Director, UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

Position Number: 1CAUIS0001ST

Grade:D-2

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Montreal

Job Family: Education

Contract Type:Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years renewable - maximum duration of 6 years

Recruitment open to:Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 10/10/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization Integrity Respect for Diversity Professionalism

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the statistical branch of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations depository for global statistics. Established in 1999 the Institute produces data and methodologies to monitor trends at the national and international levels delivering comparative data for countries at all stages of development to provide a global perspective on education science and technology culture and communication.

UIS is mandated by the international development community to develop methodologies statistical frameworks and classifications to set standards to collect and disseminate data and to build national capacities to produce indicators crucial for monitoring progress towards achieving SDG4 SDG9 SDG11 and key targets.

In a rapidly evolving data landscape marked by digital transformation big data and growing demand for timely and disaggregated statistics UIS is at the forefront of innovation in official statistics and capacity development.

UNESCO is seeking an exceptional and visionary Director to lead this Institute. The Director will provide strategic intellectual and operational leadership to position UIS as a globally recognized centre of excellence in data analytics and statistical capacity development.

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Education of UNESCO and in accordance with the prerogatives delegated by the Director-General of UNESCO and guided by the Institutes Governing Board the incumbent will lead and manage the UIS human and financial resources including the planning and assignment of resources the implementation of planned programmes and the assessment of outcomes. The Director will drive the Institutes strategic vision ensure the delivery of its goals and objectives with a view to serving UNESCOs mandate and strengthen its role within the UN system and the broader global data ecosystem.

The key roles and responsibilities of the incumbent shall include:

• Provide high-level managerial leadership for UIS with respect to programmes including the development and implementation of organizational and resource mobilization strategies.
• Oversee the effective management of financial and human resources.
• Identify key issues/risks anticipate global trends as well as opportunities for UIS and take actions toward its stable development while aiming to ensure UIS remains relevant and impactful to Member States partner organizations and the world at large.
• Lead the strategic vision for the development of statistics in the areas of UNESCOs mandate.

• Represent the Director-General at the United Nations Statistics Commission and other high-level meetings concerning statistics.

• Establish and maintain close professional relationships with governmental non-governmental international and national institutions as well as relevant professional bodies working in the field of statistics.

• Lead the development of the Institutes communication and outreach strategy as well as strengthen the substantive links between the Institutes activities and UNESCOs other programmes to provide quality assurance on statistical matters throughout UNESCO.
• Foster a high-performing inclusive and diverse organizational culture.
• Promote innovation continuous learning and knowledge sharing across the Institute.

For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes candidates may consult our website: and/or the following documents: 41 C/4 (UNESCOs Medium-Term Strategy for ) and 43 C/5 (UNESCOs Programme and Budget for quadrennium).

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

For detailed information please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of statistics or a closely related numeric discipline (such as demography economics or mathematics) or in the fields of education or the social sciences with a substantial part on applied statistics.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience of statistical management preferably at both national and international levels including exposure in senior executive positions at international level.
• Strong leadership experience and proven ability in planning and managing international programmes and/or projects.
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy resources mobilization and partnership development.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Commitment to the Organizations mandate vision and strategic direction as well as to its priorities.
• Proven leadership and managerial skills and sound analytical capacities.
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• Ability for strategic planning and management including capacity to administer extensive programmes and financial resources.
• Demonstrated ability to persuasively defend the importance of statistics/statistical products/services and articulate statistical development needs within UNESCOs mandate.
• Excellent diplomatic negotiation communication and representational skills.
• Strong understanding of global statistical systems and knowledge of the main issues facing the field of education and other UNESCO domains of expertise.
• Broad experience at a high level of international cooperation mechanisms and wide networks of contacts with international organizations and development agencies (World Bank UNICEF regional development banks OECD Eurostat etc.).
• Ability to strengthen the reputation of the Institute by maintaining a focus on top-quality results.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams in a multicultural environment as well as to ensure continuous training and development of staff.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of and drafting skills in English.

EDUCATION

• A PhD in relevant field would be a strong asset.
• Degree/diploma or course in management.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Extensive experience collaborating directly with government education ministries national statistics authorities and policy research institutions or think tanks particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
• Professional experience gained in a multicultural working environment.
• Track record in working with a wide range of high-level partnerships and in participating effectively in high-level negotiations.
• Strong global professional network.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Competence in the use software for general and specialized applications.
• Ability to keep up-to-date on relevant developments in statistics.

LANGUAGES

• Good knowledge of French.
• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic Chinese Russian and Spanish).

UNESCOs salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave family allowance medical insurance pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US$ 175883.

For full information on benefits and entitlements please consult ourGuide to Staff Benefits.

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information by the above deadline.

To apply please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments interviews with a Panel as well as reference addition candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the positions qualifications.

Please note that all candidates whether selected or not will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here)are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCOs international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview you will be required to provide in advance a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link:
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station which will be facilitated by the Organization is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.