Under the authority and direct supervision of the Secretary-General, the Director – External Relations and International Cooperation for ERIC is responsible for the overall management, supervision, and administration of the Department, the development of its programme, and the execution of the vision and objectives set out by the Secretary-General.
Essential Job Functions
- Advise and support the Secretary-General on policy and strategy related to external relations and international cooperation;
- Attend meetings with the Secretary-General with senior officials, representatives of Member States and external entities as requested, and represent the Secretary-General in such meetings that the Secretary-General cannot attend, as requested;
- Monitor and analyse regional and global developments, in particular developments affecting Member States;
- Prepare reports and policy briefs for the Secretary-General prior to meetings and official visits;
- Develop and maintain strong bilateral and multilateral relations, with Member States, Associate Members, other organisations, and external stakeholders;
- Oversee and manage the Department’s staff;
- Administer the Department’s budget in accordance with General Assembly resolutions;
- Under the supervision of and in close communication with the Secretary-General, administer effectively the Transregional Partnership in Education for Development (TPED) Coordination Office;
- Oversee the development, and proper implementation and respect, of protocol standards;
- Under the direction of the Secretary-General, undertake diplomatic efforts in furtherance of the OSC’s purpose, mission, and values;
- Facilitate the international engagements of other Departments;
- Develop and maintain relations with the Permanent Representatives of Member States to the OSC;
- Liaise with the Host Country of the OSC Headquarters as requested;
- Perform other duties as requested by the Secretary-General.
Education, Experience and Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or higher) in International Relations, Diplomacy, Political Science or other related fields is appreciated.
- At least 15 years of experience working in international relations, diplomacy, and/or in an international or regional organisation.
- Possess a strong network of contacts coming from Member States, diplomatic circles, and other international and/or regional organisations;
- Strong proven experience of liaising with stakeholders and government officials;
- Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic and cross-cultural communication skills with a proven track record;
- Excellent networking and negotiation skills;
- Strong oral and written communication skills;
- Strong methodical and strategic thinking skills and ability to develop long-term strategies;
- Ability to operate sensitively and effectively in a multicultural environment and deal with cross-cultural sensitivity;
- Ability to withstand and work effectively within stressful situations.
- Candidate must at least be fluent in English and additional knowledge of one or more other official languages (French, Arabic, Spanish) is an asset.
