About this role
<div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:0.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>OVERVIEW</b></H2> </div><div><p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">Position Number</span></strong><span style="color:#0070c0">: </span>ODG 095</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">Grade</span></strong><span style="color:#0070c0">: </span>D-1</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">Parent Sector</span></strong><span style="color:#0070c0">: </span>Office of the Director-General (ODG)</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">Duty Station</span></strong><span style="color:#0070c0">: </span>Paris</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">Job Family</span></strong><span style="color:#0070c0">: </span>Administration</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color:#0070c0"><strong>Contract Type</strong>: </span>Fixed Term</span></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">Duration of contract</span></strong><span style="color:#0070c0">: </span>2 years, renewable</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">Recruitment open to</span></strong><span style="color:#0070c0">: </span>Internal and external candidates</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time)</span></strong><span style="color:#0070c0">: </span>10/07/2026</span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"> </p> <p style="text-align:center;margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#0070c0">UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism</span></strong></span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST</b></H2> </div><div><p style="text-align:justify">UNESCO is the United Nations specialized agency dedicated to building peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. In a rapidly changing global landscape, UNESCO is reinforcing its role within the multilateral system and adapting its structures and methods of work to better respond to Member States’ aspirations.</p> <p style="text-align:justify"> </p> <p style="text-align:justify">Under the overall authority of the Director-General, the incumbent, in close cooperation with the Senior Management Team, provides leadership, coordination and guidance on institutional governance, organizational reform and management modernization matters in support of effective institutional functioning across the Organization.</p> <p style="text-align:justify"> </p> <p style="text-align:justify">The incumbent facilitates coordination among relevant stakeholders, facilitates dialogue and advises the Director-General on matters related to governance, organizational reform, administration, human resources management and the UNESCO80 Reform. He/she also provides recommendations and guidance on institutional matters relating to governance frameworks, management reform and modernization, institutional effectiveness, oversight, transparency and accountability mechanisms, institutional effectiveness and organizational modernization.</p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES</b></H2> </div><div><p style="text-align:justify">In particular, the incumbent shall:</p> <ul style="text-align:justify"> <li>Coordinate organizational reform and management modernization initiatives across the Organization in order to support institutional effectiveness, organizational adaptation and reform implementation, including developing anticipatory and forward-looking approaches to institutional reform and adaptation to emerging developments affecting the Organization, and fostering synergies and complementarities across sectors and organizational entities.</li> <li>Oversee and coordinate the preparation of institutional and governance-related documentation submitted to the Executive Board and the General Conference, and oversee the work of the secretaries of the governing bodies.</li> <li>Provide recommendations and guidance on complex institutional matters relating to governance frameworks, management reform, oversight and accountability mechanisms in order to support institutional effectiveness and organizational modernization, including in the context of the UNESCO80 Reform.</li> <li>Contribute, with PAX Sector, to UNESCO’s participation in United Nations system-wide strategic, governance and reform-related processes, including inter-agency coordination and reform initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional effectiveness, policy coherence and multilateral cooperation across the UN system.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align:justify"> </p> <p style="text-align:justify"><em>For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: </em><a href="https://www.unesco.org/en"><em>https://www.unesco.org/en</em></a><em>, and/or the following documents: </em><a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000378083/PDF/378083eng.pdf.multi"><em>41 C/4</em></a><em> (UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy for 2022 – 2029) and </em><a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000392982/PDF/392982eng.pdf.multi"><em>43 C/5</em></a><em> (UNESCO’s Draft Programme and Budget for 2026-2029 quadrennium).</em></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)</b></H2> </div><div><ul> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Communication (C)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Accountability (C)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Innovation (C)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Planning and organizing (C)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Results focus (C)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Teamwork (C)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Professionalism (C)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Building partnerships (M)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Driving and managing change (M)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Strategic thinking (M)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Making quality decisions (M)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Managing performance (M)</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Leading and empowering others (M)</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:0.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">Short Description</H2> </div><div><p><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">For detailed information, please consult the <a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000245056?posInSet=9&queryId=bcd2a5ea-9a90-4938-88c1-3f56099f4201" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO Competency Framework</a>.</span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS</b></H2> </div><div><p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">EDUCATION</span></strong></span></p> <ul style="text-align:justify"> <li>Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, political science, public administration, finance, law, management, or a field relevant to UNESCO’s mandate.</li> </ul> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">WORK EXPERIENCE</span></strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify">A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in international relations, governmental affairs or multilateral cooperation, including engagement with senior officials and decision-makers, of which including at least seven (7) years acquired at the international level.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Experience working with intergovernmental processes, including negotiations and consensus-building.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Experience in organizational reform, institutional development, public-sector modernization or governance processes.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Experience engaging with issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence and their relevance to global policy debates.</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Experience representing an institution in multilateral or inter-agency settings.</li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:0.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px">Long Description</H2> </div><div><p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES</span></strong></span></p> <ul style="text-align:justify"> <li>Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.</li> <li>Strong managerial and leadership skills, high sense of objectivity, strong analytical capabilities, professional integrity, and diplomacy.</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex, high-level processes, synthesize diverse inputs and prepare strategic recommendations for senior leadership.</li> <li>Excellent analytical, drafting and communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex issues and prepare high-quality strategic notes, briefs and talking points under tight deadlines.</li> <li>Strong political judgment, with the ability to engage effectively with Member States, senior officials and diverse institutional stakeholders.</li> <li>Capacity to facilitate coordination across organizational units and promote coherent approaches to policy, reform and decision-making processes.</li> <li>Good understanding of UN and UNESCO governance, methods of work and multilateral decision-making dynamics.</li> <li>Ability to anticipate developments, propose strategic options and support organizational transformation efforts with discretion and sound judgment.</li> <li>Proven ability to manage sensitive information and handle competing priorities and time-critical assignments in a fast-paced environment.</li> <li>Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to manage relationships at all levels of the Organization.</li> </ul> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">LANGUAGES</span></strong></span></p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify">Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French).</li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS</b></H2> </div><div><p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">WORK EXPERIENCE</span></strong></span></p> <ul style="text-align:justify"> <li>Experience within the United Nations system and/or in a specialized institution or other international organ.</li> <li>Experience with UNESCO’s statutory bodies, normative instruments or intergovernmental committees.</li> <li>Experience in conducting complex negotiations diplomatically and tactfully.</li> <li>Experience in the field of administration and human resources.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align:justify"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><span style="color:#0070c0">LANGUAGES</span></strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Working knowledge of the second language (English or French).</li> <li style="text-align:justify">Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).</li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS</b></H2> </div><div><p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US $ 184,832</span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our <a title="" href="https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/02/Brochure%20staff%20benefits%20-%20HR%20International%20Staff.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guide to Staff Benefits</a><u>.</u></span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS</b></H2> </div><div><p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.</span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">To apply, please visit the <a href="https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO Careers website</a>. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications. </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. </span></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).</span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>ADDITIONAL INFORMATION</b></H2> </div><div><ul> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States <strong>(<a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution" target="_blank" rel="noopener">last update here</a>)</strong> are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: <a title="https://www.whed.net/home.php" href="https://www.whed.net/home.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.whed.net</a></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif">UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.</span></li> </ul></div></div></div>