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. It operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO's Culture Sector plays a vital role in promoting culture, heritage, and creativity as essential components of sustainable development and social cohesion.

Job Overview:
The director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Culture is a senior leadership position within UNESCO, responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for the Culture Sector. This role involves formulating and implementing the overall strategy for culture, ensuring that UNESCO remains a global leader in cultural matters. The incumbent will work closely with other sectors to integrate culture into broader UNESCO initiatives, particularly in education and communication. The position requires a visionary leader who can foster collaboration, promote cultural diversity, and enhance the role of culture in sustainable development. The Assistant Director-General will also represent UNESCO in high-level international forums, advocating for the importance of culture in global discussions.

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

• Providing strategic direction and leadership in the formulation and implementation of the Culture Sector’s strategy, policies, and programs.
• Promoting culture, heritage, and creativity as vital enablers of sustainable social and economic development.
• Leading the implementation of UNESCO’s cultural conventions and supporting Member States in translating global frameworks into national actions.
• Overseeing the protection and conservation of cultural heritage and fostering creativity within cultural industries.
• Enhancing the Culture Sector’s contribution to conflict prevention and recovery, ensuring cultural heritage is protected in emergencies.
• Developing partnerships with various stakeholders, including governments, UN entities, and the private sector, to expand the Sector’s impact.
• Promoting innovation and knowledge sharing, particularly in relation to digital technologies for cultural preservation.
• Ensuring effective management and accountability within the Sector, fostering a culture of performance and diversity.

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. A proven record of developing and implementing policies and programs in cultural areas is essential, along with experience in managing large teams and organizational transformation. Candidates should also have substantial experience in representing organizations and engaging with high-level officials.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field related to culture is required. A Ph.D. level degree in culture or related areas is desirable and would enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in senior leadership or executive roles within the cultural sector. Experience should include assignments at regional or international levels, demonstrating a strong record of leadership in policy development and implementation.

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 full-time role with a contract duration of 2 years, which is renewable. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is US$ 243,135, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities. Geographical mobility is required for staff members in international posts, and candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications upon being shortlisted.