Head of the UNESCO Office in Ramallah

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Position Title: Head of the UNESCO Office in Ramallah
Location: Ramallah
Country: Palestinian Territory
Deadline Date: 10-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 contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO's work is guided by its core values of commitment, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, and it strives to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation across its various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Head of the UNESCO Office in Ramallah will be responsible for managing the multidisciplinary program of the National Office, providing intellectual, strategic, and operational leadership in planning and implementing activities that address the priority needs of the State of Palestine in all areas of UNESCO's competence. This role involves effective management of human resources, administration, security, and operations in accordance with UNESCO's policies and procedures. The incumbent will advocate for and promote UNESCO's work in collaboration with the Government, UN Agencies, Development Banks, NGOs, and bilateral organizations. Additionally, the Head will ensure the Office's participation in all meetings and activities of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Palestine, thereby reinforcing UNESCO's commitment to international cooperation and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the overall operations of the UNESCO Office in Ramallah, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic objectives and priorities.
• Provide leadership in the development and implementation of programs and projects that respond to the educational, scientific, and cultural needs of the State of Palestine.
• Oversee the effective management of human resources, ensuring that staff are well-supported and developed in their roles.
• Ensure compliance with UNESCO's policies and procedures, particularly in relation to administration, security, and financial management.
• Advocate for UNESCO's mission and programs to various stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
• Participate in UNCT meetings and represent UNESCO in discussions related to development issues in Palestine.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with national and international organizations to enhance the impact of UNESCO's work.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and initiatives, making adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
• Prepare reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a discipline related to UNESCO’s mandate, such as public or business administration, international relations, or a related field.
• At least ten (10) years of progressive professional experience at a management level within the United Nations system or other international/national institutions.
• Extensive experience in development issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence, including project design, implementation, and management.
• Proven experience in advocacy, resource mobilization, and partnership development.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field that aligns with UNESCO’s mission and objectives. This may include disciplines such as public administration, business administration, international relations, or other related fields that provide a strong foundation for the responsibilities of the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience at a management level, preferably within the United Nations system or similar international or national institutions. Candidates should have a comprehensive background in development issues relevant to UNESCO’s areas of competence, with significant experience in project management, advocacy, and partnership mobilization.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO, particularly Arabic, is considered an asset and is highly desirable for effective communication within the region and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a fixed-term contract with a duration of 2 years, renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The duty station is Ramallah, designated as a non-family duty station, while residence in Jerusalem is considered a family duty station. The role is open to both internal and external candidates, and UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 154,950 USD, along with benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates are encouraged to apply online and must provide complete and accurate information as part of the application process.