of interlocutors, as well as the news media.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities, and risks.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages (English or French) of the Organization and working knowledge of the second language.

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 31-JAN-2024

For more information visit careers.unesco.org