Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences

Post Number : SHS 001

Grade : ADG

Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-FEB-2020

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Director-General, the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences is responsible for providing leadership and strategic vision for the Social and Human Sciences Sector in line with the Organization’s current Medium-Term Strategy for 2014-2021, its global priorities Africa and gender equality, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

To that effect, the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences is responsible for the overall implementation of the Social and Human Sciences Major Programme, as approved by UNESCO’s governing bodies. This comprises management, planning and coordination of UNESCO’s strategy, programmes and plans of action for the Social and Human Sciences Sector, including transversal and interdisciplinary initiatives, as well as assistance in mobilizing extrabudgetary resources and establishing partnerships.

The Social and Human Sciences Sector’s mission is to strengthen social and human sciences programmes and policies – nationally, regionally and globally – and to promote international cooperation to address the critical challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The objective is to advance knowledge, standards and intellectual cooperation in order to address the complexity of social transformations, by promoting inclusive social development and intercultural dialogue in particular.

The approach taken will be through programmes related to social transformations (Management of Social Transformations – MOST), human rights, youth, sport, peacebuilding and social inclusion, as well as standard-setting and capacity-building work, in the fields of climate change, the environment, bioethics and the ethics of science and technology, as well as the ethics of artificial intelligence.

The Social and Human Sciences programme focuses on:

strengthening social science policies, governance and the science-policy-society interface, with a view to achieving sustainable and inclusive social development through knowledge and capacity building;

monitoring global trends and developments in the field of social and human sciences, as well as operating in an innovative, creative and multidisciplinary manner;

promoting social science research and building institutional and human capacities in social and human sciences;

empowering Member States to manage the ethical, legal, environmental and societal implications of cutting-edge science, emerging technologies and their applications;

promoting the integration of a human rights-based approach in all of UNESCO’s programmes and activities;

supporting youth development and civic engagement;

promoting intercultural dialogue;

building multi-stakeholder public policies in the field of sports and anti-doping;

strengthening the philosophy programme and the debate of ideas, as well as the General History of Africa, the Slave Route and Silk Roads programmes; and fostering international collaboration for social inclusion and equity through initiatives such as the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR).

For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: https://en.unesco.org, and/or the following documents: 37 C/4 (UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy, 2014–2021) and 39 C/5 (UNESCO’s Approved Programme and Budget for 2018–2019).

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)

Accountability (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Making quality decisions (M)

Driving and managing change (M)

Building partnerships (M)

Leading and empowering others (M)

Strategic thinking (M)

Managing performance (M)

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a discipline related to the Social and Human Sciences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

 A minimum of 15 years’ experience in international and intergovernmental cooperation, preferably within the United Nations system context.

Extensive and relevant professional experience from senior leadership/executive positions in areas directly related to UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Programme, including assignments at the regional and/or international levels.

Extensive and relevant professional experience in scientific research and cooperation.

Extensive and relevant professional experience in management of international development programmes, projects and processes including change management initiatives.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

 Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic directions and priorities.

Leadership capacities, a sense of objectivity and neutrality, strong analytical skills and intellectual capabilities, professional integrity and diplomacy.

Ability to exercise well-founded and balanced authority, as well as to provide and manage advisory services and functions.

Sound knowledge of the scientific research landscape.

Sound knowledge of strategic planning and general management practices, including results-based management and budgeting principles, governance and accountability.

Demonstrated ability to lead and direct change processes at the substantive and management levels.

Excellent advocacy and communication skills with strong representational abilities.

Proven ability to interact effectively at the highest governmental levels, as well as with leaders of the private sector and NGOs, and ability to mobilize resources and to build collaborative partnerships and networks with and between a wide variety of stakeholders.

Proven knowledge of gender-related issues in social and human sciences.

Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage relationships at all levels of the Organization.

LANGUAGES

 Excellent knowledge of and drafting skills in English and French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

A PhD level degree in the social and human sciences or one of its sub-disciplines.

Other university degrees or short to medium-term training in disciplines relevant to the post.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Awareness and knowledge of UNESCO’s strategic objectives and of wider reform and initiative processes within the United Nations system, especially with regard to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Experience in conducting complex negotiations diplomatically and tactfully in the overall interest of pursuing UNESCO’s mandate and mission.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Skills in administration and the management of financial and human resources.

A solid understanding of global operational risk.

Experience in guiding staff and motivating teams in a culturally diverse environment.

LANGUAGES

Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s 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.

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website and UNESCO’s career website.

ASSESSMENT

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

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UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.