Director of Office and UNESCO Representative to Iraq

Post Number : 5IQPAX0001RP

Grade : D-1

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

Duty Station: Baghdad

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) : 14-JUNE-2024

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX), the direct supervision of the Director of the Regional Office in Beirut (Lebanon) and in close consultation with the Assistant Directors-General of the five Programme Sectors, the incumbent will manage the multidisciplinary programme of the UNESCO Baghdad National Office and provide intellectual, strategic and operational leadership in planning and implementing activities responding to priority needs of the host country in all fields of UNESCO’s competence

The incumbent will generate projects and mobilize corresponding extrabudgetary sources. This also will include the effective and efficient management of the Office’s human resources, administration and operations, in line with the Organization’s policies and procedures, including the application of effective internal controls.

Moreover, the incumbent also will participate, or ensure the participation of the Office, in all meetings and activities of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Iraq, as well as maintain close consultative relations with UN agencies, with international institutions, development banks and bilateral donors, professional organizations, civil society and NGOs in the country

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
Building partnerships (M)
Driving and managing change (M)
Leading and empowering others (M)
Making quality decisions (M)
Managing performance (M)
Strategic thinking (M)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in a discipline related to UNESCO’s mandate, Public or Business Administration or International Relations.

Work Experience

• At least fifteen (15) years of progressive professional experience at the appropriate management level within the United Nations system or within other international or national institutions, including a wide experience in development issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence, in association with national and international organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy and resources mobilization.
• Proven partnership experience with successful implementation of partners at global, local and community levels.

Long Description

Skills & Competencies

• Commitment to the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
• Institutional leadership capacity, high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
• Proven skills in administration and the management of financial and human resources.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer extensive programmes, financial resources and exercise appropriate supervision and control.
• Organizational skills, including in establishing plans and priorities, and in implementing them effectively, as well as in devising implementation plans.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners, as well as demonstrated partnership development and fundraising experience.
• Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a large and diversified body of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, exercise supervision and control, as well as ensure continuous training and development of staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, in front of a broad range of constituents, as well as the news media.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages (English or French) of the Organization and ability to work in the second language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Courses/degree in a management-related field.

Work Experience

• Experience in the field of international relations, multilateral cooperation, development.
• Five (5) to eight (8) years of experience in post-crisis/post-disaster situations.

Long Description

Skills & Competencies

• Broad general culture and sound analytic capacities; good geopolitical knowledge of the region.
• Proven leadership and demonstrated managerial skills combined with flexibility.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to take initiative and maintain effective working relationships with partners of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
• Good knowledge of the United Nations system.

Languages

• Knowledge of Arabic.
• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 146 099 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.