International Relations jobs in South Africa

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: Classification of duty station: ((filter12)) Standard Duration of Assignment: ((filter13)) Job Family: Culture Type of contract: Project Appointment Duration of contract: 1 year Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 23-FEB-UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

BACKGROUND The project "Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Promoting Culture and Heritage-based Sustainable Tourism in Southern Africa" funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNESCO Regional Office in Southern Africa aims to foster culture and heritage-based sustainable tourism and strengthen cultural production capacities in six Southern African countries, namely Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

It will promote regional integration, foster sustainable social and economic development, and build bridges between the people and communities of Southern African countries through the development of attractive and meaningful culture and heritage-based itineraries. UNESCO is seeking a project coordinator to oversee the implementation of the project in close collaboration with all key partners, particularly the EU Delegations in the 6 countries, national authorities, and local communities.

Long Description

Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Regional Director and Representative for Southern Africa and the direct supervision of the Head of Culture Unit, the Project Coordinator will be responsible for the overall management of the project (Implementation, Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Communication).

Specific tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

1. Coordinate the project implementation in the six participating countries ensuring the project maintains quality and follows UNESCO Rules and Regulations, as well as donor requirements, by overseeing all operational, administrative and technical aspects including financial management and procurement.
2. Ensure delivery of the expected results on time and in quality in accordance with the Project Document and the Results Framework.
3. At the Inception Phase, in close coordination with various stakeholders, facilitate the undertaking of a situational analysis and provide specific recommendations on the different project activities.
4. Define the scope of work and the outputs across the project components; identify all key stakeholders; update the work plan, budget and logframe; and provide clear timelines for project implementation.
5. Ensure the timely delivery of work plans, budgets and procurement plans for the project based on the results of the inception phase and monitor the implementation of these to achieve the project objectives and expected results.
6. Plan, manage, implement and monitor the overall project's activities against the workplan and budget including the organization of meetings, workshops, conferences and other events foreseen in the Project Document and workplans.
7. Ensure smooth coordination and communication with the EU and other national and international partners.
8. Ensure the management and supervision of other Project staff, consultants as well as partners and implementing organizations contracted within the scope of this project.

Planning and Reporting

Attend planning meetings, missions and in-country meetings as required, and provide timely reporting on the project's progress to the Project Steering Committee. Prepare all required periodic and annual reports, both narrative and financial, on the project activities, as and when needed.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Supervise and guide project staff responsible for Monitoring and Evaluation ensuring the collection of all data required to track the project progress towards achieving the intended results and outcome indicators (as defined in the project Document and the Results Framework) and the M&E framework. Maintain a monitoring system that can provide current and real-time information on the progress.

Communication

Support and cooperate with communication officers to ensure the visibility of the project results and impact, in line with the EU and UNESCO communication and visibility guidelines. Contribute to the production of public information products such as news items, social media posts, infographics, audio-visual and other outreach materials.

PETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

1. Communication (C)
2. Accountability (C)
3. Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Qualifications

Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in culture, social sciences, humanities, international relations, development studies, project management, sustainable tourism or in a related field.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the field of culture, humanities, project management, international relations, development work, or related field. Experience in the area of natural and cultural heritage. Experience in providing leadership to guide staff, and ability to build trust, manage staff and teams.

Skills and Competencies

Excellent project management skills and ability to collect, synthesize and analyze information from various sources and to write documents in a clear and concise manner. Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational and coordination skills. Ability to manage heavy workload and to work under pressure, with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work. Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment. Proven ability to manage a team. Ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, to identify priority activities and assignments, to adjust priorities as required, to allocate the appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work, to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning, to monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary.

Languages

Excellent command in English (both written and spoken).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Previous experience in working on EU-funded projects is an added value. Previous experience in working on Heritage-based Sustainable Tourism projects is an added value. Work experience with the UN is an added advantage.

Please note that all candidates must complete an online 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. Please note that 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.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.