Chief of Section

OVERVIEW
**Post Number**: PAX 004
**Grade**: P-5
**Parent Sector**: Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)
**Duty Station**: Paris
**Job Family**: External Relations
**Type of contract**: Fixed Term
**Duration of contract**: 2 years, renewable
**Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time)**: 23-MAY-2025
**UNESCO Core Values**: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the authority of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX) and the direct supervision of the Director of External Relations Division (DIR/PAX/DRX), the Chief of Section for the Arab States region and the Asia and the Pacific region will act as coordinator responsible for defining and conceptualizing, in cooperation with senior management, an overall vision to strengthen cooperation with Member States in the Arab States region as well as the Asia and the Pacific region.
Long Description
The incumbent will play a strategic role as coordinator of both teams - Arab States and Asia and the Pacific - by undertaking the following duties:
Provide overall supervision, guidance and monitoring of the performance of the concerned regional desks in charge of relations with Member States of the Arab States region as well as the Asia and the Pacific region.
Supervise the preparation of briefing notes, talking points and other written material for the Director-General and provide continuous guidance and advice to Senior Management.
Manage and coordinate relations with concerned Member States and Regional Organizations, ensuring strategic and political support as well as providing high-level briefing and guidance to Senior Management for their audience with Member States, Heads of States and Government and other Senior officials.
Define and ensure implementation of an overall strategy and vision to strengthen cooperation with Member States in the Arab States region as well as the Asia and the Pacific region.
Develop and maintain relations with Senior Government officials and other relevant counterparts and interlocutors, and advise them on issues and policies of mutual concern.
Lead, direct and manage a work team; plan and allocate work assignment, coach, mentor and evaluate staff; participate in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programmes.
Plan, coordinate and manage programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or inter-agency involvement and participation, and offers political guidance and advice.
Represent the Division of External Relations, the Sector PAX and the Organization at round tables, seminars and conferences.
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) Building partnerships (M) Driving and managing change (M) Leading and empowering others (M) Making quality decisions (M) Managing performance (M) Strategic thinking (M) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
A dvanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of international relations, political sciences, social sciences, or in other related areas.
Work Experience
At least ten (10) years of progressively relevant professional experience, at the appropriate management level, in the field of external relations, diplomacy, or related fields, of which preferably five (5) years acquired at international level, within the UN system, other international, national or private sector institutions.
Extensive experience in diplomatic work or development issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence, including building and maintaining strategic relations with international organizations, regional organizations.
Experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and development and management.
Experience in advocacy, partnership creation, notably at the international level.
Long Description
Skills & Competencies
Commitment to and knowledge of the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
Knowledge of UNESCO’s programmes and policies and of international development policies and institutions.
Leadership capacity, high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer extensive programmes and financial resources.
Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities, and risks.
Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
Proven skills in administration and management of financial and human resources.
Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills with strong representational abilities.
Strong diplomatic skills and a sense of strategic negotiation.
Excellent written an