Chief of Section (Europe & North America and Latin America & the Caribbean)

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Chief of Section (Europe & North America and Latin America & the Caribbean) OVERVIEW

Post Number: PAX 311

Grade: P-5

Parent Sector: Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: External Relations

Type of contract: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 23-MAY-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Under the authority of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX) and the direct supervision of the Director of External Relations Division (DIR/PAX/DRX), the Chief of Section for the Europe and North America region and Latin America and the Caribbean region will act as coordinator responsible for defining and conceptualizing, in cooperation with senior management, an overall vision to strengthen cooperation with Member States in the Europe and North America region as well as the Latin America and the Caribbean region.

Long Description

The incumbent will play a strategic role as coordinator of both teams - Europe and North America and Latin America and the Caribbean - by undertaking the following duties:

• Provide overall supervision, guidance, and monitoring of the performance of the concerned regional desks in charge of relations with Member States of the Europe and North America region as well as the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
• Supervise the preparation of briefing notes, talking points, and other written material for the Director-General and provide continuous guidance and advice to Senior Management.
• Manage and coordinate relations with concerned Member States and Regional Organizations, ensuring strategic and political support as well as providing high-level briefing and guidance to Senior Management for their interactions with Member States, Heads of States and Governments, and other Senior officials.
• Define and ensure the implementation of an overall strategy and vision to strengthen cooperation with Member States in the Europe and North America region as well as the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
• Develop and maintain relations with Senior Government officials and other relevant counterparts and interlocutors, advising them on issues and policies of mutual concern.
• Lead, direct, and manage a work team; plan and allocate work assignments, coach, mentor, and evaluate staff; participate in recruitment and training development.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage programmes, projects, and activities requiring mission and/or inter-agency involvement and participation, offering political guidance and advice.
• Represent the Division of External Relations, the Sector PAX, and the Organization at round tables, seminars, and conferences.

CORE COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)

Accountability (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in international relations, political sciences, social sciences, or related areas.

Work Experience

• At least ten (10) years of progressively relevant professional experience at the appropriate management level in external relations, diplomacy, or related fields, preferably five (5) years at the international level, within the UN system or other international, national, or private sector institutions.
• Extensive experience in diplomatic work or development issues related to UNESCO's areas of competence, including building and maintaining strategic relations with international and regional organizations.
• Experience in international relations, diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and development management.
• Experience in advocacy and partnership creation at the international level.

Additional Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to and knowledge of UNESCO's mandate, vision, strategic priorities, and policies.
• Leadership capacity, objectivity, professional integrity, diplomacy, tact, and political astuteness.
• Strategic planning and management skills, including managing extensive programmes and financial resources.
• Ability to identify key issues, objectives, opportunities, and risks.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Proven administrative and management skills, including financial and human resources management.
• Excellent interpersonal, coordination, and representational skills.
• Strong diplomatic skills and strategic negotiation abilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including drafting, advocacy, and negotiation skills.
• Analytical and organizational skills, with experience in advising senior management, planning, and implementation.
• Ability to manage and supervise a team in a multicultural environment, work under tight deadlines, and maintain high-quality work.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French, and good knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Courses, training, or diploma related to the post.

Work Experience

• Experience in dialogue with Member State representatives.
• Senior-level assignments within the UN system or international organizations.
• Experience working in multicultural environments.

Additional Knowledge

• Familiarity with the functioning of international organizations and the UN system.
• Broad geopolitical knowledge of the Europe and North America and Latin America and the Caribbean regions, and understanding of current international affairs.

Languages

• Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO offers a salary package including a basic salary and benefits such as 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan, etc.

The approximate annual starting salary is $151,700 USD.

Applicants must complete an online application on the UNESCO Careers website. The process may include tests, assessments, and interviews. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. References will be checked for final candidates.

UNESCO uses communication technologies (video, email, etc.) for assessments. All applications are confidential. Mobility is required for international posts. UNESCO does not charge fees at any recruitment stage. UNESCO is a non-smoking organization and promotes diversity and equal opportunity among its staff.