Head, Africa Section

United Kingdom
negotiable Expires in 3 months

JOB DETAIL

Contract Information

Fixed-term for two years (first year is probationary) with the possibility of further extension, subject to satisfactory performance.This vacancy is open to all qualified candidates. IMO seeks to increase the number of women paricularly at senior levels and, therefore, qualified women are encouraged to apply. IMO will make every effort to facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities

Salary Information

US$ 92,731 net per annum, plus post adjustment (currently US$ 71,681). Salary is free of income tax in the United Kingdom

Purpose

Under the immediate supervision of the Senior Deputy Director, Subdivision for Maritime Development, and overall direction of the Director, Technical Co-operation and Implementation Division (TCID), the incumbent will work in close co-operation with countries and organizations in the Africa region and provide strategic and technical expertise in the development, implementation and assessment of technical cooperation projects and programmes in the region.The incumbent will also assist in the development and formulation of IMO’s technical cooperation strategies, policies and proposals for the efficient and effective working of the Technical Cooperation Committee (TCC).This vacancy is open to all qualified candidates. IMO seeks to increase the number of women paricularly at senior levels and, therefore, qualified women are encouraged to apply. IMO will make every effort to facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Management• Lead the Africa Section of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, setting strategic objectives in close cooperation with countries and organizations in the Africa region and providing technical expertise in the development, implementation and assessment of technical co-operation projects and programmes in the region. • Analysis of maritime developmental trends within Africa region, evaluate their implications for the Organization’s objectives, and formulate strategic technical cooperation responses in collaboration with government representatives and specialists. • Assist in the development and promotion of innovative strategies and policies for the Organization’s technical co-operation (TC) work, taking into account strategic and policy issues and trends impacting on IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP). • When required, serve as a thematic focal point in the development of ITCP programmes, ensuring alignment of thematic area with global trends and the IMO’s overarching goals. • Assist in preparing for, serving and following up on sessions of the Technical Cooperation Committee, the Council, the Assembly and other IMO organs and/or their subsidiary bodies, and be responsible for assigned agenda item(s) as and when required. Regional Technical Cooperation Program Oversight• Maintain up-to-date information on the general maritime development of countries within the region, assess the challenges faced, and the assistance required, by the countries and identify technical cooperation priorities at national, sub-regional and regional level. • Spearhead the conceptualization, initiation, and development of technical cooperation programmes and activities for the region, advocating for programme and activity approval, and contribute to programme evaluations to ensure impact and effectiveness. • Prepare national/regional programme proposals for incorporation in the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) and oversee preparations of programme implementation documents in consultation with the beneficiaries, donors and Divisions of the IMO Secretariat. • Evaluate and enhance methods for technical cooperation programme appraisal and design, ensuring they are tailored to different stages of maritime development in the countries of the region as well as economic and social development of the countries. • Supervise the TC regional programme implementation process, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless execution and progress, using quality management and results-based approach in all stages of the programme cycle. Financial and Personnel Administration• Oversee the financial and personnel management of the region’s programme, manage the human and financial resources assigned to the Section in an effective and efficient manner, including through the provision of strategic guidance, the management of staff performance, the management of IMO’s Technical Cooperation Fund and of extrabudgetary resources ensuring responsible allocation and utilization of resources, reporting on budget/programme performance and preparing inputs for business planning and results-based budgeting; • Lead the strategic guidance and management of staff performance, ensuring efficient operation of the Section and adherence to quality management systems. Collaborate with all relevant Divisions of the IMO Secretariat and promote the application of a quality management system and a results-based approach in all stages of the programme or project cycle. Collaboration and Coordination• Establish and maintain robust collaboration with Member States, Associate Members, UN and its specialized agencies, programmes, offices, bodies and funds, inter-governmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations, within the context of the region, integrating the IMO’s efforts with broader development initiatives. Carry out missions to Member States and Associate Members on specific assignments and perform other related duties, as required.• Facilitate and lead consultation processes for the formulation and adjustment of country-related technical cooperation programmes, intervening strategically to navigate and resolve challenges. Provide information to other Divisions of the IMO Secretariat, on matters falling within the purview of the Section. Advocacy and Representation• When required, act as a principal representative of the IMO in meetings and events related to technical cooperation within the region, advocating for the Organization’s interests and fostering partnerships. • Provide expert guidance to Member States, promoting the adoption of IMO standards and facilitating capacity-building efforts. Regional Presence and Capacity Development• Manage the IMO regional presence offices coming under the purview of the Section, ensuring they effectively support the region’s technical cooperation activities and objectives. • Drive the preparation and implementation of national, sub-regional, and regional programmes, liaising with stakeholders to secure funding and resources for technical cooperation work. • Carry out any other duties as may be required by line management

Required Competencies

1. Ability to provide technical and administrative oversight, draft related documents and present complex issues in a clear and accurate manner.2. Proven organizational skills in coordinating activities and resources, with the ability to focus on outcomes. Ability to manage budget and resources.3. Leadership, decision making skills and ability to communicate with people and teams. 4. Ability to engage with Member States and other stakeholders, negotiate and influence effectively to build consensus and achieve objectives.5. Ability to establish and maintain strategic networks and partnerships with Member States, UN agencies and other international partners.6. Excellent communication skills, and ability to provide guidance and explain complex issues to a variety of audiences

Experience

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience of which at least 5 years in a line manager capacity is essential. Experience working in development and/or technical cooperation programmes, projects and exposure to maritime field would be an asset

Education

Advanced university degree in the field of nautical, maritime engineering, naval architecture, maritime administration, law, marine science, public or business administration, international relations/development or equivalent field is essential

Language Skills

Proficiency in the English language, both written and oral, is essential. Proficiency in another official language(s) of the UN would be an asset

Others

Knowledge of IMO’s regulatory framework and IMO’s technical cooperation and capacity building programmes with an understanding of the challenges and issues faced by developing countries in the Africa region, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing states, in the context of the maritime sector would be an asset. Good working knowledge in Microsoft Office applications is essential

United Kingdom

location