Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information

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 fostering universal access to education, promoting freedom of expression, and protecting cultural heritage. The organization is committed to the principles of integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which are core to its values and operations.

Job Overview:
The director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information will play a pivotal role in leading UNESCO's efforts to promote freedom of expression, access to information, and media development. This position requires a strategic leader who can provide intellectual vision and managerial oversight for the Communication and Information Sector. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing the sector's strategy, which aims to advance freedom of expression, promote universal access to information, and ensure that technological innovations contribute to peace and sustainable development. The role involves fostering inclusive, media-literate societies and developing high-level partnerships with various stakeholders, including Member States and private organizations. The Assistant Director-General will also represent UNESCO in international forums, ensuring the organization's visibility and influence in the field of communication and information.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership in formulating, implementing, and monitoring the Communication and Information Sector’s strategy, programmes, and policies.
• Advance freedom of expression and the safety of journalists, promoting media pluralism and independence.
• Support the development of inclusive, media-literate societies, empowering citizens to responsibly access, create, and share information.
• Lead global initiatives on building inclusive knowledge societies through policies promoting universal access to information and digital inclusion.
• Promote ethical dimensions of digital transformation and frameworks for governance of emerging technologies.
• Ensure preservation of documentary heritage through initiatives like the Memory of the World Programme.
• Develop and maintain high-level partnerships with Member States, UN entities, and the private sector.
• Strengthen UNESCO’s thought leadership in communication and information, representing the organization in high-level international dialogues.
• Foster innovation and foresight in anticipating technological and societal trends. 1
• Ensure effective management and accountability within the sector, promoting a culture of performance and diversity.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communication, information, or related fields.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in senior leadership/executive positions related to UNESCO’s Communication and Information Programme.
• Proven record of leadership in developing and implementing policies and programmes in communication and information.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large, diverse teams and organizational transformation.
• Substantial experience in representing organizations and engaging with high-level government and international officials.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a discipline related to communication and/or information. A Ph.D. level degree in these fields is desirable and would enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in senior leadership roles, particularly in areas directly related to UNESCO’s Communication and Information Programme. This includes experience at regional and international levels, with a proven track record in policy development and implementation, as well as managing organizational change.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French) are mandatory. A working knowledge of the second language is desirable. Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is also considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, which is renewable. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US $246,506, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.