OVERVIEW
Post Number : 1BEBSP0001RP
Grade : P-4
Parent Sector : Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP)
Duty Station: Brussels
Job Family: Programme Coordination
Type of contract : Fixed Term
Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 24-MAR-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the authority and overall responsibility of the Director of Partnerships in the Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP), the direct supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Brussels, and in close cooperation with the Officeโs Programme Liaison Officers, the incumbent will act as the Head of the Partnerships team in the UNESCO Liaison Office in Brussels and contribute to strengthening the partnership between UNESCO and the European Union (EU) Institutions.
In particular, the incumbent will:
Partner intelligence and strategic positioning
- Analyze EU priorities, policies, frameworks and programmes related to UNESCO's fields of competences and identify potential cooperation opportunities to be shared with UNESCOโs colleagues in Headquarters, Field Offices and Category I Institutes.
- Build strong relationships with relevant counterparts in EU Institutions and ensure constant formal and informal interactions with a view to advocating UNESCO's mandate (Medium-Term Strategy (C/4) and Approved Programme and Budget (C/5)) and assist colleagues to reinforce the policy dialogue and operational cooperation with the EU.
- Lead and coordinate the development of policy briefs, fact sheets and other documents to provide real-time donor intelligence to relevant UNESCO colleagues.
- Develop and coordinate engagement strategies, leveraging key UNESCO senior officials to strategically position UNESCO with the EU, including by proposing and supporting official visits by the Director-General, Assistant Directors-General, Directors, including Field Office Directors, and other key colleagues.
Long Description
Partnership and programme development and follow up
- Provide substantive advice on strategic planning for the UNESCO partnership with the EU by providing inputs to the policy dialogue between UNESCO and the EU, develop and co-create new partnerships with the EU around shared priorities.
- Provide backstopping in the preparation and formulation of programme/project proposals while aiming at improving quality and relevance in light of EU frameworks and shared priorities. Participate in negotiations with the EU on programme aspects. Advise and assist Programme Sectors, Field Offices and Category I Institutes in drafting agreements to be concluded with the EU, in close cooperation with the Grants Management Unit within the Bureau of Strategic Planning.
- Prepare and participate in EU coordination meetings, steering committees, and other governance mechanisms for EU-funded programmes and for policy dialogue.
- Provide oversight for the tracking and monitoring of the implementation of the existing UNESCO-EU portfolio, support the timely analysis on overall portfolio implementation highlighting critical developments and their impact on programming and partnership building with the EU.
- Liaise with colleagues in the Bureau of Strategic Planning, Legal Affairs, Bureau of Financial Management, Human Resources and other internal stakeholders to ensure that new and existing programmes comply both with EU and UNESCO rules and regulations and best practices in programme development and management.
Long Description
UN Coordination
- Represent UNESCO in UN meetings, taskforces and other groups in Brussels related to European Institutions and share minutes and short notes with the Director of the Liaison Office in Brussels, BSP and other pertinent colleagues and services at UNESCO.
- Support the UNESCO Brussels Liaison Office Director to develop, build, and nurture strategic partnerships with other UN agencies, proactively seek joint initiatives of a policy and programme nature to advance UNESCOโs mandate.
Management
- Manage a small team of partnerships specialists, consultants and other personnel in line with best human resource management standards.
- Support the Brussels Liaison Office Director in the day-to-day management of the Office.
- Deputize the Brussels Liaison Office Director when required for internal and external meetings.
- Perform any other related duties and tasks as assigned by the Director of the Brussels Office and/or the Director of Partnerships.
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)Managing performance (M)Strategic thinking (M)Making quality decisions (M)
- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced University degree (Master's or equivalent) in social and political sciences, international relations, development studies, business administration, public policy or related fields.
Work Experience
- A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the fields of partnership development, resource mobilization and programme management, of which preferably three (3) years acquired at the international level.
- Experience with the European Union and/or other prominent development actors.
Long Description
Competencies and Skills
- Demonstrated analytical and technical skills in the planning, implementation and evaluation of development programmes, particularly in areas pertinent to UNESCOโs strategic priorities.
- Demonstrated political acumen, judgment, technical knowledge, and interpersonal skills in representing the Organization effectively to advocate and to promote organizational priorities, initiatives and a better understanding of the organizational strategic agenda.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the current international development landscape and of UNESCOโs mandate and impact.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English and French.DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work experience
Experience in UNESCOโs fields of competences.
Competencies and Skills
Knowledge of UNESCOโs programmes.
Languages
Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCOโs 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 111 597 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.
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