OVERVIEW
Post Number : ED 001
Grade : ADG
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
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
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000386038
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The mission of the Education Sector plays a central role in advancing UNESCOโs mission to promote inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all and to ensure that these principles are inherent in all its programmes and operations. As the lead United Nations agency for education, UNESCO serves as the global coordinator of the Education 2030 Framework for Action. It supports Member States in strengthening education systems, transforming teaching and learning and ensuring that every learner โ regardless of background โ acquires the knowledge, skills, values and competencies needed to shape a just, peaceful and sustainable future.
Long Description
Under the authority of the Director-General, the Assistant Director-General for Education provides strategic leadership, intellectual vision and overall managerial oversight for UNESCOโs Education Programme (Major Programme I).
The incumbent leads UNESCOโs work to reimagine and transform education systems, mobilize partnerships and drive innovation to ensure learning is accessible, inclusive, relevant and future-ready. The incumbent will also oversee the education-related category 1 institutes (such as UIS, IIEP, IICBA, UIL and MGIEP) and work in close collaboration with other Assistant Directors-General to strengthen cross-sectoral linkages between education, science, culture, communication and social inclusion.
The Assistant Director-General for Education will:
Provide strategic direction and leadership in formulating, implementing and monitoring the Education Sectorโs strategy, programmes and policies, in line with UNESCOโs governing bodies decisions. Lead UNESCOโs role as the global coordinator of SDG 4 (Quality Education), ensuring coherence, accountability and alignment of national, regional and global actions within the Education 2030 Framework for Action. Strengthen support to Member States in developing and implementing inclusive, equitable and high-quality education policies, systems and practices at all levels โ from early childhood to higher education and lifelong learning. Advance the โFutures of Educationโ and โTransforming Educationโ agendas, fostering innovation, digital transformation and resilience in education systems to meet emerging societal and technological challenges. Promote lifelong learning and skills development, aligning education and training with the evolving needs of labour markets, digital economies and sustainable societies. Empower learners to become creative, responsible and ethical global citizens through education that promotes human rights, peace, gender equality, sustainability and intercultural understanding.
Oversee and guide the work of UNESCOโs education-related category 1 institutes, ensuring programmatic coherence and synergy across global, regional and thematic initiatives. Develop and maintain high-level partnerships, with Member States, United Nations entities, development banks, private sector and philanthropic organizations to expand the Sectorโs reach and impact Foster innovation and foresight in the natural sciences, ensuring UNESCO remains a global laboratory of ideas in response to emerging challenges. Represent the Director-General and UNESCO in high-level international fora and intergovernmental meetings, strengthening UNESCOโs visibility, influence and thought leadership. Ensure effective management and accountability, fostering a culture of performance, transparency and diversity across the Sector.
Long Description
For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: https://www.unesco.org/en, and/or the following documents: 41 C/4 (UNESCOโs Medium-Term Strategy for 2022 โ 2029) and 43 C/5 (Draft UNESCOโs Programme and Budget for 2026 โ 2029 quadrennium).
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C)Communication (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Professionalism (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Building partnerships (M)Driving and managing change (M)Leading and empowering others (M)Making quality decisions (M)Managing performance (M)Strategic thinking (M)
- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced university degree (Masterโs or equivalent) in a discipline related to the field of education.
Work Experience
At least 15 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience from senior leadership/executive positions in areas directly related to UNESCOโs 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.Long Description
Skills & Competencies
Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organizationโs mandate, vision, strategic directions and priorities. Strong and innovative leadership, capable of articulating a compelling vision for the role of education. 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 communication skills with strong representational abilities.
Languages
Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
A Ph.D. level degree in the field of education or one of its sub-disciplines.
Work Experience
Awareness and knowledge of UNESCOโs strategic objectives and of wider reform initiatives and processes within the United Nations system.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
UNESCOโs 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 $246,506.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.