Job Detail
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Experience 5 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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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 N/A
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Post Number ED 001
Job Description
Position number: ED 001
Class: ADG
Supervisory sector: Education sector (ED)
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 Education Sector plays a vital role in advancing UNESCO’s mission to promote inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, and in ensuring that these principles are central to all its programs and operations. As the leading institution for education, UNESCO coordinates the Education 2030 Framework for Action. It assists Member States in strengthening education systems, transforming teaching and learning, and ensuring that every learner—regardless of their background—acquires the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies necessary to shape a just, peaceful, and sustainable future.
Under the authority of the Director-General, the Assistant Director-General for Education provides strategic leadership, intellectual vision and overall supervision of the management of UNESCO’s education programme (Major Programme I).
The incumbent leads UNESCO’s efforts to rethink and transform education systems, mobilize partnerships, and foster innovation to ensure that learning is accessible, inclusive, relevant, and future-oriented. He/She will also oversee Category 1 institutes related to education (such as the UIS, IIEP, IIRCA, UIL, and MGIEP) and work closely with other Assistant Directors-General to strengthen cross-sectoral linkages between education, science, culture, communication, and social inclusion.
The Deputy Director/Director General will be required to:
- to provide strategic direction and guidance in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of the strategy, programmes and policies of the Education Sector, in accordance with the decisions of UNESCO’s governing bodies;
- to lead UNESCO’s role as global coordinator of SDG 4 (Quality Education), ensuring coherence, accountability and alignment of national, regional and global actions with the Education 2030 Framework for Action;
- strengthen support to Member States in the development and implementation of inclusive, equitable and high-quality education policies, practices and systems at all levels – from early childhood to higher education and lifelong learning;
- to advance efforts concerning the “Futures of Education” and the “Transformation of Education”, by promoting innovation, digital transformation and the resilience of education systems to meet new societal and technological challenges;
- promote lifelong learning and skills development, by aligning education and training with the evolving needs of labor markets, digital economies and sustainable societies;
- to lead initiatives aimed at empowering learners to become creative, responsible and ethically conscious global citizens, through education that promotes human rights, peace, gender equality, sustainability and intercultural understanding;
- to supervise and guide the work of UNESCO Category 1 institutes related to education, ensuring program coherence and synergy between global, regional and thematic initiatives;
- 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;
- to promote innovation and foresight in the field of exact and natural sciences, ensuring that UNESCO remains a global laboratory of ideas in the face of new challenges;
- represent the Director-General and UNESCO in high-level international forums and intergovernmental meetings, striving to increase the visibility, influence and intellectual leadership of the Organization;
- 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 field of education.
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 Education programme, including assignments at regional and/or international levels.
- 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.
- Extensive relevant professional experience in scientific research and cooperation.
Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge of and adherence to UNESCO’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
- Ability to lead in an assertive and innovative manner, as well as to formulate a compelling vision of the role of education.
- 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 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 degree in the field of education or in one of its branches.
Professional experience
- Understanding and knowledge of UNESCO’s strategic objectives, as well as broader reform processes and initiatives 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.