Head, Africa and the Middle East Section

TECHNICAL COOPERATION DIVISION

Classification Grade: P.5

Vacancy Announcement: V.N. 23-09 (External)

Admin Number: ADMIN/23/39

Post Number: 50003157

Date of Issue: 19/07/2023

Deadline for Applications: 21/08/2023

Contract Information

Fixed-term for two years (first year is probationary) with the possibility of further extension, subject to satisfactory performance.

Salary

US$ 92,731 net per annum, plus post adjustment (currently US$ 63,984). Salary is free of income tax in the United Kingdom.

Purpose of the Post

Under the general supervision of the Director, Technical Cooperation Division and the immediate supervision of the Deputy Director, Subdivision for Maritime Development, Technical Co-operation Division, the successful candidate will work in close co-operation with countries and organizations in the Africa and the Middle East region and provide technical expertise in the development, implementation and assessment of technical cooperation projects and programmes in the region.

The incumbent will also assist in the development and formulation of IMO’s technical cooperation policies, strategies and proposals for the efficient and effective working of the Technical Cooperation Committee (TCC).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Director, Technical Cooperation Division, (TCD), and the immediate supervision of the Deputy Director, Subdivision for Maritime Development, TCD, the incumbent will:

•  supervise the activities of the Africa and the Middle East Section, work in close cooperation with countries and organizations in the Africa and Middle East regions and provide technical expertise in the development, implementation and assessment of technical co-operation projects and programmes in the respective regions.
•  assist in the development and promotion of innovative strategies and policies for the Organization’s technical co-operation (TC) work, taking into account strategic and policy issues and trends impacting on IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP).
•  assist in preparing for, serving and following up on sessions of the Technical Cooperation Committee, the Council, the Assembly and other IMO organs and/or their subsidiary bodies, as and when required.
•  maintain up-to-date information on the general maritime development of countries within the regions, assess the challenge faced, and the assistance required, by the countries and identify technical cooperation priorities at national, sub-regional, regional and global levels.
•  provide information to Members and Associated Members of the Organization, the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies, programmes, offices, bodies and funds, inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations with whom the Organization has established relations; and to other Divisions/Departments of the IMO Secretariat, on matters falling within the purview of the Subdivision.
•  Prepare national/regional/global programme proposals for incorporation in the ITCP and prepare programme implementation documents in consultation with the beneficiaries, donors and IMO’s Divisions and Departments.
•  coordinate and facilitate TC programme and project implementation, in collaboration with all relevant Divisions/Departments of the IMO Secretariat and promote the application of a quality management system and a results-based approach in all stages of the programme or project cycle.
•  represent the Organization, as and when required, in meetings and events of the UN System and/or other international, regional and sub-regional organizations.
•  liaise with representatives of Member States and partner organizations, carry out missions to Member States and Associated Members on specific assignments and perform other related duties, as required.
•  supervise and provide continuous support for the activities of IMO regional presence offices in Ghana, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire and Egypt.
•  manage the human and financial resources assigned to the Section in an effective and efficient manner, including through the provision of strategic guidance, the management of staff performance, the management of IMO’s Technical Cooperation Fund and of extrabudgetary resources for IMO’s TC work, reporting on budget/programme performance and preparing inputs for business planning and results-based budgeting; and
•  perform other related duties, as may be required.

Required Competencies

•  In-depth knowledge of IMO technical cooperation and capacity-building programmes.
•  In-depth understanding of the challenges facing the maritime administration, the inter-relationship among these challenges and the work of the Organization to address these challenges.
•  Ability to provide technical and administrative oversight and ability to produce related documents and present complex issues in a clear and accurate manner.
•  Proven organizational skills in coordinating activities and resources, with the ability to focus on outcomes and thorough implementation of activities.
•  Leadership, decision making skills and ability to communicate with people and teams, and manage budgetary resources.
•  Ability to engage with Member Governments and other stakeholders, negotiate and influence effectively to build consensus and achieve objectives.
•  Diplomatic skills including ability to establish and maintain strategic networks and partnerships with Member States, UN agencies and other international partners.
•  Excellent spoken, written and presentation skills, and ability to provide guidance and explain complex issues and positions to a variety of audiences.

Professional Experience

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the maritime field of which at least 5 years within a line manager capacity is essential. Experience working in development and/or technical cooperation programmes and projects would be an asset.

Education

Advanced university degree in the field of nautical, maritime engineering, naval architect, maritime administration, public or business administration, development or international relations is essential.

Language Skills

Proficiency in the English language, both written and oral, is essential. Proficiency in another official language(s) of the UN would be an asset.

Other Skills

Expansive knowledge of IMO’s regulatory framework with an understanding of the challenges and issues faced by developing countries with bearing on the maritime sector is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required.

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