Job Detail
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Experience 15 Years +
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Gender Both
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Vacancy Number N/A
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Education Level Masters Degree
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No of Vacancies N/A
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Grade Level/Post Level ADG
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Contract Duration 2 years, renewable
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Required Language English
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Hiring For UNESCO
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Age Requirement 18+
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Recruitment Type N/A
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Required Field of Study public or business administration or international relations
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Post Number N/A
Job Description
Extension number: PAX 001
Class: ADG
Supervisory sector: Priority Africa and External Relations (PAX) sector
Duty station: Paris
Job Family: Administration
Contract type: Fixed-term commitment
Contract duration: 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates
Application deadline (midnight Paris time): 02-JAN-2026
UNESCO’s core values: Commitment to the Organization, integrity, respect for diversity, professionalism
JOB DUTIES SUMMARY
UNESCO plays a unique and crucial role in building the foundations for lasting peace, promoting equitable and sustainable development, and advancing international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information. In a world undergoing profound transformation, UNESCO’s leadership helps Member States address complex social, economic, technological, and environmental challenges while fostering dialogue and mutual understanding.
Within this framework and under the authority of the Director-General, the Priority Africa and External Relations Sector orchestrates strategic action aimed at strengthening UNESCO’s partnerships and collaboration with Member States, Permanent Delegations, National Commissions, intergovernmental organizations, and a wide range of stakeholders. The Sector oversees flagship programs such as the Participation Programme, the Fellowship Programme, the Goodwill Ambassadors Programme, coordination with the United Nations system and field offices, as well as the Protocol Unit, ensuring the coherence, transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment of UNESCO’s overall external cooperation architecture.
Under the overall authority of the Director-General, the Assistant Director-General for the Africa Priority and External Relations provides intellectual leadership for the Sector and defines the strategic vision that guides its activities, in accordance with UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy (2022-2029) and the decisions of the governing bodies.
Acting under the authority of the Director General and in accordance with his/her directives, the Deputy Director General:
- leads the implementation of the Operational Strategy for the Africa priority (2022-2029), ensuring alignment with UNESCO’s sectoral and intersectoral priorities;
- strengthens coordination between Sectors and field offices to ensure consistency of contributions to the Africa priority and the effectiveness of support provided to Member States;
- offers policy analysis and strategic guidance on trends, opportunities and challenges to inform decision-making at UNESCO level;
- develops and maintains high-level partnerships, including within the framework of triangular cooperation and South-South 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, in order to ensure that sectoral and intersectoral initiatives are in line with UNESCO’s strategic objectives;
- promotes gender equality, youth participation, emergency interventions and support for vulnerable environments, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS);
- promotes collaboration with UNESCO’s governing bodies and represents the Director-General at relevant meetings, conferences and forums to ensure consistency of strategic messages;
- oversees protocol and external relations functions, and carries out high-priority initiatives and responsibilities assigned by the Director General.
For further information concerning the specific programmes mentioned above, candidates may consult our website ( https://fr.unesco.org/ ) and/or the following documents: 41 C/4 (UNESCO Medium-Term Strategy for 2022-2029) and 43 C/5 (Proposed Programme and Budget of UNESCO for the Quadrennial Period 2026-2029).
SKILLS (Core / Managerial)
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Formation
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a discipline related to UNESCO’s mandate, in public or business administration or international relations, or in a related field related to the Organization’s mandate.
Professional experience
- At least fifteen (15) years of relevant professional experience at increasing levels of responsibility in the field of international and intergovernmental cooperation, preferably within the United Nations system.
- Extensive professional experience acquired in relevant management/responsibility positions directly related to UNESCO’s mandate, including assignments at regional and/or international levels.
- Understanding and knowledge of UNESCO’s strategic objectives, as well as broader reform processes and initiatives across the United Nations system, the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
- Experience in political analysis and diplomacy.
Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge of and adherence to the mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities of the Organization.
- Ability to lead in an assertive and innovative manner.
- Keen political sense and fine diplomatic skills to effectively represent UNESCO and engage with high-level stakeholders.
- Proven ability to lead institutional transformation, manage change and foster a culture of responsibility, diversity and performance.
- Excellent persuasion and communication skills and a clear aptitude for representational roles.
- Proven ability to interact effectively at the highest levels of government, as well as with leaders in the private sector and civil society.
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge of the Organization’s working languages (English and French) and excellent writing skills in these languages.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Formation
- Doctorate in a discipline related to the position.
Professional experience
- Professional experience related to Africa.
- Proven results in the development and management of large-scale programs or initiatives, at the continental or global level, involving multiple partners and funding streams.
- Strong ability to forge strategic partnerships with various actors at the international level, particularly for resource mobilization.
- Previous professional experience related to UNESCO programmes and initiatives.
LANGUAGES
- Practical knowledge of the second working language (English or French).
- Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish or Russian).
WAGES AND ALLOWANCES
UNESCO salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include, where applicable: 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension scheme, etc.
The starting annual salary for this position is approximately US$246,506.
For more information on salaries and benefits, please see our Staff Salary and Benefits Guide .
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all applicants must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website . No changes can be made to the submitted application.
Candidate evaluation is based on the criteria of the job vacancy notice and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconferencing, email correspondence, etc. for the evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and that candidates at the final selection stage will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
UNESCO reiterates that the overriding consideration in staff recruitment must be the need to secure for the Organization the services of individuals possessing the highest work ethic, competence, and integrity. UNESCO has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and maintaining equitable and diverse geographical representation, as well as gender parity, among its staff members in all categories and at all levels. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving staff diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Applications from nationals of non- and under-represented Member States ( please click here for the latest update ) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged. Individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, are also encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. Global mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Please note that UNESCO is a smoke-free organization.
