UN Regional Coordination Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 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. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, communication, and information. The organization operates in various sectors, including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, communication, and information, and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees worldwide. UNESCO is committed to the principles of the United Nations and works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The UN Regional Coordination Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean will play a crucial role in supporting the UNESCO Regional Bureau in Santiago. This position is designed to enhance UNESCO's participation in the UN development system's joint cooperation efforts in the region, known as the Regional Cooperation Platform (RCP). The officer will work under the direct supervision of the Director and will closely collaborate with senior staff responsible for UN regional and national coordination in Chile. The primary functions of this role include liaising with the Regional Collaboration Platform Secretariat, mapping potential areas of engagement for UNESCO within regional RCP initiatives, and ensuring the effective participation of UNESCO in various coordination systems and meetings. The officer will also support the Regional Director in strategically positioning UNESCO as a key partner within the RCP and promoting integrated approaches with the wider UN system. This position requires a proactive approach to collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information related to the UN reform and global collaboration in the region, ensuring that UNESCO's contributions are well-coordinated and impactful.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UN Regional Coordination Officer include:

• Liaising with the Regional Collaboration Platform Secretariat to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Mapping all areas of possible engagement for UNESCO within regional RCP initiatives and processes, and following up on their implementation with relevant UNESCO offices in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Preparing for and ensuring the participation of the Regional Office in coordination systems, processes, and meetings of the RCP, including reviewing documentation and preparing inputs in collaboration with relevant UNESCO offices.
• Supporting the Regional Director in strategically positioning UNESCO as a key partner within the RCP and promoting integrated approaches with the wider UN system.
• Assisting in the review, development, and implementation of RCP initiatives, ensuring engagement from relevant UNESCO offices.
• Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information related to the UN reform and global collaboration in the region.
• Supporting senior staff serving as focal points in UN Peer Support Groups, Issue-based Coalitions, and other regional groupings.
• Providing assistance to field offices in ensuring UNESCO's integration in UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs) and aligning UNESCO's country strategies with UNSDCFs.
• Supporting communication related to UNESCO's participation in RCP and UNCT in Chile. 1
• Contributing to strategic and programming documents, statutory reports, and reports to UNESCO's Assistant Director-General and Governing Bodies regarding UNESCO's involvement in the RCP and UNSDG global collaboration. 1
• Supporting the office's work with other regional and interregional governmental organizations as appropriate. 1
• Undertaking any other tasks as deemed appropriate by the Director and/or direct supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the UN Regional Coordination Officer position include:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in any area of UNESCO’s competencies, international relations, political science, public or business administration, economics, or another related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in coordination, planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of activities, projects, and/or programs, with at least 2 years acquired at the international level, particularly in the Latin America and Caribbean region.
• Proven experience in working with UN agencies or other multilateral/inter-governmental organizations is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields relevant to UNESCO’s competencies, such as international relations, political science, public or business administration, economics, or other related disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the complexities involved in international cooperation and development.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in coordination, planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of activities, projects, and/or programs. Out of these 5 years, at least 2 years must have been acquired at the international level, with specific experience in the Latin America and Caribbean region being highly advantageous. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the dynamics of international cooperation and the operational frameworks of the UN system.

Languages:
The position requires excellent knowledge of both oral and written English and Spanish. Proficiency in these languages is mandatory, as the role involves extensive communication and collaboration with various stakeholders in the region. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the diverse linguistic landscape of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 6 months, starting in 2026 and potentially extending into early 2027, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The position is classified as a Consultant Contract Level 2 - Middle, and it is open to external candidates. The work location is on-site in Santiago, Chile. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its personnel appointments. The organization adheres to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment and encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, to apply. All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and UNESCO does not charge any fees at any stage of the hiring process.