Assistant Secretary of the General Conference

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Position Title: Assistant Secretary of the General Conference
Location: Paris
Country: France
Deadline Date: 24-FEB-2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which was established in 194

• UNESCO's mission is to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization has a global presence, operating in over 190 countries with a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to foster a culture of peace, sustainable development, and the protection of cultural heritage, while promoting education for all and the free flow of ideas.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Secretary of the General Conference plays a crucial role within the Secretariat of the Governing Bodies (GBS) at UNESCO. This position involves leading the dedicated structure responsible for the efficient functioning of the General Conference, which is UNESCO's primary decision-making body. The Assistant Secretary acts as the deputy to the Secretary of the Governing Bodies, supporting and complementing the Secretary's work across all functions. This role is pivotal in maintaining seamless coordination and communication with Member States, the President of the General Conference, and members of the management team. The Assistant Secretary is expected to ensure the effective organization and smooth execution of General Conference sessions, addressing procedural, administrative, and strategic needs. The incumbent will also provide critical support to the Secretary of the Governing Bodies and the Assistant Secretary of the Executive Board, stepping in as needed to ensure continuity and high-level oversight.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary of the General Conference include advising and making recommendations on all political and technical aspects of organizing General Conference sessions. This involves establishing the provisional agenda for the session, preparing the organization of work documents, and ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines for document submissions. The Assistant Secretary will coordinate with Member States regarding the inscription of Heads of Delegation and supervise the technical coordination of the session, including side events. After the sessions, the incumbent will establish the Acts of the General Conference and coordinate follow-up on resolutions adopted. During the sessions, the Assistant Secretary will replace the Secretary in various tasks, ensuring effective planning and management of the overall organization. The role also includes preparing and ensuring the Secretariat of between-sessions meetings and providing information to Member States on all aspects related to the General Conference.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in social and human sciences, political science, international relations, or a related discipline. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in management and/or international relations is required, with at least 5 years acquired at the international level. Experience in dealing with intergovernmental organs within the United Nations system or similar organizations is preferred, along with experience in assessing risks related to legal issues. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of the Organization’s mandate, strategic direction, and priorities, as well as possess strong analytical capabilities, diplomacy, and political astuteness.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as social and human sciences, political science, international relations, or a related discipline. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international governance and the operational framework of UNESCO.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in management and/or international relations. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience at the international level, particularly in dealing with intergovernmental bodies within the United Nations system or similar organizations. This level of experience is crucial for effectively navigating the political and procedural landscape of the General Conference and Executive Board sessions.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English or French, with good knowledge of the other language. Proficiency in additional official languages of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and/or Spanish, is considered desirable and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal. It is open to both internal and external candidates. The role is classified at the P-5 level, indicating a seniority level that requires significant expertise and leadership capabilities. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 145,773 US dollars, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and persons with disabilities to apply.