Overview
The Assistant Director-General for Sciences is responsible for providing intellectual leadership and strategic vision for the Sciences Sector, overseeing the implementation of Major Programme II (Natural Sciences) and Major Programme III (Social and Human Sciences). The role aims to advance UNESCO's mission through the promotion of sciences, knowledge, and innovation for peace and sustainable development.
Key Responsibilities
- Advance UNESCO’s initiatives and measurable impact across key sciences domains.
- Strengthen policies and governance related to sciences, technology and innovation.
- Empower Member States to manage the ethical, legal, environmental and societal implications of sciences, technology and innovation.
- Monitor global trends and developments in scientific fields.
- Promote knowledge and building of human and institutional capacities in sciences.
- Foster international scientific cooperation.
- Develop comprehensive and integrated actions with UNESCO’s global networks.
- Reinforce links with global and regional scientific associations and institutions.
- Promote the integration of a human rights-based approach.
- Support youth-policy development, youth action, and civic engagement.
- Promote intercultural dialogue.
- Advance intergovernmental cooperation and building multi-stakeholder public policies in sports and anti-doping.
- Strengthen the philosophy and humanities programme.
- Mobilize partnerships and extrabudgetary resources.
- Foster innovation and foresight in the sciences.
- Represent the Director-General and UNESCO in high-level international fora.
Required Experience
- At least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience from senior leadership/executive positions in areas directly related to UNESCO’s Sciences Programme.
- Assignments at the regional/international levels.
- Experience in managing global scientific programmes and institutions.
- Demonstrated capacity to conduct complex negotiations and managing politically sensitive normative processes at the international level.
- Demonstrated experience in leading large, diverse teams and managing organizational transformation.
- Substantial experience representing an organization and engaging effectively with high-level government/international officials.
- Extensive relevant professional experience in scientific research and cooperation.
Qualifications
• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a discipline related to the field of sciences.
