Overview

Provides strategic leadership, intellectual vision, and managerial oversight for UNESCO’s Education Programme. Leads the transformation of education systems, mobilizes partnerships, and drives innovation to ensure learning is accessible, inclusive, relevant, and future-ready.

Tasks Summary

• Provide strategic direction and leadership in formulating, implementing and monitoring the Education Sector’s strategy, programmes and policies.
• Lead UNESCO’s role as the global coordinator of SDG 4 (Quality Education).
• Strengthen support to Member States in developing and implementing inclusive, equitable and high-quality education policies, systems and practices.
• Advance the “Futures of Education” and “Transforming Education” agendas.
• Promote lifelong learning and skills development.
• Empower learners to become creative, responsible and ethical global citizens.
• Oversee and guide the work of UNESCO’s education-related category 1 institutes.
• Develop and maintain high-level partnerships.
• Foster innovation and foresight in the natural sciences.
• Represent the Director-General and UNESCO in high-level international fora and intergovernmental meetings.
• Ensure effective management and accountability.

Experience Requirements

• At least 15 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience from senior leadership/executive positions in areas directly related to UNESCO’s Education Programme, including assignments at the regional and/or international levels.
• 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.
• Extensive and relevant professional experience in scientific research and cooperation.

Qualification Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a discipline related to the field of education.
• A Ph.D. level degree in the field of education or one of its sub-disciplines (desirable).

Other Details

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

Languages Preferred: • Working knowledge of the second language (English or French). • Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

Contract Duration: 2 years, renewable

Work Modality:

Remuneration: • The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US$ 248 223.