Director of UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization focuses on building peace in the minds of men and women, fostering sustainable development, and promoting cultural diversity. UNESCO's work is guided by its core values of commitment, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which are essential in achieving its objectives across various sectors.

Job Overview:
The Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaounde is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the implementation of UNESCO’s strategic objectives in the region. The incumbent will work under the authority of the Director-General and in close collaboration with various Assistant Directors-General and regional directors. This role involves acting as the UNESCO Representative in several countries, including Cameroon, Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, and Sao Tome and Principe. The Director will be tasked with positioning UNESCO as a trusted development partner, promoting integrated approaches to development, and ensuring effective management of the Office’s operations and resources. The incumbent will also be responsible for establishing partnerships and external relations, particularly with regional organizations such as the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CAEMC/CEMAC). The role requires a strong commitment to UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategies and international development agendas, ensuring that the Office’s programs align with these frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the strategic direction and operational management of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Central Africa.
• Supervising the Heads of UNESCO National Offices in the region, ensuring effective program implementation and evaluation.
• Developing and managing multidisciplinary programs that align with UNESCO’s strategic priorities and regional needs.
• Establishing and maintaining partnerships with national and international organizations, including UN agencies, to enhance collaborative efforts in development initiatives.
• Representing UNESCO at high-level meetings and events, advocating for the organization’s priorities and objectives.
• Overseeing the Office’s financial and human resources, ensuring accountability and effective use of resources.
• Engaging in resource mobilization efforts to secure funding for programs and initiatives.
• Promoting gender equality and diversity within the Office and in all programs and partnerships.
• Ensuring compliance with UNESCO’s policies and procedures in all aspects of the Office’s operations. 1
• Facilitating communication and knowledge sharing among staff and stakeholders to foster a collaborative work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a field relevant to UNESCO’s mandate, such as public or business administration, international relations, or a related discipline. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to UNESCO’s mission and values, with a proven track record of leadership and management in complex environments. The role requires excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in disciplines related to UNESCO’s mandate, such as public administration, international relations, or business administration. Additional training or courses in management-related fields would be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least fifteen (15) years of progressive professional experience at a management level within the United Nations system or other international organizations. This experience should include a strong background in diplomatic work, development issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence, and successful advocacy and resource mobilization efforts. Proven experience in managing partnerships and implementing programs at various levels is essential.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of UNESCO’s working languages (English or French) and the ability to work in the second language. Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, would be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 166,480 US dollars, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.