Head of Office and UNESCO Representative (Nigeria) to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding and a more perfect knowledge of each other's lives. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Office and UNESCO Representative (Nigeria)

Post Number: 6NGPAX0001RP
Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Fixed Term
Duration of Contract: 2 years, renewable
Parent Sector: Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)
Job Family: Field Operations Coordination
Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates
Grade: P-5

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 for West Africa in Dakar (Senegal), the Head of the UNESCO Office in Abuja will manage in collaboration with the Multisectoral Regional Office for West Africa, the multidisciplinary programme of the Office and provide intellectual, strategic and operational leadership in planning and implementing activities, responding to the priority needs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in all UNESCO's fields of competence (education, the sciences, culture and communication and information).
• The incumbent will report to the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for West Africa.
• 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 Abuja 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 will participate, or ensure the participation of the Office, in all meetings and activities of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Nigeria.

Requirements
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.
• 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.
  • 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 English and the 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, particularly in relation to the African Union’s Agenda 2063. 
  • Good knowledge of the United Nations system.
• Languages:
  • Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies (Core / Managerial):

• 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)
• Leading and empowering others (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Strategic thinking (M).

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.
  • Salary: USD 157,996 Annually .

Application Closing Date
25th August, 2025; 11:00 PM.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information.
• The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.
• UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
• Only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.