Director of Office and UNESCO Representative to Central African States

Organizational Context

The UNESCO Yaounde Office implements regional strategic orientations and addresses the specific needs of Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, and Chad. This is done within the framework of the Organization's global strategy and the decisions of its governing bodies, covering UNESCO's various fields of competence.

Job Purpose

The Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaounde and UNESCO Representative to several Central African countries will act under the overall authority of the Director-General and direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations. The role involves close consultation with Assistant Directors-General of programme sectors and Directors of other UNESCO Regional Offices in Africa for project planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting. The incumbent will work within UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategies, approved Programmes and Budgets, and relevant international development agendas, promoting integrated sub-regional approaches and positioning UNESCO as a trusted development partner.

Responsibilities

The Director will supervise Heads of UNESCO National Offices in Brazzaville, Kinshasa, and Libreville. A core responsibility is positioning UNESCO as a trusted development partner in the covered countries, promoting integrated sub-regional approaches. Other key results include establishing and implementing the Office's multidisciplinary program in cooperation with the UN system, effectively managing the Office's operations, resources, premises, and assets, and developing robust external relations and resource mobilization strategies, including engagement with the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CAEMC/CEMAC). The incumbent will also ensure the Office's participation in UN activities at country and sub-regional levels.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressive professional experience is required at an appropriate management level within the UN system or other international, national, or private sector institutions. This should include extensive experience in diplomatic work or development issues relevant to UNESCO's areas of competence, and demonstrated experience in advocacy and resource mobilization. Proven partnership experience with successful implementation at global, local, and community levels is essential.

Skills

Key skills include institutional leadership, objectivity, professional integrity, diplomacy, tact, and political astuteness. Proven leadership and managerial skills, sound judgment, strategic planning and management abilities, and capacity to administer extensive programs and projects are crucial. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work in multicultural environments and engage with high-level partners, are essential.

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