Special Advisor to the Director-General

Position Number: ODG 095

Grade:D-1

Parent Sector: Office of the Director-General (ODG)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Administration

Contract Type:Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years renewable

Recruitment open to:Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 10/07/2026

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

UNESCO is the United Nations specialized agency dedicated to building peace through international cooperation in education the sciences culture communication and a rapidly changing global landscape UNESCO is reinforcing its role within the multilateral system and adapting its structures and methods of work to better respond to Member States aspirations.

Under the overall authority of the Director-General the incumbent in close cooperation with the Senior Management Team provides leadership coordination and guidance on institutional governance organizational reform and management modernization matters in support of effective institutional functioning across the Organization.

The incumbent facilitates coordination among relevant stakeholders facilitates dialogue and advises the Director-General on matters related to governance organizational reform administration human resources management and the UNESCO80 Reform. He/she also provides recommendations and guidance on institutional matters relating to governance frameworks management reform and modernization institutional effectiveness oversight transparency and accountability mechanisms institutional effectiveness and organizational modernization.

In particular the incumbent shall:

• Coordinate organizational reform and management modernization initiatives across the Organization in order to support institutional effectiveness organizational adaptation and reform implementation including developing anticipatory and forward-looking approaches to institutional reform and adaptation to emerging developments affecting the Organization and fostering synergies and complementarities across sectors and organizational entities.
• Oversee and coordinate the preparation of institutional and governance-related documentation submitted to the Executive Board and the General Conference and oversee the work of the secretaries of the governing bodies.
• Provide recommendations and guidance on complex institutional matters relating to governance frameworks management reform oversight and accountability mechanisms in order to support institutional effectiveness and organizational modernization including in the context of the UNESCO80 Reform.
• Contribute with PAX Sector to UNESCOs participation in United Nations system-wide strategic governance and reform-related processes including inter-agency coordination and reform initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional effectiveness policy coherence and multilateral cooperation across the UN system.

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 Draft Programme and Budget for 2026-2029 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 international relations political science public administration finance law management or a field relevant to UNESCOs mandate.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in international relations governmental affairs or multilateral cooperation including engagement with senior officials and decision-makers of which including at least seven (7) years acquired at the international level.
• Experience working with intergovernmental processes including negotiations and consensus-building.
• Experience in organizational reform institutional development public-sector modernization or governance processes.
• Experience engaging with issues related to UNESCOs areas of competence and their relevance to global policy debates.
• Experience representing an institution in multilateral or inter-agency settings.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of and commitment to the Organizations mandate vision strategic direction and priorities.
• Strong managerial and leadership skills high sense of objectivity strong analytical capabilities professional integrity and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex high-level processes synthesize diverse inputs and prepare strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Excellent analytical drafting and communication skills including the ability to synthesize complex issues and prepare high-quality strategic notes briefs and talking points under tight deadlines.
• Strong political judgment with the ability to engage effectively with Member States senior officials and diverse institutional stakeholders.
• Capacity to facilitate coordination across organizational units and promote coherent approaches to policy reform and decision-making processes.
• Good understanding of UN and UNESCO governance methods of work and multilateral decision-making dynamics.
• Ability to anticipate developments propose strategic options and support organizational transformation efforts with discretion and sound judgment.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive information and handle competing priorities and time-critical assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to manage relationships at all levels of the Organization.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French).

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience within the United Nations system and/or in a specialized institution or other international organ.
• Experience with UNESCOs statutory bodies normative instruments or intergovernmental committees.
• Experience in conducting complex negotiations diplomatically and tactfully.
• Experience in the field of administration and human resources.

LANGUAGES

• Working knowledge of the second language (English or French).
• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic Chinese Russian or 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 $ 184832

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.