Chief of Section (Knowledge Development and Democratisation) – (International Position) At Organisation of Educational Cooperation

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, accordingly, to:

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

Role Summary:

The Knowledge Development and Democratisation Section of REEF is responsible for fostering a free and open, collective exchange of ideas, research, and knowledge (from academic and non-academic domains) among Member States and Associate Members (and across the Global South in general), in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Balanced and Inclusive Education.

Under the authority of the Secretary General and the direct supervision of the Under-Secretary-General for REEF, the Chief of Section of Knowledge Development and Democratisation will be responsible for achieving the Section’s purpose. The successful candidate will lead projects and programmes that address the various barriers that inhibit balanced and inclusive access to knowledge from the Global South, including its production, dissemination, and visibility.

Duties:

• Contribute to the development and dissemination of new knowledge products, including an open access, online platform to host academic publications and research from across the Global South.
• Oversee the production and dissemination of multilingual, peer-reviewed knowledge resources, including journals, quarterly magazines, etc.
• Contribute to the identification, selection, (re)production and preservation of endogenous knowledge from the Global South.
• Lead the development of mechanisms and institutional partnerships for an OEC digital database for the use of higher education institutions and researchers in Member States.
• Convene regular fora for the exchange of ideas among academics and non-academics.
• Under the direct oversight of the USG-REEF, supervise the implementation of two Multilateral Initiatives and their Coordinators: The Framework to Reinforce Exchanges between Youth and Regions through Education (FREYRE) and the organisation of the Congress of the Greater South.
• Under the direct oversight of the USG-REEF, supervise multisectoral consultations to build a collective roadmap and common action plan for the construction of a third, alternative and more inclusive way of development.
• Project-manage, monitor, evaluate, and report the Section’s projects.
• Prepare, present, and communicate high-quality executive reports.
• Assist with the maintenance of REEF’s institutional presence, including the maintenance of relationships within governmental, academic, non-governmental organisations.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Under-Secretary-General for REEF or by the Secretary-General.

Competencies:

• Experience in working with or within governments and international organisations, and a demonstrated understanding of mechanisms of multilateral cooperation.
• Substantial experience in overseeing the review process or the overall quality of content of a reputable peer-reviewed journal or edited volume.
• Substantial experience in developing, managing or editing a reputable peer reviewed journal or a research database.
• Substantial experience in convening conferences, colloquia, and workshops both in person and online.
• Experience in managing a team and/or external consultants and stakeholders to deliver work to plan, budget, and schedule.
• Excellent coordination and project-management skills, with the ability to manage and prioritise multiple tasks and liaise with multiple stakeholders.
• A demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate complex projects in collaboration with multilateral counterparts and agencies.
• A willingness and ability to travel internationally for work.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively with individuals, departments, and stakeholders.
• Political astuteness and demonstrated ability to work in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• Strong commitment to the mission and goals of the Organisation of Educational Cooperation.
• Ability to work effectively within a highly demanding environment.

Qualifications:

• An advanced degree in Information Management or a relevant Social Science discipline. PhD preferred.

  Good political sense, with a minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in knowledge management as well as high-level engagement with/in government and/or international political processes.

Language Requirements:

Candidates must be fluent in English. Knowledge of one or more of the other official languages of the OEC (French, Arabic, Spanish) is a distinct advantage.