Crisis Coordination Officer

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Position Title: Crisis Coordination Officer
Location: Paris
Country: France
Deadline Date: 24-MAR-2025

Job Details

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 workforce of over 2,000 employees, UNESCO operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace in the minds of men and women. The organization emphasizes the importance of education, science, culture, and communication in fostering sustainable development and mutual understanding among nations.

Job Overview:
The Crisis Coordination Officer will play a pivotal role in enhancing UNESCO's crisis preparedness and response capabilities. Reporting to the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations, the officer will work closely with various sectors within UNESCO and coordinate with UN partners to ensure effective crisis management. The position involves supporting UNESCO's strategic engagement in UN interagency platforms, contributing to policy formulation, and facilitating communication between different sectors and field offices. The officer will also be responsible for preparing analytical documents and briefing notes to assist senior management in their engagements with UN entities and member states. This role is crucial for maintaining UNESCO's visibility and effectiveness in crisis situations, ensuring that the organization's priorities are well-positioned within the broader UN response framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Crisis Coordination Officer include formulating policy advice for UNESCO's crisis response programs, supporting strategic engagement within the UN Sustainable Development Group, and preparing documentation for senior management. The officer will contribute to UNESCO's participation in UN system-wide efforts related to crisis preparedness and recovery, manage project proposals, and provide operational guidance to field offices. Additionally, the officer will support fundraising efforts, coordinate financial reporting for donor contributions, and conduct research to inform UNESCO's actions in crisis settings. The role also involves capacity-building initiatives for staff and may require field missions to ensure effective participation in UN integrated assistance efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in international relations, political sciences, law, social sciences, or related fields. A strong understanding of UNESCO's mandate and crisis response mechanisms is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a high level of professionalism, integrity, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills are required, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in international relations, political sciences, law, social sciences, or a related area is mandatory. Additional training in international development or humanitarian cooperation is desirable, as it enhances the candidate's understanding of the complexities involved in crisis management and response.

Experience:
A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in international cooperation and relations is required, with at least two years at the international level. Experience in UN integrated actions related to humanitarian response, human rights, and disaster risk management is preferred. Candidates should have a proven track record in crisis preparedness and response contexts, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex international frameworks effectively.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken proficiency in English or French is mandatory, with good knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of additional UNESCO official languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the organization and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for two years, with the possibility of renewal. The role is full-time and open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary is $100,192, with benefits including 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds, as well as persons with disabilities. The recruitment process includes an online application, assessments, and reference checks, with a focus on maintaining confidentiality throughout.