OVERVIEW
Post Number : PAX 001
Grade : ADG
Parent Sector : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)
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
UNESCO plays a unique and vital role in building the foundations of lasting peace, promoting equitable and sustainable development and advancing international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. In a world undergoing profound transformation, UNESCOโs leadership helps Member States address complex social, economic, technological and environmental challenges while upholding dialogue and mutual understanding.
Long Description
Within this framework and under the authority of the Director-General, the Sector for Priority Africa and External Relations provides strategic leadership to strengthen UNESCOโs partnerships and engagement with Member States, Permanent Delegations, National Commissions, intergovernmental organizations and a wide range of stakeholders. The Sector oversees programmes โ including the Participation Programme, Fellowships Programme, Goodwill Ambassadors Programme, coordination with the United Nations system and field offices, and the Protocol Unit; ensuring coherence, transparency, accountability and alignment across UNESCOโs global external engagement architecture.
Under the authority of the Director-General, the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations provides intellectual leadership and strategic vision to guide the Sectorโs work, ensuring alignment with UNESCOโs Medium-Term Strategy (2022โ2029) and decisions of the governing bodies.
Acting under the Director-Generalโs authority and guidance, the Assistant Director-General:
Leads the implementation of the Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022โ2029), ensuring coherence with UNESCOโs sectoral and intersectoral priorities. Strengthens coordination across Sectors and field offices to ensure coherent contributions to Priority Africa and effective support to Member States. Provides political analysis and strategic guidance on trends, opportunities and challenges to inform decision-making across UNESCO. Develops and maintains high-level partnerships, including triangular and SouthโSouth cooperation, with governments, National Commissions, Permanent Delegations, regional organizations, the United Nations system and civil society.
Provides guidance to Directors and heads of field offices to ensure alignment of sectoral and intersectoral initiatives with UNESCOโs strategic objectives. Advances gender equality, youth engagement, crisis response and support for vulnerable environments, including SIDS. Supports engagement with UNESCOโs governing bodies and represents the Director-General in relevant meetings, conferences and fora to ensure coherent strategic messaging. Oversees protocol and external relations functions and carries out high-priority initiatives and responsibilities entrusted by the Director-General.
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 degree) in a discipline related to UNESCOโs mandate, public or business administration, or international relations or a UNESCO related field.
Work Experience
At least 15 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in international and intergovernmental cooperation, preferably within the United Nations system context. Extensive and relevant professional experience in senior leadership/executive positions in areas directly related to UNESCOโs mandate, including assignments at the regional and/or international levels. Awareness and knowledge of UNESCOโs strategic objectives and of wider reform and initiative processes within the United Nations system, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the African Unionโs Agenda 2063. Experience in political analysis and diplomacy.Long Description
Skills & Competencies
Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organizationโs mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities. Strong and innovative leadership. 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 advocacy and communication skills with strong representational abilities. Strong ability to interact effectively at the highest governmental levels, as well as with leaders of the private sector and civil society.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of and drafting skills in the working languages the Organization (English or French).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education
A Ph.D. level degree in discipline related to the post.
Work Experience
Previous working experience related to Africa. Demonstrated results in developing and leading major continental or global programmes or initiatives involving multiple partners and funding streams. Strong ability to build strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders at the international level, including in support of resource mobilization. Previous professional experience related to UNESCOโs programmes and initiatives.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.