Assistant Director-General for Sciences (Readvertisement)

UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - UNESCO

Staff Closes 07 Aug 2026 8 days left

Overview

The Assistant Director-General for Sciences is responsible for providing intellectual leadership and strategic vision for the Sciences Sector, advancing UNESCO's mission through the promotion of sciences, knowledge, and innovation.


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.
  • 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 the field of 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 and intergovernmental meetings.
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, including assignments at the regional/international levels, with particular emphasis on experience in managing global scientific programmes and institutions. Demonstrated capacity to conduct complex negotiations and managing politically sensitive normative processes at the international level, preferably in the context of multilateral scientific cooperation and the United Nations system. 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 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.

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
Not specified
Remuneration
The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US$ 243,931
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