Job Advertisement

Position Title: Senior Programme Specialist in Social and Human Sciences
Location: Yaoundé
Country: Cameroon
Deadline Date: 03-JAN-2025

Job Details

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 by promoting international cooperation in education, Natural Sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information. With a membership of 194 Member States and 12 Associate Members, UNESCO employs over 2,300 staff members from more than 170 nationalities across its Headquarters and 54 field offices worldwide. The organization is dedicated to fostering knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to enhance mutual understanding and promote a more profound comprehension of diverse cultures and societies.

Job Overview:
The position is situated within UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS), which is committed to addressing critical global challenges such as violence, racism, discrimination, and gender stereotypes. The successful candidate will lead initiatives in Central Africa aimed at promoting social inclusion through sports, enhancing intercultural dialogue, and supporting marginalized groups, including youth and people with disabilities. The role involves strategic oversight of the implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, ensuring that emerging technologies are developed ethically and inclusively. The incumbent will also be responsible for managing SHS programs in alignment with UNESCO’s broader objectives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). This position requires a proactive approach to building partnerships, mobilizing resources, and ensuring that SHS initiatives are relevant and impactful at the local level.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be tasked with providing strategic advice for the governance of AI, guiding national AI Readiness Assessments, and identifying opportunities for collaboration. Responsibilities include managing SHS priorities related to anti-racism, scientific freedom, and social inclusion, as well as coordinating the implementation of SHS programs in the region. The role requires close collaboration with governments and stakeholders to provide high-level advice and Technical Support in public policy and planning. The incumbent will also be responsible for developing strategic partnerships, mobilizing resources, and enhancing the impact of SHS programs through effective networking and capacity-building efforts. Additionally, the role involves monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness and reporting on progress to ensure alignment with UNESCO’s strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s) in social and human sciences, political science, or a related discipline. A Ph.D. or equivalent is desirable. The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in social and human sciences at both national and international levels. Experience in thematic areas such as social transformations, social inclusion, and ethics of science and technology, particularly concerning Artificial Intelligence, is essential. Proven experience in Fundraising, resource mobilization, and conducting research is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s) in social and human sciences, political science, or a related field is mandatory. A higher degree such as a Ph.D. is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in social and human sciences, with a focus on international cooperation and Program Management. Experience in managing social transformations, promoting social inclusion, and engaging in intercultural dialogue is crucial. Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and conducting research is also required, along with a proven track record of producing research papers and publications in relevant fields.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English or French is mandatory, with good knowledge of the other language being advantageous. Knowledge of additional official languages of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered a desirable qualification that can enhance the candidate's competitiveness for the position.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years, open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 116,607 USD, with additional benefits including 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving Gender Parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.