Special Advisor to the Director-General

Organizational Context

UNESCO is the United Nations specialized agency dedicated to building peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. In a rapidly changing global landscape, UNESCO is reinforcing its role within the multilateral system and adapting its structures and methods of work to better respond to Member States' aspirations. The Director-General oversees the organization's functions, supported by a Senior Management Team.

Job Purpose

Under the overall authority of the Director-General, the incumbent provides leadership, coordination, and guidance on institutional governance, organizational reform, and management modernization. This role is crucial for ensuring effective institutional functioning across UNESCO. The Special Advisor facilitates coordination among stakeholders, engages in dialogue, and advises the Director-General on critical matters including governance, organizational reform, administration, human resources management, and the UNESCO80 Reform. Recommendations and guidance are provided on institutional frameworks, management reform, modernization, effectiveness, oversight, transparency, and accountability mechanisms.

Responsibilities

Coordinate organizational reform and management modernization initiatives to enhance institutional effectiveness, adaptation, and reform implementation. Develop anticipatory approaches to institutional reform and adaptation to emerging developments, fostering synergies across sectors. Oversee and coordinate the preparation of institutional and governance-related documentation for the Executive Board and General Conference, managing the work of governing body secretaries. Provide expert recommendations and guidance on complex institutional matters, including governance frameworks, management reform, oversight, and accountability mechanisms, supporting institutional effectiveness and modernization within the UNESCO80 Reform context. Contribute to UNESCO's participation in UN system-wide strategic, governance, and reform processes, promoting inter-agency coordination and strengthening institutional effectiveness, policy coherence, and multilateral cooperation.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience in international relations, governmental affairs, or multilateral cooperation, including engagement with senior officials. At least seven years must be at the international level. Experience with intergovernmental processes, organizational reform, institutional development, public-sector modernization, or governance is essential.

Skills

Strong managerial and leadership skills, high objectivity, analytical capabilities, professional integrity, and diplomacy. Ability to coordinate complex, high-level processes, synthesize diverse inputs, and prepare strategic recommendations. Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills for preparing strategic notes and briefs. Strong political judgment for engaging effectively with Member States and stakeholders. Capacity to facilitate cross-organizational coordination and promote coherent policy approaches. Understanding of UN and UNESCO governance dynamics. Ability to anticipate developments and support organizational transformation.

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