Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations
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Job Summary
OVERVIEW
Post Number:PAX 001
Grade:ADG
Parent Sector:Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)
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
UNESCO plays a unique and vital role in building the foundations of lasting peace promoting equitable and sustainable development and advancing international cooperation in education the sciences culture communication and a world undergoing profound transformation UNESCOs leadership helps Member States address complex social economic technological and environmental challenges while upholding dialogue and mutual understanding.
Long Description
Within this framework and under the authority of the Director-General the Sector for Priority Africa and External Relations provides strategic leadership to strengthen UNESCOs partnerships and engagement with Member States Permanent Delegations National Commissions intergovernmental organizations and a wide range of stakeholders. The Sector oversees programmes including the Participation Programme Fellowships Programme Goodwill Ambassadors Programme coordination with the United Nations system and field offices and the Protocol Unit; ensuring coherence transparency accountability and alignment across UNESCOs global external engagement architecture.
Under the authority of the Director-General the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations provides intellectual leadership and strategic vision to guide the Sectors work ensuring alignment with UNESCOs Medium-Term Strategy () and decisions of the governing bodies.
Acting under the Director-Generals authority and guidance the Assistant Director-General:
- Leads the implementation of the Operational Strategy for Priority Africa () ensuring coherence with UNESCOs sectoral and intersectoral priorities.
- Strengthens coordination across Sectors and field offices to ensure coherent contributions to Priority Africa and effective support to Member States.
- Provides political analysis and strategic guidance on trends opportunities and challenges to inform decision-making across UNESCO.
- Develops and maintains high-level partnerships including triangular and SouthSouth cooperation with governments National Commissions Permanent Delegations regional organizations the United Nations system and civil society.
- Provides guidance to Directors and heads of field offices to ensure alignment of sectoral and intersectoral initiatives with UNESCOs strategic objectives.
- Advances gender equality youth engagement crisis response and support for vulnerable environments including SIDS.
- Supports engagement with UNESCOs governing bodies and represents the Director-General in relevant meetings conferences and fora to ensure coherent strategic messaging.
- Oversees protocol and external relations functions and carries out high-priority initiatives and responsibilities entrusted by the Director-General.
Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in a discipline related to UNESCOs mandate public or business administration or international relations or a UNESCO related field.
Work Experience
- At least 15 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in international and intergovernmental cooperation preferably within the United Nations system context.
- Extensive and relevant professional experience in senior leadership/executive positions in areas directly related to UNESCOs mandate including assignments at the regional and/or international levels.
- Awareness and knowledge of UNESCOs strategic objectives and of wider reform and initiative processes within the United Nations system the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the African Unions Agenda 2063.
- Experience in political analysis and diplomacy.
Long Description
Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge of and commitment to the Organizations mandate vision strategic direction and priorities.
- Strong and innovative leadership.
- 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.
- Excellent advocacy and communication skills with strong representational abilities.
- Strong ability to interact effectively at the highest governmental levels as well as with leaders of the private sector and civil society.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of and drafting skills in the working languages the Organization (English or French).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- A Ph.D. level degree in discipline related to the post.
Work Experience
- Previous working experience related to Africa.
- Demonstrated results in developing and leading major continental or global programmes or initiatives involving multiple partners and funding streams.
- Strong ability to build strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders at the international level including in support of resource mobilization.
- Previous professional experience related to UNESCOs programmes and initiatives.
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
