Director of Office and UNESCO Representative to Central African States*

* (detailed in the Vacancy Notice)

Post Number : 6CMPAX0001RP

Grade : D-1

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

Duty Station: Yaounde

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) : 30-AUG-2025

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

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 the Assistant Directors-General of the five programme sectors, and with the Directors of the other UNESCO Regional Offices in Africa for project planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting, the incumbent will act as the Director of UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaounde and UNESCO Representative in Cameroon, Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe.

The incumbent will work within the framework of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategies (C/4s), approved Programmes and Budgets (C/5s), the Operational Strategy for the Implementation of Priority Africa and the Priority Gender Equality Action Plan as well as within the framework of international agreed development agendas such as Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063, in particular as regards to their regional and sub-regional dimensions.

The incumbent will supervise the Heads of UNESCO National Offices in Brazzaville (Congo), Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Libreville (Gabon).

The core result, for which the incumbent will be responsible, is the positioning of UNESCO as a trusted development partner in the countries covered by the Office (Cameroon, Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe), promoting integrated sub-regional approaches. Other results are the establishment and implementation of the multidisciplinary programme of the Office in close cooperation with the wider UN system; the effective and efficient management of the Office’s operations, resources, premises and assets; and the establishment and implementation of robust external relations and partnerships, including with the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CAEMC/CEMAC).

Moreover, the incumbent will participate, or ensure participation of the Office, in the activities of the United Nations in the countries covered by the Office, as well as at the sub-regional level.

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.
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy and resources mobilization.
• Proven partnership experience with successful implementation of partners at global, local and community levels.
• Professional experience in the field of education, sciences, culture, social sciences or communication.

Skills & Competencies

• Commitment to and knowledge of the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
• Institutional leadership capacity, high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
• Proven leadership and demonstrated managerial skills combined with flexibility.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer extensive programmes and projects, financial and human resources, as well as to exercise appropriate supervision and control.
• 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, as well as exercise supervision and control and ensure continuous training and development of staff.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
• Organizational skills, including in establishing plans and priorities, and in implementing them effectively, as well as in devising implementation plans.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work in multicultural environments while upholding objectivity, impartiality and sensitivity to gender equality and diversity issues.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with a proven ability to represent institutional priorities and engage with a broad spectrum of high-level partners.

Languages

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

Education

• Courses/degree/training in a management-related field.

Work experience

• Experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, development.

Skills & Competencies

• Good geopolitical knowledge of the region as well as understanding of current international affairs.
• Political acumen and strong organizational awareness.
• Strong global professional network.
• Good knowledge of the United Nations system.

Languages

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

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.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.