Chief, Crisis Response Section (Paris, France) contract

Post Number : PAX 340

Grade : P-5

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

Duty Station: Paris

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) : 07-APR-2025

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

Under the authority of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX), the Chief of the Crisis Response Section will be responsible for defining, coordinating and driving priority emergency interventions, responsive programming, designing policies and strategies; providing technical backstopping and expertise, leading staff in the achievement of the Section’s priorities; locating and engaging resources; maintaining and pursuing partnerships; and identifying and promoting cross-divisional work assigned to the Section.

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Provide intellectual and strategic guidance in order to: alert, identify, develop, coordinate, drive and ensure the delivery of a comprehensive and multisectoral crisis response programmes.
• Deliver visible and high quality crisis-responsive programmes, as necessary; Direct the conceptualisation, implementation and monitoring of crisis response programmes; Set up and coordinating cross-sectoral task force, advocacy, policy and capacity development tools; Assess and report on their outcomes and effectiveness; Ensure the continuous optimization of resources; Ensure that UNESCO’s work is designed and implemented in a coherent and integrated manner.
• Coordinate assessments of existing crisis programmes and ensure integrated and relevant reporting to the donors and the governing bodies, in close consultation with Field Offices and central services.
• Ensure proactive participation and coherent positioning of UNESCO in UN-led crisis response mechanisms.
• Facilitate dialogue across networks and areas of expertise, and keep abreast of emerging trends and risks, application of best practices; Establish collaborative and influential partnerships enhancing UNESCO’s standing and influence in the Field.
• Support UNESCO’s engagement as part joint UN programmes, bilateral and multilateral partners, the private sector, and international institutions.
• Provide support and lead as Focal Point in developing transversal and inter-sectoral fund mobilisation projects and activities in priority interventions areas, depending on crisis category and national context; Support UNESCO’s engagement as part joint UN programmes, bilateral and multilateral partners, the private sector, and international institutions.  

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of international relations, political sciences, law, social sciences, or in other related areas.

Work Experience

• At least (ten) 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of international cooperation and international relations, or related fields, of which preferably five (5) years acquired at international level, notably in relation with the United Nations system-wide cooperation in crisis preparedness and response contexts.
• Experience in United Nations integrated action in the fields of humanitarian response, human rights, peacebuilding and /or disaster risk management, or related fields.

Skills & Competencies

• Commitment and knowledge of the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
• Knowledge of UNESCO’s Crisis Response mechanisms and funding instruments, and strategic priorities and governance.
• Sense of objectivity and professional integrity, tact and discretion.
• Strong diplomatic skills and a sense of strategic negotiation.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage and supervise a team of professional members, to work within tight deadlines, with multiple priorities, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail and high-quality work.
• Proven capacity to react swiftly / effectively to emergencies situations and sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• Excellent capacity to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources and to write documents in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with excellent drafting skills, and proven ability to advocate and negotiate with colleagues, staff and stakeholders at all levels within and outside the Organization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Good IT skills, including good knowledge of standards office software.

Languages

•  Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

Education

• Courses/training or diploma in the field of international development and international humanitarian cooperation.

Work Experience

• Experience in the preparation of factual and substantive briefing notes and official correspondence.
• Experience in managing funds, including budget planning, financial oversight, and reporting to donors.

Skills & Competencies

• Geopolitical knowledge, knowledge and understanding of current international affairs and of the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanisms, platforms and working methods.

Languages

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