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) Communication (C)Accountability (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Professionalism (C)Innovation (C)Building partnerships (M)Driving and managing change (M)Leading and empowering others (M)Making quality decisions (M)Managing performance (M)Strategic thinking (M)
- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
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 Organizationโs 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