Director of the Bureau of Human Resources Management

Director of the Bureau of Human Resources Management

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

May 22, 2025June 24, 2025ParisFrance
Job Description
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. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO's core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which guide its operations and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Bureau of Human Resources Management (DIR/HRM) at UNESCO is tasked with providing strategic leadership and advice on a comprehensive range of human resources matters. This role involves leading the conception and implementation of the Human Resource Strategy for 2023-2027, ensuring that the organization maintains a dynamic workforce capable of fulfilling its mandate. The Director is expected to act as a change driver, supporting organizational reform initiatives, particularly in enhancing human resources management. This position requires a visionary approach to managing a team of HR professionals, fostering an environment that encourages innovation and high-quality service delivery. The Director will also promote the significance of human resources management in enhancing organizational performance and strive for continuous improvement in HR practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will be responsible for directing the delivery of a talent management framework that encompasses workforce planning, recruitment, learning and development, and performance management. This includes ensuring that diversity targets are met and driving change initiatives that position HRM as a trusted partner in organizational change. The Director will provide critical business intelligence to senior management regarding workforce trends and emerging issues, advocate for the strategic importance of HRM, and support staff development initiatives that address work/life balance and gender equity. Additionally, the Director will represent the Director-General in various meetings and forums, including the International Civil Service Commission and the HR Network, and will empower HR specialists to excel in program delivery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human resources, public or business administration, management, law, social or human sciences, or related fields. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in human resources or a related field is required, with significant experience at a managerial level. Candidates should have experience leading change-related projects and possess strong managerial and leadership skills, along with a thorough understanding of HR management principles and practices. Excellent judgment, decision-making abilities, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment while respecting gender equality and diversity.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human resources, public or business administration, management, law, social or human sciences, or related fields is required. Additional courses or training in management-related fields are desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience at the national or international level in human resources or a related field, with a significant portion of that experience at a managerial level. Experience in leading change-related projects or programs is essential, as well as familiarity with the United Nations Common System and professional experience in multicultural environments.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French) are mandatory, along with a good working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered desirable.

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 191,862 US dollars, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization applies a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.
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