Senior Advisor for Governing Bodies, Planning and Administration

Overview

Provide strategic and political advice on UNESCO's governance and engagement.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, political sciences, or related fields.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the fields of international relations, international law, strategic planning or governance mechanisms, of which preferably five (5) years acquired at the international level.
• Demonstrated experience of effective communication at senior level, with senior officers in multilateral institutions.
• Experience in developing and defining strategic orientations/frameworks in an international/regional organization.
• Experience in leading teams.
• Professional experience in the United Nations System and/or in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and development.
• Excellent organizational and coordination skills.
• Capacity to build, maintain and enhance effective working relations with Member States, national authorities, cultural institutions, and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills, in particular the ability to synthesize and analyze information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team and a multi-cultural environment.
• Strong diplomacy and advocacy skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English or French and good working knowledge of the other language.

Contract

This is a P-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 169,075 USD and 211,890 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Post Number : CAB 053 Grade : P-5 Parent Sector : Office of the Director-General (CAB) Duty Station: Paris Job Family: External Relations Type of contract : Fixed Term Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 26-MAY-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- Under the authority of the Director of the Cabinet, in cooperation with the Senior Management, the incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic and political advice on the Director-General's engagement with UNESCO's Governing Bodies, President of the General Conference, Chair of the Executive Board, Permanent Delegations and Electoral Groups. He/she will also provide strategic advice and decision-making support on statutory meetings of UNESCO's Governing Bodies. The incumbent will also provide strategic advice and decision-making support to the Director-General and the Director of the Cabinet to reshape, redirect UNESCO's strategies, policies and programmes, Global Priority Africa, Gender Equality and intersectoral programmes falling under the purview of the Sector for Administration and Management (ADM), including on the human resources of the Organization, in close cooperation with the Assistant Director-General for ADM (ADG/ADM) and the Director of Human Resources Management (DIR/HRM). The Senior Advisor will provide strategic advice on the preparation of the Programme and Budget (C/5) of the Organization, in keeping with the Director-General's vision and the decisions of the Governing Bodies, as well as in monitoring budgetary issues pertaining to its implementation, in close coordination with the Director of the Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP) and ADG/ADM. She/he will provide advice to the Director-General and the Director of the Cabinet on aspects related to UNESCO's Global Priority Gender Equality, in close collaboration with the Director of the Gender Equality Division, relating to the Director-General's participation in conferences and international events on Gender Equality. The incumbent will also support and provide advice to the Deputy Director-General in monitoring strategies and policies, as well as on the implementation of his activities (meetings with high-level representatives of Member States, administration and human resources issues). In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following: - Providing strategic and political advice and assisting the Director-General in her engagement with UNESCO's Governing Bodies, President of the General Conference, Chair of the Executive Board, Bureau of the Executive Board and Electoral Groups. Overseeing the Cabinet's work related to Governing Bodies, including review, approval and final clearance of all statutory documents submitted to the Governing Bodies, liaising with Governing Bodies Services, Bureau of Strategic Planning and Sectors, and engaging with the Presidents of the Governing Bodies Committees and Commissions and other stakeholders to ensure their full understanding and adherence to UNESCO's positioning with respect to various matters and to advise the Director-General on potential issues of concern. - Providing strategic advice to the Director-General and the Director of the Cabinet, in close cooperation with ADG/ADM and relevant services (Legal Affairs, Internal Oversight, Ethics), on aspects related to the purview of the ADM Sector (policy development, administration and management), including on human resources matters (appointments processes, mobility of staff and all other aspects related to the implementation of the human resources strategy). - Providing strategic framework and direction to the preparation of the Programme and Budget (C/5) of the Organization in keeping with the Director-General's vision and the decisions of the Governing bodies; monitoring the budgetary issues pertaining to the implementation of the C/5 in coordination with BSP and ADM to identify critical elements that should be highlighted to the Director-General and the Director of the Cabinet. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) Leading and empowering others (M) Driving and managing change (M) Strategic thinking (M) Making quality decisions (M) Managing performance (M) Building partnerships (M) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- ***Education*** - Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, political sciences, or related fields. ***Work Experience*** - A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the fields of international relations, international law, strategic planning or governance mechanisms, of which preferably five (5) years acquired at the international level. - Demonstrated experience of effective communication at senior level, with senior officers in multilateral institutions. - Experience in developing and defining strategic orientations/frameworks in an international/regional organization. - Experience in leading teams. - Professional experience in the United Nations System and/or in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and development. ***Skills & Competencies*** - Excellent organizational and coordination skills. - Capacity to build, maintain and enhance effective working relations with Member States, national authorities, cultural institutions, and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. - Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills, in particular the ability to synthesize and analyze information. - Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team and a multi-cultural environment. - Strong diplomacy and advocacy skills. ***Languages*** - Excellent knowledge of English or French and good working knowledge of the other language. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- ***Education*** - Advanced University degree (PhD) in the field of international relations, political science, or a related field. ***Work Experience*** - Experience in the implementation of UNESCO’s programmes, at national and/or international level. ***Skills and Competencies*** - Knowledge and understanding of UNESCO’s programmes and priorities. - Familiarity with the work of international organizations and/or the United Nations System. ***Languages*** - Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish). **BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS** ----------------------------- UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 151 700 US $. For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our [Guide to Staff Benefits.](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/unesco-staff-compensation-booklet_en.pdf) **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [ UNESCO careers website.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. **Footer** ---------- *UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States ([last update here](https://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.* *UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.*

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