Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States

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Position Title: Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States
Location: Apia, Suva
Country: Samoa, Fiji
Deadline Date: 07-MAR-2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. Its core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism. UNESCO is dedicated to fostering sustainable development and promoting cultural diversity, education for all, and the preservation of heritage.

Job Overview:
The position of Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States involves significant responsibilities in providing strategic leadership and operational management for the office. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategies and approved Programmes and Budgets, while also ensuring alignment with internationally agreed development frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda. The role requires the incumbent to act as a representative of UNESCO in various Pacific nations, including Australia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, among others. The Director will engage with national governments, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to position UNESCO as a trusted development partner, facilitating collaboration and partnerships that enhance the organization's impact in the region. This position demands a high level of diplomatic skill, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex relationships across diverse cultural contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide intellectual, strategic, and operational leadership to the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States.
• Act as the UNESCO Representative to the countries covered by the office, engaging with national governments and stakeholders.
• Manage external relations and partnerships to enhance UNESCO's visibility and effectiveness in the region.
• Oversee project planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting in accordance with UNESCO's guidelines.
• Participate in the activities of the United Nations at the national level, ensuring UNESCO's contributions are recognized and valued.
• Coordinate with other UNESCO Regional Offices in the Asia and Pacific region to align strategies and share best practices.
• Ensure compliance with UNESCO's policies and procedures, including financial management and human resources administration.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within the office.
• Lead advocacy efforts and mobilize resources to support UNESCO's initiatives in the Pacific. 1
• Develop and implement strategic plans that address key regional challenges and opportunities.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a discipline related to UNESCO’s mandate, public or business administration, or international relations.
• At least fifteen (15) years of progressive professional experience at a management level within the United Nations system or other international organizations.
• Extensive experience in diplomatic work or development issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence.
• Proven track record in advocacy and resource mobilization, with successful partnerships at global, local, and community levels.
• Professional experience in education, sciences, culture, social sciences, or communication is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, such as a Master's degree, in a relevant field that aligns with UNESCO's mission. This may include disciplines such as international relations, public administration, or business administration. Additional training or courses in management-related fields would be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in management roles, particularly within the United Nations system or similar international organizations. Candidates should have substantial experience in diplomatic relations, development issues, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures. Experience in leading large teams and managing extensive programs is crucial.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of UNESCO, which are English and French. Proficiency in the second language is also required. Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, or Russian, is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal. The role is classified at the D-1 grade level, indicating a senior management position within UNESCO. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US $154,406 if based in Apia, Samoa, or US $158,237 if based in Suva, Fiji. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds, as well as persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is dedicated to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.