Assistant Director-General for Culture
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5 hours ago
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1 Vacancy
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Job Summary
OVERVIEW
Post Number:CLT 001
Grade:ADG
Parent Sector:Culture Sector (CLT)
Duty Station:Paris
Job Family: Administration
Type of contract:Fixed Term
Duration of contract:2 years renewable
Recruitment open to:Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time):02-JAN-2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization Integrity Respect for Diversity Professionalism
The Culture Sector plays a central role in UNESCOs mission to promote the role of culture heritage and creativity as a global public good and an important enabler of sustainable economic and social development a source of knowledge and resilience and a vector for dialogue and cooperation. It supports Member States in implementing UNESCOs six cultural conventions as platforms for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development addressing the challenges posed by conflicts climate change and natural disasters on culture.
Long Description
Under the authority of the Director-General the Assistant Director-General for Culture provides strategic leadership intellectual vision and managerial oversight for UNESCOs Culture Sector (Major Programme IV). The incumbent is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the Sectors overall strategy ensuring that UNESCO remains the global leader in the field of culture.
Working closely with other Assistant Directors-General the incumbent fosters transversal collaboration across sectors ensuring that culture is fully integrated into UNESCOs broader programme delivery particularly in relation to education the sciences communication and information.
The Assistant Director-General for Culture will:
- Provide strategic direction and leadership in the formulation implementation and monitoring of the Culture Sectors strategy policies and programmes as approved by the governing bodies.
- Promote the role of culture heritage and creativity as enablers of sustainable social and economic development in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Lead the implementation of UNESCOs cultural conventions and other normative instruments supporting Member States in translating global frameworks into concrete national actions and strengthening international cooperation.
- Oversee the protection conservation and transmission of cultural heritage.
- Foster creativity and the diversity of cultural expressions strengthening cultural and creative industries as drivers of inclusive growth and innovation.
- Enhance the Culture Sectors contribution to conflict prevention crisis response and recovery ensuring that culture and heritage are protected in emergencies and integrated into humanitarian and peacebuilding strategies.
- Develop and maintain high-level partnerships with Member States United Nations entities development banks private sector and philanthropic organizations to expand the Sectors reach and impact.
- Promote innovation and knowledge sharing anticipating emerging trends and harnessing digital technologies for cultural preservation and access.
- Represent the Director-General and UNESCO in high-level international fora and intergovernmental meetings strengthening UNESCOs visibility influence and thought leadership in the cultural field.
- Ensure effective management and accountability fostering a culture of performance transparency and diversity across the Sector.
Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in a discipline related to the field of culture.
Work Experience
- At least 15 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience from senior leadership/executive positions in areas directly related to UNESCOs Culture Programme including assignments at the regional and/or international levels.
- Proven record of leadership in developing and implementing policies programmes or international frameworks in areas related to culture.
- Demonstrated experience in leading large diverse teams and managing organizational transformation including change management and strategic planning.
- Substantial experience representing an organization and engaging effectively with high-level government/international officials.
Long Description
Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge of and commitment to the Organizations mandate vision strategic directions and priorities.
- Strong and innovative leadership capable of articulating a compelling vision for the role of culture.
- Strong political acumen and diplomatic skills to represent UNESCO effectively and engage high-level stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to lead institutional transformation manage change and foster a culture of accountability diversity and performance.
- Strong ability to interact effectively at the highest governmental levels as well as with leaders of the private sector and civil society and to mobilize resources and to build collaborative partnerships and networks with and between a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills with strong representational abilities.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- A Ph.D. level degree in the field of culture or other related areas.
Work Experience
- Awareness and knowledge of UNESCOs strategic objectives and of wider processes within the United Nations system.
Languages
- Working knowledge of the second language (English or French).
- Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic Chinese Russian or Spanish).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
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 $246506.
For full information on benefits and entitlements please consult ourGuide to Staff Benefits.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice and may include tests and/or assessments as well as an interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference e-mail correspondence etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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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 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. Individuals 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 mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- ICT
- Information Technology
- Access
- Delivery
- E Learning
- Legal Operations
About Company
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 20 ... View more
