Conseiller/Conseillère spécial(e) auprès du Directeur général

Organizational Context

UNESCO is the United Nations specialized agency dedicated to fostering international peace through global cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. In a rapidly changing world, UNESCO strives to strengthen its role within the multilateral system, adapting its structures and work methods to better meet the expectations of its Member States.

Job Purpose

Under the direct authority of the Director-General and in close collaboration with the Management Team, the incumbent will provide leadership, coordination, and strategic direction for institutional governance, organizational reform, and management modernization. This role is crucial for supporting the overall effective functioning of the Organization. The position involves coordinating stakeholders, fostering dialogue, and advising the Director-General on matters concerning governance, organizational reform, administration, human resource management, and the UNESCO80 reform. Recommendations and guidance will be formulated on institutional issues related to governance frameworks, reform, management modernization, institutional effectiveness, internal control mechanisms, transparency, and accountability.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include coordinating organizational reform and management modernization initiatives across the Organization to enhance institutional effectiveness, organizational adaptability, and reform implementation. This involves developing forward-looking approaches to institutional reform and adaptation to emerging trends, fostering synergies between sectors and entities. The role also entails supervising and coordinating the preparation of institutional and governance-related documents for the Executive Board and General Conference, overseeing the work of the secretaries of governing bodies. Furthermore, the incumbent will formulate recommendations and provide guidance on complex institutional matters concerning governance frameworks, management reform, and control/accountability mechanisms to promote institutional effectiveness and organizational modernization, particularly within the UNESCO80 reform context. Contribution to UNESCO's participation in UN system-wide strategic, governance, and reform processes, including inter-agency coordination and reform initiatives aimed at increasing institutional effectiveness, policy coherence, and multilateral cooperation, is also a key aspect.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen (15) years of relevant professional experience at increasing levels of responsibility in international relations, government affairs, or multilateral cooperation, including significant interaction with senior officials and decision-makers. At least seven (7) years of this experience must have been acquired at the international level.

Skills

Strong leadership and management skills, objectivity, analytical abilities, professional integrity, and diplomacy. Proven ability to coordinate complex, high-level processes, synthesize diverse inputs, and formulate strategic recommendations for senior leadership. Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, with the capacity to distill complex issues and produce high-quality strategic notes, briefing papers, and key talking points under tight deadlines. Acute political acumen and ability to build fruitful relationships with Member States, senior officials, and diverse institutional actors.

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