Chief of Section

The Sector for Priority Africa and External Relations (PAX) is central to strengthening UNESCO's engagement with Member States, the UN system, and international partners. It coordinates external relations, field network, and activities under Global Priority Africa, including the Operational Strategy for Global Priority Africa. The sector also supports Small Island Developing States, fosters partnerships, and mobilizes resources. It provides strategic and operational support to Member States, especially in conflict and crisis contexts, promoting coherence and institutional capacity.

Job Purpose

Under the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX) and the Director of External Relations Division, the Chief of Section will coordinate and conceptualize an overall vision to enhance cooperation with Member States in the Arab States and Asia-Pacific regions. This role involves strategic leadership for both regional teams, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's priorities and regional needs. The Chief will guide and monitor team performance, supervise the preparation of high-level briefing materials, and manage relations with Member States and regional organizations. The position requires defining and implementing cooperation strategies, developing relationships with senior government officials, and advising on mutual concerns. The Chief will also lead, manage, and develop a work team, plan and coordinate programmes and projects, and represent the Division and Sector at international forums.

Responsibilities

Provide overall supervision, guidance, and performance monitoring for regional desks managing relations with Member States in the Arab States and Asia-Pacific regions. Supervise the preparation of briefing notes, talking points, and other written materials for senior management, offering continuous guidance and advice. Manage and coordinate relations with Member States and Regional Organizations, ensuring strategic and political support, and providing high-level briefings for senior management engagements. Define and ensure the implementation of a comprehensive strategy and vision to strengthen cooperation with Member States in both regions. Develop and maintain relationships with senior government officials and other relevant counterparts, advising on issues and policies of mutual concern. Lead, direct, and manage a work team, including planning work assignments, coaching, mentoring, and evaluating staff, and participating in recruitment and training development. Plan, coordinate, and manage programmes, projects, and activities involving inter-agency participation, offering political guidance and advice. Represent the Division of External Relations, the PAX Sector, and the Organization at various international forums, round tables, seminars, and conferences.

Work Experience

Requires at least ten years of progressively relevant professional experience at a management level in external relations, diplomacy, or related fields. Preferably, five of these years should be at the international level within the UN system or other international, national, or private sector institutions. Extensive experience in diplomatic work or development issues relevant to UNESCO's mandate, including building strategic relations with international and regional organizations, is essential. Experience in international relations, diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, development, and management is also required.

Skills

Strong leadership, strategic planning, and management abilities are essential. Excellent interpersonal, coordination, and representational skills are required. Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to provide strategic advice to senior management, establish plans, and implement them effectively. Proven skills in financial and human resource administration and management. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with strong drafting, advocacy, and negotiation abilities. Ability to manage and supervise a team in a multicultural environment, working effectively under tight deadlines with multiple priorities.