Executive Officer
JOB DETAIL
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 6CMPAX0001PA
Grade : P-3
Parent Sector : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)
Duty Station: Yaounde
Job Family: Programme Coordination
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 08-JAN-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
(Duration of contract: 1 year, with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.)
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
As a specialized agency of the United Nations system, UNESCO contributes to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. For the period 2022-2029, this mission translates into four strategic areas:
- Ensure quality equitable and inclusive education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
- Work towards sustainable societies and protecting the environment through the promotion of science, technology, innovation and the natural heritage.
- Build inclusive, just and peaceful societies by promoting freedom of expression, cultural diversity, education for global citizenship, and protecting the heritage.
- Foster a technological environment in the service of humankind through the development and dissemination of knowledge and skills and the development of ethical standards.
The UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé (Cameroon) covers 10 countries: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe. The Yaoundé Regional Office, in conjunction with the National Offices (Brazzaville, Kinshasa et Libreville) and Antennas (Bujumbura, Luanda et N’Djamena) attached to it, represents UNESCO to national authorities, institutions and technical and financial partners in the sub-region, as well as appraising and implementing UNESCO programmes in the Central Africa region. UNESCO is currently implementing a reform of its field network, which devolves a number of roles and responsibilities to the Regional Offices.
Long Description
The Executive Officer is intended to provide organizational and substantial support to the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé, in order to ensure the best possible implementation of the mandate assigned to the Regional Office. This mandate includes, for the Central Africa region, the presence and positioning of UNESCO, the coordination of UNESCO units and teams, as well as the orientation and supervision of programmes. Specific support to the Director includes in particular the implementation of effective management and coordination at the level of the Regional Office, National Offices and Antennas, as well as the preparation and support of the main items on the Director’s agenda.
Long Description
Under the authority and direct supervision of the Director of the Office, the Executive Officer will be responsible in particular for :
- Organizing the overall management and coordination of the Office, including:
- Preparation and follow-up of Director’s files, requests and executive orders.
- Organization, prioritization, distribution and follow-up of external information, solicitations and requests.
- Preparation and follow-up of management meetings (sub-regional format and Yaoundé Office format).
- Improvement of management and office working methods.
- Supporting the Director’s representation and coordination activities, including:
- Relations with national authorities.
- Relations with the United Nations system.
- Relations with technical and financial partners.
- Relations with Headquarters and other UNESCO entities.
Long Description
- Improving the quality of the Office’s institutional and programmatic response, including :
- Distribution of roles and monitoring of intersectoral projects and programmes on behalf of the Director’s Office.
- Analysis of files and proposals prior to their submission to the Management Team and to the Director for decision.
- Verification of programmatic, administrative or financial elements prior to validation by the Director.
- Quality control of documents transmitted and correspondence sent.
- Preparing the main items on the Director’s agenda, liaising with the relevant teams, in particular :
- Preparation and follow-up of hearings and interviews.
- Preparation for conferences, summits, events and official visits.
- Coordination of the Director’s travels.
- Follow-up of institutional deadlines (periodic reports, committees, consultations, etc.).
- Carrying out or following up, as necessary, urgent or unforeseen, any other task falling within the remit of the Direction.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international development or humanitarian action, international relations, political science, public policy or public administration, management, social/human sciences, or in other relevant fields (legal, literary, linguistic, scientific or human science).
Work Experience
- At least four (4) years of relevant professional experience, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international level, in the fields of international relations, political science, or in other related area.
Skills & Competencies
- Organizational and planning skills, independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.
- Drafting skills and ability to adapt and effectively communicate key messages.
- Discretion and ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.
- High sense of professional integrity, objectivity and responsibility.
- Good knowledge of the United Nations system and/or international organizations.
- Proficiency in office productivity software suites and online collaboration tools.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of French and English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
- Experience of working with the UN system.
- Professional experience acquired in multicultural work environments.
Skills & Competencies
- Geopolitical knowledge of the Africa region.
- Knowledge of the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the UN system.
- Knowledge of administrative procedures and financial management rules of the UN system.
Langues
- Knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese.
- Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese or Russian).
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 92 526 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.
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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.
