CHIEF OF UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO INFORMATION SECTION

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information (ADG/CI)and the direct supervision of the Director of Knowledge Societies Division, the incumbent will serve as Chief of Universal Access to Information (UAP) Section and is responsible for defining work priorities on inclusive knowledge societies and universal access to information and translating those into programmatic strategies, designs and activities.

The post holder works in the achievement of priorities, policy development, locating and engaging resources, maintaining and pursuing strategic partnerships and promoting programmatic work in order to deliver a comprehensive CI strategy on Universal Access to Information, Open Access, as well as Multilingualism. The post holder contributes as well on international debates on internet governance, through participation in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). Playing a significant role in strategy direction, integration of transversal/intersectorial programme, regional and country CI goals and UNESCO goals in the Field, and leading resource optimization, execution, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and projects.

The incumbent works within the frameworks of UNESCO's Medium Term Strategy (C/4s), Programme and Budget (C/5) and global development plans such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Plan of Action adopted by the World Summit on the Information Society and Agenda 2063. 

In particular, the incumbent will be entrusted with the following duties and responsibilities\:

1. Vision
• provide intellectual leadership and guidance to CI programmes, projects, in order to develop, drive and ensure the delivery of a comprehensive CI strategy on the sharing of knowledge through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and “Openness” (Open Access to Scientific Information, Open Education Resources, Free and Open Source Software and Open Training Platform.
• design of relevant approaches, partnerships, policies, objectives and deliverables on Multilingualism and ICTs for Disabilities. Leads alignment of work with national and UN development frameworks, such as the United Nations Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP). 
• define priorities and agenda and proactively mobilize funds and ensure diversification of resources. Identify and pursue improvements to systems, services, processes, networks, and cooperation in Communication and Information in the Field.

2. Programme Design and Management
• direct the conceptualization, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of work plans and regular and extra budgetary initiatives and activities, ensuring the continuous optimization of resources. Transform workplans into programmes and projects respecting the Member States' national priorities on Universal Access and Building Knowledge Societies, and when requested by national authorities, aligning these priorities with UN and development partners approaches and strategies, linking UNESCO’s CI initiatives at the national, regional and global levels, identifying and operationalizing inter-sectoral opportunities in close cooperation with other sectors;
• determine C/5 items, translating CI objectives and aligning with overall Field regional and national priorities;
• plan and ensure the monitoring of an integrated regular and extra budgetary funded project and programme implementation and lead corrective actions, and ensure that UNESCO’s work is designed and implemented in a coherent and integrated manner consistent with sector-wide development frameworks and in collaboration with other UNESCO Field Offices;
• lead evaluations and ensure integrated and relevant reporting on projects, programmes (funded within C/5 and extra budgetary funds) as may be required by the UNESCO Field Office or Headquarters.  Ensure programmatic/planning and reporting is made in relevant tools, including the System of Information on Strategies, Tasks and the Evaluation of Results (SISTER).

3. Representation, Policy Advice, Knowledge and Expertise Exchange
• represent at the Senior level the CI programme to internal and external networks, such as universities, agencies, development partners and funders, organizations, National Commissions, and ministries;
• establish and pursue alliances on cross-organizational and inter-disciplinary work and develop working frameworks and systemic approaches to increase capacity;
• develop innovative strategies, concept notes, policy positions, formulation and implementation. Interpret guidelines and lead discussions to reconcile competing objectives and priorities. Ensure the development and provision of working tools, guides, outputs and outcomes that meet needs of Member States.

4. Resource Mobilization
• in an increasingly competitive international and multilateral environment, lead resource mobilization and develop alternative funding mechanisms for the region and individual countries by developing concepts and project proposals in accordance with the C/5. Interact with UN Agencies seeking or marketing joint programmes, bilateral and multilateral partners, Development Banks and International Institutions (WB, EU);
• guide the development of cooperation frameworks with Member States and donor agencies and lead the strengthening of partnerships with external organizations such as UN agencies, international / regional organizations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, universities, research institutes, NGO/s CSOS as well as the private sector to support national policy formulation and review and the development of national Communication and Information strategies and plans.

5. Administrative Management and Staff Development
• supervise and motivate CI team members and other assigned staff or service providers in the Field;
• monitor progress and ensure continuous learning, provide regular feedback and follow-up in line with the performance management cycle as appropriate.
• Act as deputy when necessary

Education
• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in the field of communication and information, political sciences, international relations or related areas.

Work Experience
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the area of communication and information, freedom of information, information literacy or related field. Relevant experience acquired at the international level.
• Experience in planning and managing international projects/programmes in the area of universal access to information (open content, technology and processes)

Skills and competencies
• Good understanding of the Knowledge Societies concept and its applications as well as its opportunities and challenges;
• Proven programme/project management skills and excellent negotiation and networking skills;
• Policy advice to stakeholders including governments including the ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations with internal and external partners;
• Capacity to ensure accuracy of documents and reports through research, reference sources and consultations, paying close attention to detail;
• Strong sense of ethics, integrity, diplomacy, tact and discretion;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, to manage heavy workload and to meet tight deadlines, with the ability to apply flexibility in adjusting work schedules and priorities.

Languages
• English and French are the working languages of the UNESCO Secretariat. For this post, excellent knowledge of either English or French is required.