Senior Liaison Officer
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 1USPAX0004RP
Grade : P-4
Parent Sector : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)
Duty Station: New York
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) : 22-SEP-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The mission of the UNESCO New York Liaison Office (NYO) is to develop and maintain cooperation with the United Nations Secretariat and the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes based in New York. The Liaison Office contributes to advancing UNESCO's priorities and programmes at the United Nations and to ensuring the Organization's mandate is integrated in all UN activities.
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX) and the direct supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in New York, the Senior Liaison Officer will contribute to strengthening UNESCO's cooperation with the United Nations Secretariat and the Permanent Missions of Member States to the UN. S/He will maintain contacts with the different departments within the Secretariat of the United Nations as well as with Permanent Representations.
The main functions of the position are:
Long Description
- Monitor and analyze major developments at the UN that have political and strategic implications for UNESCO, notably:
- (i) by ensuring the follow-up of activites of the UN governing bodies and related sub-committees, including new resolutions related to UNESCO's mandate prepared by Member States, and
- (ii) by assessing implications and relevance for UNESCO's work and preparing reports and recommending follow-up actions.
- Contribute to ensuring that UNESCO's priortied and programs are recognized in major UNHQs activities, including:
- (i) by providing expertise and backstopping during the negotiations in relevant United Nations General Assembly, ECOSOC and Security Council resolutions; and
- (ii) by drafting strategic analyis for the senior management participation in UN govering bodiess and other inter-agency mechanisms.
- Support the Director in liaising with the Permanent Missions of Member States to the UN and engage with their representatives to ensure recognition of UNESCO's mandate in Member States discussions. Prepare meetings and briefing notes for engagement with Permanent Missions to the UN and ensure follow-up with Headquarters.
- Prepare strategic notes and analysis on political matters and developments at the UN of relevant to UNESCO.
- Contribute to follow-up of activities with other UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes persent in New York; including through the organization of joint activities (meetings, confereneces, etc.).
- Process and prepare correspondence and speeches for the participation of the Director and the senior mangement in high-level meetings at the UN.
- Organize meetings and events to build partnerships with the UN system and other partners, including with civil society representatives with a view to promote UNESCO's mandate. This includes implementing stragegic advocacy and awareness raising campaigns.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in the field of international relations, political sciences, communications or any other related field of social and human sciences or natural sciences.
Work Experience
- At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of international relations, UN coordination, communications, science policy or a related field, of which preferably three (3) years acquired at international level.
Long Description
Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge of and commitment to the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
- Sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and discretion.
- Demonstrated organizational and coordination skills.
- Proven analytical skills including demonstrated ability to provide advice and analysis.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to prepare and draft high quality documents and briefings/reports.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to communicate, advocate, and exchange with colleagues, staff and stakeholders within and outside the Organization.
- Ability to work in a team and to establish/maintain positive and effective working relationships in a multicultural environment, as well as to ensure a high-level coordination and cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and good knowledge of French.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Courses/degree/training in a field related to the post.
Work Experience
- Relevant work experience within an international organization/institution and/or the UN system.
Long Description
Skills & Competencies
- Solid knowledge and understanding of the diplomatic context of the UN system.
- Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the UN system.
- Knowledge and understanding of current international affairs.
- Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
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 148 599 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 an 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.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.