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 global presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women by fostering collaboration among nations. The organization employs thousands of professionals dedicated to advancing education, science, culture, and communication, and it plays a pivotal role in setting international standards and policies in these fields.

Job Overview:
The director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Education will operate under the authority of the Director-General and will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and intellectual vision for UNESCO’s Education Programme. This role is crucial in reimagining and transforming education systems globally, mobilizing partnerships, and driving innovation to ensure that education is accessible, inclusive, and relevant. The incumbent will oversee education-related institutes and work collaboratively with other sectors to strengthen the interconnections between education, science, culture, and social inclusion. The position requires a visionary leader who can navigate complex educational landscapes and advocate for policies that promote lifelong learning and skills development, aligning education with the needs of modern societies and economies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Director-General for Education will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic direction and leadership in formulating, implementing, and monitoring the Education Sector’s strategy, programmes, and policies in alignment with UNESCO’s governing bodies decisions.
• Leading UNESCO’s role as the global coordinator of SDG 4 (Quality Education), ensuring coherence and accountability in national, regional, and global actions within the Education 2030 Framework for Action.
• Strengthening support to Member States in developing and implementing inclusive and equitable education policies and practices across all educational levels.
• Advancing the 'Futures of Education' and 'Transforming Education' agendas, promoting innovation and resilience in education systems.
• Empowering learners to become responsible global citizens through education that emphasizes human rights, peace, and sustainability.
• Overseeing the work of UNESCO’s education-related institutes to ensure programmatic coherence and synergy.
• Developing high-level partnerships with various stakeholders to enhance the impact of the Education Sector.
• Representing UNESCO in high-level international forums and meetings, enhancing the organization’s visibility and influence.

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 professional experience in senior leadership roles related to UNESCO’s Education Programme, including experience at regional or international levels. Candidates must demonstrate experience in leading diverse teams and managing organizational transformations, as well as substantial experience in representing organizations and engaging with high-level officials. Knowledge of UNESCO’s strategic objectives and reform initiatives within the UN system is also desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field is required. A Ph.D. in education or a related discipline is considered a desirable qualification, enhancing the candidate's profile for this senior position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in senior leadership or executive roles within the education sector. This experience should include managing large teams, overseeing organizational change, and engaging with high-level stakeholders in government and international contexts.

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 considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. The position is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary is US$ 248,223, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates must complete an online application by the specified deadline, and the selection process may involve various assessments and interviews. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds.