Associate Liaison Officer (Arab States Unit)
OVERVIEW
Post Number : PAX 338
Grade : P-2
Parent Sector : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)
Duty Station: Paris
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) : 24-MAR-2025
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) and of the Director of External Relations (DIR/PAX/DRX), and the direct supervision of the Chief of Section for Relations with Member States (PAX/DRX/RMS II), the Associate Liaison Officer will contribute to supporting the Arab States Unit and strengthening UNESCO's cooperation with the Member States, as well as regional and sub-regional organizations.
Long Description
The incumbent will be expected to perform the following tasks:
- Contribute to the Arab States Unit's daily work by representing the Unit at relevant conferences and meetings as and when designated by the supervisor; Prepare contributions to the Secretariat reports to the Executive Board and the General Conference; Contribute, when required, to the speeches and messages of the Director-General or the ADG/PAX; Collaborate with the Unit of the National Commissions when needed.
- Prepare background and briefing notes on UNESCO's cooperation with the Member States concerned for the Director-General's bilateral meetings and official visits in consultation with the concerned units of the Secretariat; Update country profiles data on UNESCO's website. Prepare Memoranda of understanding (MOUs) of cooperation as may be required.
- Draft official correspondence for the signature of the Director-General or the ADG/PAX; Analyse and review files and correspondence to assess sensitivity and refer potential issues to the supervisor.
- Assist in dealing with a wide range of issues referred by Member States, Permanent Delegations, Representatives to the Executive Board and officials of National Commissions by providing timely, accurate and specific information in response to queries, thus contributing to maintaining close working relationships with Member States' representatives and other stakeholders.
- Provide timely notes in reaction to events and proposals of possible appropriate follow-up action on the part of the senior staff. This involves following closely relevant developments in the Member States concerned, assessing the actual and potential impact of regional, sub-regional and national issues within UNESCO's fields of competence, and timely submission of notes in response.
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, law, social sciences, or in other related areas.
Work Experience
- At least two (2) years of relevant experience in the field of international cooperation, international relations and/or diplomacy, or related fields, of which preferably (one) 1 year acquired at international level.
- Experience in the preparation and drafting of factual and substantive briefing notes and analytical documents.
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.
- Proven organizational and coordination skills.
- Proven analytical skills including demonstrated ability to provide advice and analysis.
- Very good oral and written communication skills with the ability to produce quality documents and reports/briefings.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to communicate, advocate, and exchange with colleagues, staff and stakeholders within and outside the Organization;
- Proven ability to work in a team and to establish/maintain positive and effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.
- Knowledge of the Arab States region's geopolitics.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.
- Knowledge of Arabic.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Courses/training or diploma in geopolitics of the Arab States region or in a field related to the post.
Work experience
- Relevant work experience within an international organization/institution and/or the United Nations system.
- Experience in the field of coordination, liaison and evaluation.
Long Description
Skills & Competencies
- Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations system.
- Capacity to actively participate in building and strengthening relations with Member States and partners.
- Excellent proof-reading skills.
Languages
- Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (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 78 717 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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