Assistant Director-General for Sciences

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, established in 1945, is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a mission to build peace, eradicate poverty, and foster sustainable development, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to promoting the free flow of ideas and knowledge, and it works to strengthen the role of science in addressing global challenges.

Job Overview:
The director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Sciences will provide intellectual leadership and strategic vision for the Sciences Sector, aligning with UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy for 2022–202

• This role involves overseeing the implementation of Major Programmes related to Natural Sciences and Social and Human Sciences, ensuring that scientific initiatives contribute to sustainable development and address pressing global challenges. The position requires a strong focus on integrating various scientific disciplines and promoting international scientific cooperation to enhance the impact of science on society. The Assistant Director-General will also be responsible for fostering innovation, capacity building, and ethical governance in the sciences, while representing UNESCO in high-level international forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Director-General for Sciences will advance UNESCO’s initiatives across key domains such as Social Policies and Inclusion, Ethics, Research and Technology, Ecological and Earth Sciences, and Water Sciences. Responsibilities include strengthening policies related to science and technology, increasing access to scientific knowledge, empowering Member States to manage the implications of scientific advancements, monitoring global scientific trends, promoting international cooperation, and mobilizing partnerships. The role also involves supporting youth engagement, promoting intercultural dialogue, and advancing intergovernmental cooperation in sports and anti-doping initiatives. The Assistant Director-General will represent UNESCO in international meetings and work to enhance the organization's visibility and influence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a discipline related to the field of sciences. They should have at least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in senior leadership roles related to UNESCO’s Sciences Programme, including experience in managing global scientific programmes. Strong political acumen, diplomatic skills, and the ability to lead institutional transformation are essential. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to UNESCO’s mandate and possess strong communication and representational abilities.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline is required. A Ph.D. level degree in the field of sciences or its sub-disciplines is desirable, as it indicates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex scientific issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of relevant professional experience, particularly in senior leadership or executive positions. This experience should include managing global scientific programmes and institutions, conducting complex negotiations, and engaging with high-level government and international officials. Demonstrated experience in leading diverse teams and managing organizational change is crucial.

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, along with knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish).

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, renewable. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US$ 249,178, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO is committed to achieving gender parity and diversity within its workforce, encouraging applications from under-represented Member States and individuals from minority and indigenous groups. Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.