Assistant Director-General for Education

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization operates with a commitment to the principles of human rights, equality, and sustainable development, and it plays a pivotal role in coordinating global efforts to achieve quality education for all, particularly through its Education Sector.

Job Overview:
The director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO is a senior leadership position that involves providing strategic direction and oversight for the Education Programme. This role is crucial in advancing UNESCO's mission to promote inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. The incumbent will lead efforts to transform education systems globally, ensuring that they are accessible, relevant, and future-ready. This includes overseeing the implementation of the Education 2030 Framework for Action and supporting Member States in developing high-quality education policies. The position requires a visionary leader who can mobilize partnerships, drive innovation, and represent UNESCO in high-level international forums. The Assistant Director-General will also be responsible for fostering a culture of performance and accountability within the Education Sector, ensuring that all initiatives align with UNESCO's strategic objectives and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Director-General for Education will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic leadership in formulating and implementing the Education Sector’s strategy and policies.
• Leading UNESCO’s role as the global coordinator of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and ensuring coherence in national and global actions.
• Supporting Member States in developing inclusive and equitable education systems.
• Advancing the Futures of Education and Transforming Education agendas.
• Promoting lifelong learning and aligning education with labor market needs.
• Overseeing education-related category 1 institutes and ensuring programmatic coherence.
• Developing high-level partnerships with various stakeholders to enhance the Sector’s impact.
• Representing UNESCO in international forums and strengthening its visibility and influence.
• Ensuring effective management and accountability within the Education Sector.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a discipline related to education. They should have at least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in senior leadership roles related to UNESCO’s Education Programme, including experience at regional and international levels. Candidates must demonstrate experience in leading diverse teams and managing organizational transformation, as well as substantial experience in representing organizations to high-level officials. Strong political acumen, diplomatic skills, and excellent communication abilities are essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field is required. A Ph.D. level degree in education or its sub-disciplines is desirable, indicating 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. This experience should include significant roles in areas directly related to education, with a focus on organizational transformation and strategic planning. Experience in scientific research and cooperation is also beneficial.

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 languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is a plus.

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, and individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.