Director of Liaison Office and UNESCO Representative to the European Union

Post Number : 1BEPAX0001RP

Grade : D-1

Parent Sector : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)

Duty Station: Brussels

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) : 31-MAY-2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Director-General, the direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX), in close consultation with all the Assistant Directors-General, the Director of Brussels Liaison Office will act as UNESCO Representative to the European Union and other partners in Brussels and will maintain close contacts with senior staff or representatives to the European Commission and other partners, to ensure ongoing consultation in areas of mutual interest and effective representation and advocacy of UNESCO’s programme goals and priorities.

The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring developments in Brussels that have political implications for the Organization, build synergies within the European Union institutions and other partners, promote UNESCO’s mandate and strategic priorities within institutions and partners based in Brussels, contributing to enlarging strategic partnerships, reporting to and advising the Director-General.

This will include providing intellectual, strategic and operational leadership in planning and implementing the Office’s activities through the early identification of issues and events of relevance to UNESCO, and liaising with relevant Programme Sectors and Central services at Headquarters.

The incumbent will ensure the effective and efficient management of the Office’s human resources, administration and operations, in line with the Organization’s policies and procedures, including effective internal controls.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
Making quality decisions (M)
Driving and managing change (M)
Building partnerships (M)
Leading and empowering others (M)
Strategic thinking (M)
Managing performance (M)
–
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in a discipline related to UNESCO’s mandate, public or business administration or international relations, or related field.

Work Experience

• At least fifteen (15) years of progressive professional experience at the appropriate management level within the United Nations 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.

Long Description

Skills & Competencies

• Commitment to the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
• Institutional leadership capacity, high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer financial resources and exercise appropriate supervision and control.
• Organizational skills, including in establishing plans and priorities, and in implementing them effectively, as well as in devising implementation plans.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners, as well as demonstrated partnership development.
• 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, exercise supervision and control, as well as ensure continuous training and development of staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, in front of a broad range of constituents, as well as the news media.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in English and French. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Courses/degree in a management-related field.

Work experience

• Experience in the field of international relations, multilateral cooperation, development.
• Experience in development of partnerships.
• Good knowledge of multilateral negotiations.
• Diplomatic experience and networking capacities.

Skills & Competencies

• Broad general culture and sound analytic capacities.
• Proven leadership and demonstrated managerial skills combined with flexibility.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
• Excellent interpersonal and representational skills, as well as ability to take initiative and maintain effective working relationships with partners of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
• Good knowledge of the European Union system.

Languages

• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 162 639 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

Footer

UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.