Job Detail
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Experience 15 Years +
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Gender Both
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Vacancy Number CI 001
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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 communication and/or information.
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Post Number N/A
Job Description
Position number: CI 001
Class: ADG
Supervisory sector: Communication and Information (CI) 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
The Communication and Information Sector plays a central role in UNESCO’s mission to promote freedom of expression, access to information, media development and media literacy, and knowledge societies, by fostering universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development, and the preservation of documentary heritage. The Sector’s mission—empowering individuals through communication and information—takes on new importance in a world reshaped by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the rapid evolution of information ecosystems .
Under the authority of the Director General, the Deputy Director General for Communication and Information provides strategic leadership, defines the intellectual vision and oversees the management of the Communication and Information Sector (major program V).
The incumbent is responsible for the overall implementation of the Communication and Information Sector’s global strategy to advance freedom of expression and media development, to champion universal access to information and knowledge, and to ensure that technological innovation contributes to peace and sustainable development.
The Deputy Director General for Communication and Information will be responsible for:
- to provide strategic direction and guidance in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of the strategy, programmes and policies of the Communication and Information Sector, in accordance with the decisions of UNESCO’s governing bodies;
- to advance freedom of expression and the safety of journalists, both online and offline, while encouraging media pluralism, independence and viability;
- supporting the establishment of inclusive and media-informed societies, empowering citizens to access, produce and share information responsibly in the digital age;
- to lead UNESCO’s global action to build inclusive knowledge societies, through policies and programmes promoting universal access to information, open science, open educational resources and digital inclusion;
- to promote the ethical dimensions of digital transformation and frameworks relating to the governance of new technologies;
- ensuring the preservation of documentary heritage, which is a component of the world’s common memory, within the framework of initiatives such as the Memory of the World Programme;
- to establish and maintain high-level partnerships with Member States, United Nations entities, development banks, the private sector and philanthropic organizations in order to extend the reach and impact of the Sector;
- strengthen UNESCO’s capacity to lead thinking in the field of communication and information, by representing the Organization in high-level bodies and in the context of international dialogues on media, digital governance and innovation;
- to encourage innovation and foresight, by anticipating the technological and societal trends that shape the ecosystems of communication, access to information and media;
- to represent the Director-General and UNESCO in high-level international bodies and at intergovernmental meetings, strengthening UNESCO’s visibility, influence and intellectual leadership in the field of communication and information;
- to ensure effective management and accountability, by promoting a culture of performance, transparency and diversity throughout the Sector.
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 the fields of communication and/or information.
Professional experience
- At least fifteen (15) years of relevant professional experience at increasing levels of responsibility, acquired in management/responsibility positions directly related to UNESCO’s Communication and Information Programme, including assignments at regional and/or international levels.
- Proven experience in senior management positions in the development and implementation of international policies, programs or frameworks in fields related to communication and information.
- Proven experience in leading large, diverse teams and managing organizational transformation, including change management and strategic planning.
- Solid experience in representing an organization and in effectively collaborating with high-level government and/or international officials.
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, as well as to formulate a compelling vision of the role of communication and information.
- 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.
- Strong ability to interact effectively at the highest levels of government, as well as with private sector and civil society leaders, to mobilize resources and to establish partnerships and collaborative networks with and between diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills and a clear aptitude for representational roles.
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge of one of the Organization’s working languages (English or French) and excellent writing skills in that language.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Formation
- Doctoral level diploma in the fields of communication and/or information or in one of their branches.
Professional experience
- Understanding and knowledge of UNESCO’s strategic objectives, as well as broader reform processes across the United Nations system.
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.
