Directeur/rice de Bureau et Représentant/e de l'UNESCO auprès des États de l'Afrique centrale

Organizational Context

The UNESCO Yaoundé office is tasked with implementing regional strategic directions and addressing the specific needs of Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome-et-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 diverse fields of competence.

Job Purpose

The Director of the UNESCO Yaoundé office and UNESCO Representative to Central African States will act under the overall authority of the Director-General and the direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations. This role involves close consultation with Assistant Directors-General of programme sectors and other UNESCO regional office directors in Africa. The primary focus is on planning, implementing, and evaluating projects, and communicating their results. The incumbent will serve as the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaoundé and UNESCO Representative to the designated countries, ensuring the Organization's strategic positioning and effective program delivery.

Responsibilities

The Director will operate within the framework of UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy (C/4), Programme and Budget (C/5), Operational Strategy for Priority Africa, and Gender Equality Action Plan, aligning with international development agendas like the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. Key responsibilities include supervising National Office Directors in Brazzaville, Kinshasa, and Libreville. The role is crucial for establishing UNESCO as a reliable development partner in the covered countries by promoting integrated sub-regional approaches. This involves developing and implementing the office's multidisciplinary program in cooperation with UN agencies, managing office activities, resources, and assets efficiently, and fostering strong external relations and partnerships, notably with CEMAC. The Director will also ensure the office's participation in UN activities at country and sub-regional levels.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen (15) years of professional experience in appropriate managerial positions with increasing responsibilities is necessary. This experience should be within the UN system or other international/national institutions or the private sector. Proven experience in diplomacy or development issues relevant to UNESCO's fields of competence, acquired in association with national or international organizations, is essential.

Skills

Key skills include institutional leadership, objectivity, professional integrity, diplomacy, tact, and political acumen. Proven management and leadership capabilities, strategic planning and management, and the ability to manage large programs, projects, and significant human and financial resources are vital. Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and the capacity to foster a trusting environment, manage diverse staff in a multicultural setting, and identify strategic issues are also required.

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