OVERVIEW
Post Number : 6GAPAX0001RP
Grade : P-5
Parent Sector : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)
Duty Station: Libreville
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) : 18-SEP-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 for Central Africa in Yaounde (Cameroon), the Head of the UNESCO Office in Libreville will manage, in collaboration with the Regional Office for Central Africa, the multidisciplinary programme of this National Office and provide intellectual, strategic and operational leadership in planning and implementing activities, responding to the priority needs of the Republic of Gabon in all UNESCO's fields of competence (education, the sciences, culture and communication and information).
This also will include the effective and efficient management of the Officeโs human resources, administration and operations, in line with the Organizationโs policies and procedures, including the application of effective internal controls.
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 Gabon.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C)Accountability (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Professionalism (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Strategic thinking (M)Managing performance (M)Making quality decisions (M)Leading and empowering others (M)Driving and managing change (M)Building partnerships (M)
- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced university degree (Masterโs degree or equivalent degree) in a discipline related to UNESCOโs mandate, public or business administration or international relations or related field.
Work Experience
Skills & Competencies
Commitment to and knowledge of the Organizationโs 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 French and good working knowledge of English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Courses/degree in a management-related field.
Work Experience
Skills & Competencies
Good geopolitical knowledge of the region as well as understanding of current international affairs, particularly in relation to the African Unionโs Agenda 2063. Good knowledge of the United Nations system.Languages
Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCOโs 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 147 131 USD.
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.