Assistant Director-General for Culture

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 cultural diversity, education for all, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The organization aims to promote culture as a global public good and a vital enabler of sustainable development, addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and conflict.

Job Overview:
The director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Culture plays a pivotal role in UNESCO’s mission, providing strategic leadership and intellectual vision for the Culture Sector. This position is responsible for formulating and implementing the overall strategy of the Culture Sector, ensuring that UNESCO maintains its status as a global leader in cultural matters. The incumbent will work closely with other sectors to integrate culture into broader program delivery, particularly in education and communication. The role involves promoting culture as a driver of sustainable development, overseeing the implementation of cultural conventions, and enhancing the sector's contribution to conflict prevention and recovery. The Assistant Director-General will also develop partnerships with various stakeholders to expand the sector's impact and represent UNESCO in high-level international forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Director-General for Culture will be tasked with providing strategic direction and leadership in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of the Culture Sector’s strategy and policies. Responsibilities include promoting culture as an enabler of sustainable development, leading the implementation of UNESCO’s cultural conventions, overseeing the protection and conservation of cultural heritage, and fostering creativity within cultural industries. The incumbent will enhance the sector's role in crisis response, develop partnerships with Member States and organizations, promote innovation in cultural preservation, and ensure effective management and accountability within the sector. Additionally, the role requires representing UNESCO in international meetings and strengthening its visibility and influence in the cultural field.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a discipline related to culture. They should have at least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in senior leadership roles related to UNESCO’s Culture Programme, including experience at regional or international levels. A proven record of leadership in policy development and implementation, as well as experience in managing diverse teams and organizational transformation, is essential. Candidates should also have substantial experience in engaging with high-level government and international officials.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field is required. A Ph.D. in culture or related areas is desirable, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and commitment to the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in senior leadership or executive positions related to culture. This experience should include a track record of developing and implementing policies and programs in cultural contexts, as well as managing organizational change and transformation.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of UNESCO's working languages (English or French) are mandatory. A working knowledge of the second language is desirable, and knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is a plus.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is US $246,506, with additional benefits including 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds.