Head of Office and UNESCO Representative Vacancy-Job Ref: GJKHUNESCO/0207/2025812

Head of Office and UNESCO Representative Vacancy-Job Ref: GJKHUNESCO/0207/2025812

Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

Job Description

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)

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 (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.
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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.

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).

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