About the opportunity
Under the general authority of the Director-General and direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX), the holder acts as Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Central Africa in Yaounde and Representative to Cameroon, Angola, Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Sao Tome and Principe, and Chad. The incumbent oversees heads of national offices in Brazzaville, Kinshasa, and Libreville, ensuring UNESCO positions itself as a reliable development partner, promoting integrated sub-regional approaches, managing office resources effectively, and fostering robust external relations with bodies like CEMAC.
Salary and benefits
- Starting annual salary of approximately USD 164,898
- 30 working days of annual leave
- Family allowances
- Medical insurance coverage
- Participation in a staff pension scheme
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a discipline related to UNESCO's mandate, public or business administration, international relations, or a related field
- At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional leadership experience in the United Nations system, international or national institutions, or the private sector
- Extensive experience in diplomatic action or development issues related to UNESCO fields of competence
- Proven experience in advocacy, resource mobilization, and successful partnerships at global, local, and community levels
- Professional experience in education, sciences, culture, social sciences, or communication
- Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one working language of the Organization (English or French) and working knowledge of the other
Required documents
- Complete online application form
- Scanned copies of required higher education degrees and certificates (if selected for an interview)
When to apply
- Application deadline: September 21, 2026, at midnight Paris time
How to apply
- Visit the UNESCO Careers website
- Complete and submit the online application form with full and accurate information
- Participate in preliminary video interviews, written assessments, or panel interviews if shortlisted
Additional information
- Post number: 6CMPAX0001RP
- Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment
- Contract duration: 2 years, renewable
- Global mobility is required for international professional staff members
- The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Extensive executive leadership background in international organizations, diplomacy, or development cooperation.
- Proven track record in resource mobilization, advocacy, and building cross-sectoral partnerships in multicultural environments.
- Deep professional familiarity with UNESCO's mandate across education, science, culture, or communication.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires relocation to Yaounde, Cameroon, along with global mobility for international professional staff.
- Demands proficiency in working across multiple countries with complex geopolitical dynamics and multi-stakeholder UN frameworks.
- Fixed-term contract arrangement with a standard two-year initial duration.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This senior leadership role is ideal for established international civil servants or senior executives aiming to direct regional multilateral strategies, drive large-scale cultural and educational initiatives, and represent international institutional interests at the highest diplomatic level in Central Africa.
Our take
Highly experienced senior professionals with extensive diplomatic, developmental, and leadership backgrounds in international affairs should seriously consider applying before the September 2026 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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