Director of Office and UNESCO Representative to Central African States

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 6CMPAX0001RP

Grade: D-1

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

Duty Station: Yaounde

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): 21/09/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Within the framework of the Organization's global strategy and in conformity with the decisions of its governing bodies, the mission of the UNESCO Yaounde Office is to ensure the implementation of regional strategic orientations while responding to the specific needs of the countries covered – Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe and Chad – in UNESCO's various fields of competence.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Director-General, the direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX), in close consultation with the Assistant Directors-General of the programme sectors, and with the Directors of the other UNESCO Regional Offices in Africa for project planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting, the incumbent will act as the Director of UNESCO Regional Office for Central Africa in Yaounde and UNESCO Representative in Cameroon, Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will work within the framework of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategies (C/4s), approved Programmes and Budgets (C/5s), the Operational Strategy for the Implementation of Priority Africa and the Priority Gender Equality Action Plan as well as within the framework of internationally agreed development agendas such as Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063, in particular as regards to their regional and sub-regional dimensions.

The incumbent will supervise the Heads of UNESCO National Offices in Brazzaville (Congo), Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Libreville (Gabon).

The core result, for which the incumbent will be responsible, is the positioning of UNESCO as a trusted development partner in the countries covered by the Office (Cameroon, Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe), promoting integrated sub-regional approaches. Other results are the establishment and implementation of the multidisciplinary programme of the Office in close cooperation with the wider UN system; the effective and efficient management of the Office’s operations, resources, premises and assets; and the establishment and implementation of robust external relations and resources, including with the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CAEMC/CEMAC).

Moreover, the incumbent will participate, or ensure participation of the Office, in the activities of the United Nations in the countries covered by the Office, as well as at the sub-regional level.

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 degree or equivalent) in a discipline related to UNESCO’s mandate, public or business administration or international relations, or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least fifteen (15) years of progressive professional experience at the appropriate management level within the United Nations system, other international, national or private sector institutions, including a wide experience in diplomatic work or development issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence, in association with national and international organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy and resources mobilization.
• Proven partnership experience with successful implementation of partners at global, local and community levels.
• Professional experience in the field of education, sciences, culture, social sciences or communication.

Long Description

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 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 projects, financial and human resources, as well as to exercise appropriate supervision and control.
• 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.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
• 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.
• 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.

Long Description

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of and drafting skills in one of the working languages (English or French) of the Organization and ability to work in the second language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Courses/degree/training in a management-related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, development.

Long Description

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Good geopolitical knowledge of the region as well as understanding of current international affairs.
• Political acumen and strong organizational awareness.
• Strong global professional network.
• Good knowledge of the United Nations system.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of other official languages 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$164 898.

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 welcomed 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.