Sous-Directeur / Directrice général(e) pour les sciences

Organizational Context

UNESCO is navigating an increasingly interconnected world of environmental, technological, and societal systems. The organization is proactively strengthening the coherence and positioning of its scientific mandate. In a global landscape of rapid technological advancements, complex sustainability challenges, and a growing demand for science-based, responsible governance, closer coordination across natural sciences, basic sciences, and social and human sciences is essential. The Science Sector aims to enhance UNESCO's capacity to deliver integrated, policy-relevant, and ethically grounded scientific solutions, fostering innovation and capacity building while respecting member states' mandates and normative instruments.

Job Purpose

The Assistant Director-General for Science is responsible for providing intellectual leadership and strategic vision for the Science Sector, aligning with UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy. This role involves overseeing the implementation of the Natural Sciences and Social and Human Sciences major programs, including Category 1 institutes. The core mission is to leverage natural sciences, basic sciences, and social and human sciences as transformative forces for sustainability, human rights, gender equality, peace, and equity. This includes integrating diverse knowledge systems, advanced technologies, ethical considerations, and fostering inclusive dialogue. The position strengthens the link between scientific frontiers and societal benefit, supporting evidence-based policy and development.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Director-General for Science will advance UNESCO's scientific initiatives and impact, focusing on social policies, ethics, research, technology, ecological and Earth sciences, and water sciences. Key responsibilities include strengthening science, technology, and innovation policies and governance, expanding access to scientific advancements, and promoting open science and the science-policy-society interface for ethical, sustainable, and inclusive development. The role involves empowering member states to manage the ethical, legal, environmental, and societal implications of science and technology, including AI and neurotechnologies. This includes monitoring global scientific trends, fostering international scientific cooperation for societal challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, and promoting responsible scientific research. The position also entails managing global actions with UNESCO's designated sites, centers, and chairs, strengthening ties with global scientific associations, and promoting a human rights-based approach. Furthermore, it involves supporting policy development for youth engagement, advancing intercultural dialogue, promoting intergovernmental cooperation in sports and anti-doping, and strengthening philosophical and human sciences programs. Mobilizing partnerships, extrabudgetary resources, and fostering innovation are crucial, as is representing the Director-General and UNESCO in high-level international forums to enhance the organization's visibility and intellectual leadership.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience is required, with increasing levels of responsibility in senior leadership or management roles within UNESCO's science program areas. This includes regional/international experience, with a focus on managing large-scale scientific programs and institutions. Proven ability in complex negotiations and managing sensitive international normative processes, preferably within multilateral scientific cooperation and the UN system, is essential. Experience in leading diverse teams and managing organizational transformation, including change management and strategic planning, is also required.

Skills

Key skills include strong leadership, innovative thinking, and the ability to articulate a compelling vision for science. Acute political acumen and diplomatic skills are necessary for effective representation and high-level engagement. Demonstrated ability to drive institutional transformation, manage change, and foster a culture of accountability, diversity, and performance is crucial. Excellent communication and representation abilities are essential, along with the capacity to interact effectively at the highest governmental levels and with private sector and civil society stakeholders to mobilize resources and build partnerships.

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