Senior Expert in Greece

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a workforce of over 2,000 employees, UNESCO operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace in the minds of men and women. The organization is dedicated to fostering sustainable development through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. UNESCO's core values emphasize commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its operations and interactions with member states and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The position of Senior Expert in Greece is pivotal in supporting the implementation of the National Strategy for the Rights of People with Disabilities 2024-203

• This role involves working closely with the Greek authorities and the European Commission to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Coordinating Mechanism established under Law 4488/201
• The expert will be responsible for preparing comprehensive reports, action plans, and FAQs related to disability legislation, as well as developing a stakeholder engagement strategy. The position requires a deep understanding of disability policies and governance, and the ability to facilitate capacity building and stakeholder consultations. The expert will collaborate with a junior expert and the central project team at UNESCO Headquarters to ensure that the project objectives are met and that the Greek authorities are equipped with the necessary tools and strategies for effective implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Expert will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Preparing a report with recommendations and an action plan to improve the governance operating model of the Coordinating Mechanism, which includes organizing consultation dialogues and developing a clear vision for multi-level governance.
• Supporting the preparation of a Frequently Asked Questions section on disability-related legislation, collaborating with legal experts to ensure accuracy and user-friendliness.
• Developing a proposal for a reporting framework within the Coordinating Mechanism, including creating reporting templates and reviewing specifications for an IT system.
• Conducting capacity-building initiatives, such as webinars and training materials on disability mainstreaming.
• Creating a stakeholder engagement strategy report to improve collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders.
• Maintaining regular communication with the Project team at UNESCO Headquarters to ensure optimal reporting and coordination of project work in Greece.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in public policy, social policy, public administration, or governance, with a specialization in disability being desirable. A PhD is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record of at least 10 years of experience in disability policy, governance, and capacity building, with demonstrated expertise in stakeholder analysis and consultations relevant to disability policy. Experience in providing tailored technical support and implementing capacity-building projects for public administrations is essential, and familiarity with the Greek public administration is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields related to public policy, social policy, public administration, or governance. A specialization in disability issues is highly desirable, and candidates with a PhD will be given preference. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of disability rights and governance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in areas related to disability policy, governance, and capacity building. Candidates should have a strong background in conducting stakeholder analysis and consultations, as well as experience in providing high-level technical support to public administrations. Experience working within the Greek public administration is particularly valuable and will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate the local context effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Greek is mandatory, with excellent verbal and written communication skills in both languages. This proficiency is essential for effective collaboration with stakeholders and for delivering outputs in the required languages. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to individual consultants and has a contract duration of 6 months. Interested candidates should submit their applications via email, including a personal CV, a cover letter, and a technical and financial proposal. The application process requires candidates to provide complete and accurate information, and selected candidates will undergo reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented groups, including minorities and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and promotes a non-smoking environment.