Assistant Director-General for Education (re-advertisement)

Overview

Provides strategic leadership, intellectual vision, and managerial oversight for UNESCO’s Education Programme. Leads UNESCO’s work to transform education systems, mobilize partnerships, and drive innovation.

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.