Assistant Director-General for Sciences (Readvertisement)

Assistant Director-General for Sciences (Readvertisement)

Overview

Position Number: SCS 001

Grade: ADG

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

UNESCO’s mission for the Sciences Sector is to harness natural, basic, social and human sciences as a transformative force for sustainability, human rights, gender equality, peace, and equity by integrating the best and all available forms of knowledge, technology, ethical reflection, governance, and inclusive, intercultural dialogue across disciplines.

Key Role and Responsibilities

• Advance UNESCO’s initiatives and measurable impact across key sciences domains, including Social Policies and Inclusion; Ethics, Research and Technology; Ecological and Earth Sciences; and Water Sciences.
• Strengthen policies and governance related to sciences, technology and innovation and increase access to scientific and technological advances and knowledge-sharing, through open sciences approaches, and reinforced science‑policy‑society interface, with a view to achieving ethical, sustainable and inclusive development through knowledge production and sharing and capacity building.
• Empower Member States to manage the ethical, legal, environmental and societal implications of sciences, technology and innovation, including cutting‑edge science, emerging technologies and their applications, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and neuro‑technologies.
• Monitor global trends and developments in the different scientific fields and their contributions to solving global challenges and social transformations, while operating in an innovative, creative, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary manner.
• Promote knowledge and building of human and institutional capacities as regards natural, basic, social and human sciences, fostering responsible technological advancements and scientific research across social, human, environmental, water and Earth sciences.
• Foster international scientific cooperation at the service of society to address the complexity of social transformations, Earth systems, biodiversity, disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation and freshwater security.
• Develop comprehensive and integrated actions with UNESCO’s global networks of designated sites (biosphere reserves, UNESCO Global Geoparks and ecohydrology sites), UNESCO centres and Chairs in both major programmes.
• Reinforce links with global and regional scientific associations and institutions.
• Promote the integration of a human rights‑based approach in all of UNESCO’s programmes and activities.
• Support youth‑policy development, youth action, and civic engagement.
• Advance intergovernmental cooperation and building multi‑stakeholder public policies in the field of sports and anti‑doping.
• Strengthen the philosophy and humanities programme, the debate of ideas, as well as the General History of Africa, as well as the Routes of Enslaved Peoples, and Silk Roads programmes.
• Mobilize partnerships and extrabudgetary resources, fostering collaboration with Member States, international organisations, academic institutions, civil society and the private sector.
• Foster innovation and foresight in the sciences, ensuring UNESCO remains a global laboratory of ideas in response to emerging challenges.
• Represent the Director‑General and UNESCO in high‑level international fora and intergovernmental meetings, strengthening UNESCO’s visibility, influence and thought leadership.

Competencies – Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a discipline related to the field of sciences.

Work Experience

• At least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience from senior leadership/executive positions in areas directly related to UNESCO’s Sciences Programme, including assignments at the regional/international levels, with particular emphasis on experience in managing global scientific programmes and institutions.
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct complex negotiations and manage politically sensitive normative processes at the international level, preferably in the context of multilateral scientific cooperation and the United Nations system.
• Demonstrated experience in leading large, diverse teams and managing organisational transformation, including change management and strategic planning.
• Substantial experience representing an organisation and engaging effectively with high‑level government/international officials.
• Extensive relevant professional experience in scientific research and cooperation.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organisation’s mandate, vision, strategic directions and priorities.
• Strong and innovative leadership, capable of articulating a compelling vision for the role of sciences.
• Strong political acumen and diplomatic skills to represent UNESCO effectively and engage high‑level stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead institutional transformation, manage change and foster a culture of accountability, diversity and performance.
• Strong ability to interact effectively at the highest governmental levels, as well as with leaders of the private sector and civil society, and to mobilise resources and build collaborative partnerships and networks with and between a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills with strong representational abilities.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organisation (English or French).
• Working knowledge of the second language (English or French).
• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

Desirable Qualifications

• Ph.D. level degree in the field of sciences or one of its sub‑disciplines.
• Awards‑awareness and knowledge of UNESCO’s strategic objectives and of wider administrative and programme processes within UNESCO and the United Nations system.

Benefits and Entitlements

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.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US$ 243,931.

Additional Information

• 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.
• UNESCO applies a zero‑tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• 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 are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• 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/recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• 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 Organisation, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.