Director-General's Office (ODG) Leadership Position

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO is committed to fostering collaboration among nations and cultures to enhance mutual understanding and respect.

Job Overview:
The position of Director-General's Office (ODG) Leadership involves providing strategic leadership and guidance on institutional governance, organizational reform, and management modernization within UNESCO. The incumbent will work closely with the Senior Management Team to ensure effective institutional functioning across the organization. This role requires a deep understanding of governance frameworks, management reform, and the ability to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders. The incumbent will also be responsible for advising the Director-General on critical matters related to governance and institutional effectiveness, ensuring that UNESCO adapts to the evolving global landscape and meets the aspirations of its Member States. The position demands a proactive approach to institutional reform and the ability to coordinate complex processes that enhance organizational effectiveness and transparency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will coordinate organizational reform and management modernization initiatives across UNESCO, supporting institutional effectiveness and adaptation to emerging developments. Key responsibilities include overseeing the preparation of institutional and governance-related documentation for the Executive Board and General Conference, providing recommendations on governance frameworks and accountability mechanisms, and contributing to UNESCO's participation in UN system-wide strategic processes. The role also involves synthesizing diverse inputs to prepare strategic recommendations for senior leadership, managing relationships with Member States and stakeholders, and ensuring coherent approaches to policy and decision-making processes. The incumbent will be expected to anticipate developments and propose strategic options to support organizational transformation efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, political science, public administration, finance, law, management, or a field relevant to UNESCO’s mandate. A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience in international relations, governmental affairs, or multilateral cooperation is required, including at least seven years at the international level. Experience in organizational reform, institutional development, and public-sector modernization is essential, along with a strong understanding of UNESCO’s areas of competence and their relevance to global policy debates. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with senior officials and decision-makers, as well as experience representing institutions in multilateral settings.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as international relations, political science, public administration, finance, law, or management. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of governance and institutional reform within an international context, particularly as they relate to UNESCO's mission and objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of relevant professional experience, with a focus on international relations, governmental affairs, or multilateral cooperation. This experience must include significant engagement with senior officials and decision-makers, as well as a strong background in organizational reform and governance processes. At least seven years of this experience should be acquired at the international level, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex intergovernmental processes and contribute to consensus-building efforts.

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 (English or French) is desirable, along with knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, which would be considered an asset for the position.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal. It is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US $184,832, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. Candidates are reminded that all applications must be submitted online by the deadline, and the selection process may include various assessments and interviews. UNESCO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and persons with disabilities. The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years, and appointments are subject to medical clearance.