Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Cambodia

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4KHPAX0001RP

Grade : P-5

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

Duty Station: Phnom Penh

Job Family: Field Operations Coordination

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 26-JUL-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 the direct supervision of the Director of the Regional Office in Bangkok, the Head of the UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh will manage the multidisciplinary programme of the Office and provide intellectual, strategic and operational leadership in planning and implementing activities and responding to the priority needs of Cambodia in all UNESCO’s fields of competence. The incumbent will report to the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok.

This will also include the effective and efficient management of the Office’s human resources, administration, security and operations, in line with the Organization’s policies and procedures, including the application of effective internal controls. The Head of the UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh will advocate and promote UNESCO's work in consultation and cooperation with the Government, other UN Agencies, Development Banks, NGOs, Bilateral Organizations.

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 Cambodia.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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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 or related field.

Work Experience

• At least ten (10) 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.
• Experience in advocacy, resources and partnership mobilization.

Skills & Competencies

• Commitment to and knowledge of 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.
• Proven leadership and demonstrated managerial skills combined with flexibility.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer extensive programmes and financial resources, as well as to 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.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work in multicultural environments while upholding objectivity, impartiality and sensitivity to gender equality and diversity issues.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners and 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, as well as exercise supervision and control and ensure continuous training and development of staff.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with a proven ability to represent institutional priorities and engage with a broad spectrum of high-level partners.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in English, and ability to work in French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Courses/degree in a management-related field.

Work Experience

• Experience in conducting policy dialogue at government and non-government levels, or public and private sectors.
• Professional experience in multilateral settings, with good knowledge of international cooperation and promotion of development agendas.

Skills & Competencies

• Good geopolitical knowledge of the region as well as understanding of current international affairs.
• Good knowledge of the United Nations system.

Languages

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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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.