13 September 2012 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Jafar Javan of the United States as Director of the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC).
Mr. Javan will replace Carlos Lopes, who has been appointed Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said he is grateful to Mr. Lopes for his leadership in the implementation of UNSSC’s mandate as the primary provider of inter-agency training and learning UN staff.
Based in Torino, Italy, UNSSC runs courses and learning initiatives to UN personnel, reaching some 7,000 beneficiaries each year. On its website, UNSSC states that it assists UN organizations and their staff to develop the skills and competencies needed to meet the global challenges faced by the UN.
“Mr. Javan brings a wealth of experience having worked in the United Nations system for over twenty five years in various regions, notably in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe,” the statement reads. “In his tenure in the United Nations system, his professional responsibilities have focused on policy development, education, training and employment, community development and social participation.”
Before his appointment, Mr. Javan served as UNSSC Deputy Director and Head of Programmes as well as holding various posts with the UN Development Programme (UNDP).