Director, UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the statistical branch of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), established in 199

• UIS serves as the UN's depository for global statistics, producing data and methodologies to monitor trends in education, science and technology, culture, and communication. The Institute is tasked with developing methodologies, statistical frameworks, and classifications, setting standards, collecting and disseminating data, and building national capacities to produce indicators crucial for monitoring progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG4, SDG9, and SDG1
• UIS is at the forefront of innovation in official statistics and capacity development, responding to the rapidly evolving data landscape characterized by digital transformation and the growing demand for timely and disaggregated statistics.

Job Overview:
UNESCO is seeking a visionary Director to lead the UIS, providing strategic, intellectual, and operational leadership to position the Institute as a globally recognized center of excellence in data, analytics, and statistical capacity development. The Director will work under the supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Education of UNESCO and will be responsible for managing UIS's human and financial resources, planning and assigning resources, implementing programs, and assessing outcomes. The role involves driving the Institute's strategic vision, ensuring the delivery of its goals and objectives, and strengthening its role within the UN system and the broader global data ecosystem. The Director will also represent the Director-General at high-level meetings concerning statistics and will establish professional relationships with various institutions and organizations in the field of statistics.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director's key responsibilities include providing high-level managerial leadership for UIS, overseeing the effective management of financial and human resources, identifying key issues and risks, anticipating global trends, and taking actions to ensure UIS remains relevant and impactful. The Director will lead the development and implementation of organizational and resource mobilization strategies, represent UIS at the United Nations Statistics Commission, and maintain close professional relationships with governmental and non-governmental institutions. Additionally, the Director will develop the Institute's communication and outreach strategy, foster a high-performing organizational culture, and promote innovation and knowledge sharing across the Institute.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in statistics or a closely related numeric discipline, or in education or social sciences with a substantial focus on applied statistics. They should have at least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in statistical management, preferably at both national and international levels, including senior executive positions. Strong leadership experience, proven ability in planning and managing international programs, and demonstrated experience in advocacy and resource mobilization are essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in statistics or a closely related numeric discipline is required. A PhD in a relevant field would be a strong asset, along with a degree or diploma in management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in statistical management, with exposure to senior executive positions at the international level. Experience in collaborating with government education ministries and national statistics authorities, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of and drafting skills in English are mandatory. Good knowledge of French and familiarity with other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish) are considered desirable qualifications.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for 2 years, renewable for a maximum duration of 6 years. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US$ 175,883, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.