Chief of Section (Arab States and Asia & the Pacific) (re-advertisement)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: PAX 004

Grade: P-5

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

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: External Relations

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 07/12/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Sector for Priority Africa and External Relations (PAX) plays a central role in strengthening UNESCO’s engagement with its Member States, the United Nations system, and international and regional partners. It coordinates the Organization’s external relations, field network, and activities under the Global Priority Africa, including the implementation and monitoring of the Operational Strategy for Global Priority Africa (2022–2029). PAX Sector also coordinates UNESCO’s actions in support of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and contributes to partnership development and resource mobilization. In addition, it provides strategic and operational support to Member States, particularly in conflict, crisis, recovery and post-disaster contexts, while promoting coherence, cross-sectoral cooperation, and the strengthening of institutional capacities.

Within PAX, the Section for the Arab States and Asia-Pacific regions coordinates and supports UNESCO’s engagement with Member States and regional partners, fostering cooperation, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring alignment with the Organization’s strategic priorities and regional needs.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

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 Arab States region and the Asia and the Pacific 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 Arab States region as well as the Asia and the Pacific region.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will play a strategic role as coordinator of both teams – Arab States and Asia and the Pacific – 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 Arab States region as well as the Asia and the Pacific 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 audience with Member States, Heads of States and Government and other Senior officials.
• Define and ensure implementation of an overall strategy and vision to strengthen cooperation with Member States in the Arab States region as well as the Asia and the Pacific region.
• Develop and maintain relations with Senior Government officials and other relevant counterparts and interlocutors, and advise them on issues and policies of mutual concern.
• Lead, direct and manage a work team; plan and allocate work assignment, coach, mentor and evaluate staff; participate in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programmes.
• Plan, coordinate and manage programmes, projects and activities requiring mission and/or inter-agency involvement and participation, and offers political guidance and advice.
• Represent the Division of External Relations, the Sector PAX and the Organization at round tables, seminars and conferences.

Long Description

For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: https://www.unesco.org/en, and/or the following documents: 41 C/4 (UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy for 2022 – 2029) and 43 C/5 (Draft UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2026 – 2029 quadrennium).

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• 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)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of international relations, political sciences, social sciences, or in other related areas.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least ten (10) years of progressively relevant professional experience, at the appropriate management level, in the field of external relations, diplomacy, or related fields, of which preferably five (5) years acquired at international level, within the UN system, 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 organizations, regional organizations.
• Experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and development and management.
• Experience in advocacy, partnership creation, notably at the international level.

Long Description

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Commitment to and knowledge of the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
• Knowledge of UNESCO’s programmes and policies and of international development policies and institutions.
• Leadership capacity, high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer extensive programmes and financial resources.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities, and risks.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Proven skills in administration and management of financial and human resources.

Long Description

• Excellent interpersonal and coordination skills with strong representational abilities.
• Strong diplomatic skills and a sense of strategic negotiation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with excellent drafting skills, and proven ability to advocate and negotiate with colleagues, staff and stakeholders at all levels within and outside the Organization.
• Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills, including in providing strategic advice to senior management, in establishing plans and priorities, and in implementing them effectively, as well as in devising implementation plans.
• Ability to manage and supervise a team of professional members and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment, as well as to work within tight deadlines, with multiple priorities, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail and 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 in a field related to the post.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in conducting dialogue with representatives of Member States.
• Senior-level assignments at the international level and/or within the United Nations system.
• Professional experience gained in multicultural working environments.

Long Description

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations System.
• Broad general culture and geopolitical knowledge of the Arab States region and Asia and the Pacific region, as well as understanding of current international affairs.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, 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 US$ 155 263.

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

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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 to 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.
• lndividuals 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.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.