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

Organizational Context

UNESCO is committed to strengthening the coherence and positioning of its scientific mandate in response to the increasing interdependence of environmental, technological, and societal systems. In a global context of rapid technological advancements and complex sustainability challenges, the organization emphasizes the need for closer coordination across natural, fundamental, and social sciences. The Science Sector aims to enhance UNESCO's capacity to provide 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 Sciences is responsible for providing intellectual leadership and defining the strategic vision for the Science Sector, aligning with UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy. This role oversees the implementation of major programs in Natural Sciences and Human and Social Sciences, including Category 1 institutes. The core mission is to leverage sciences as a transformative force for sustainability, human rights, gender equality, peace, and equity. This involves integrating diverse knowledge systems, advanced technology, ethical considerations, and inclusive dialogue to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water security, and disaster resilience, while promoting ethical technological advancements and equitable access to knowledge.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Director-General for Sciences will advance UNESCO's initiatives and measurable impact in key scientific areas, including social policies, ethics, ecological and Earth sciences, and water sciences. Responsibilities include strengthening science, technology, and innovation policies and governance, expanding access to scientific advancements through open science, and enhancing the science-policy-society interface for ethical and sustainable development. The role involves empowering Member States to manage the ethical, legal, and societal implications of emerging technologies like AI. It requires monitoring global scientific trends, promoting responsible scientific research and capacity building across disciplines, and fostering international scientific cooperation for global challenges. Key duties also include managing UNESCO's global networks, strengthening ties with scientific institutions, promoting a human rights-based approach, supporting youth engagement, advancing intercultural dialogue, and leading efforts in sports and anti-doping. Mobilizing extrabudgetary resources and partnerships, fostering innovation, and representing UNESCO in high-level forums are also critical aspects of this position.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience, with increasing levels of responsibility in senior leadership or management roles within UNESCO's science program. This includes experience in managing large-scale scientific programs and institutions, conducting complex negotiations, and managing politically sensitive normative processes at the international level. Proven experience in leading diverse teams, managing organizational transformation, and representing an organization effectively with high-level government and international officials is essential.

Skills

Strong leadership, innovative thinking, and strategic vision formulation. Acute political acumen and diplomatic skills for effective representation and high-level engagement. Proven ability to drive institutional transformation, manage change, and foster a culture of accountability, diversity, and performance. Excellent communication and representation abilities. Proficiency in English or French is required, with excellent writing skills in one of the working languages.

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