Under-Secretary-General for Research, Evaluation, and Foresight -Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Closing Date: 30 November 2022

Job Description

Duration: Indeterminate appointment
Category and Level: M2, Step I (senior-level)

General Background

The OEC: The Organisation of Educational Cooperation (OEC) is an international intergovernmental organisation, founded in January 2020 by countries from across the Global South, to “contribute to the equitable, just, and prosperous social transformation of societies by promoting balanced and inclusive education, in order to attain the fundamental rights to liberty, justice, dignity, sustainability, social cohesion, and material and immaterial security for the peoples of the world”.

The main functions of the Department of Research, Evaluation, and Foresight (REEF) are to:

a. Act as the think tank of the OEC, publishing reports and policy papers, and foster the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and best practices;
b. Collect, analyse, monitor, and evaluate data to inform policy and practice;
c. Facilitate transdisciplinary research opportunities and access to knowledge.

Role Summary

Under the authority and direct supervision of the Secretary-General, the Under-Secretary-General (USG) for REEF 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. This position provides the unique opportunity of joining the senior management team of a new international organisation, contributing to its lasting construction and influencing its future trajectory.

Duties

  • Advise and support the Secretary-General on policy and strategy related to research;
  • 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;
  • Support the Secretary-General in the preparation of biennia programme proposals to the General Assembly, in line with the 2022 – 2029 Strategic Plan: “Building the Education We Need, Shaping the Future We Want”;
  • Liaise with ministries in charge of science and research in Member States, as well as with Associate Members and other partners, in furtherance of the OEC’s mission and vision;
  • Develop and maintain strong partnerships and stakeholder-engagement;
  • Oversee and manage the Department’s staff;
  • Administer the Department’s budget in accordance with General Assembly resolutions;
  • Keep abreast of international developments in the fields of academia, research, and international development;
  • In close communication with the Secretary-General, oversee and prepare the establishment of regional, contextually-relevant transdisciplinary research centres and/or institutes;
  • Develop and maintain strong relations with higher education institutions and indigenous peoples’ organisations as well as endogenous knowledge repositories;
  • Develop and maintain strong relations with a network of intellectuals, artists, scientists, and researchers;
  • In close collaboration with the Under-Secretary-General for Technological Innovation and Digitalisation Enhancement, oversee the establishment, maintenance, and development of the Greater South Information System (GreSIS);
  • In close collaboration with the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for the Congress of the Greater South, oversee the organisation of the Congress and the relevant preparation of documentation;
  • In close collaboration with the Under-Secretary-General for System Enhancement and Endogenous Development, oversee the design, launch, and development of the Framework to Reinforce Exchanges between Youth and Regions through Education (FREYRE);
  • Perform other duties as requested by the Secretary-General.

Competencies

  • Strong proven experience of liaising with stakeholders (i.e., donors, government officials, teacher unions, community organisations);
  • Extensive contact networks of intellectuals, researchers, and/or higher education and research institutions;
  • Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic and cross-cultural communication skills with a proven track record;
  • Excellent networking skills;
  • Strong proven experience in developing training modules, guidelines, and policy papers;
  • Strong oral and written communication skills;
  • Strong methodical and strategic thinking skills and ability to develop long-term strategies;
  • Strong systemic and transdisciplinary thinking skills;
  • 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.

Qualifications

  • At least 15 years of work experience in academia and research;
  • At least 5 years of extensive work experience organising international meetings, conferences, and seminars;
  • Master’s degree (or higher) in Philosophy, Sociology or other related fields.

Language Requirements

Candidate must at least be fluent in English and additional knowledge of one or more other official languages (French, Arabic, Spanish) is an asset.

HOW TO APPLY

This position is open to international applicants.
All applications must be sent to HRE@OEC-OCE.ORG and must include:

  1. Subject line: “REEF USG – Application”
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Letter of Motivation
  4. Any other relevant information

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