Deputy Director-General

OVERVIEW

Post Number : CAB 006

Grade : DDG

Parent Sector : Office of the Director-General (CAB)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Administration

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 20-DEC-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

UNESCO plays a unique and vital role in building the foundations of lasting peace, promoting equitable and sustainable development and advancing international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. In a world undergoing profound transformation, UNESCO's leadership helps Member States address complex social, economic, technological and environmental challenges while upholding dialogue and mutual understanding.

Within this framework and under the authority of the Director-General, the Deputy Director-General provides strategic direction, leadership and oversight to ensure the effective management, coherence and impact of UNESCO's worldwide operations and programmes, including sound budget management, organizational efficiency and resource mobilization. 

Long Description

The incumbent supports the Director-General in advancing UNESCO's strategic objectives and in promoting innovation, modernization and organizational excellence. Acting under the authority and guidance of the Director-General, the Deputy Director-General contributes to:

• Ensuring that UNESCO strategic priorities are translated into coherent programmes and tangible results across the Organization and its networks.
• Supporting organizational performance and accountability, and fostering a culture of collaboration, transparency and continuous improvement across the Organization.
• Providing, under the authority of the Director-General, strategic oversight and guidance, in coordination with the Assistant Director-General for Administration and Management and the Bureau of Strategic Planning, to ensure sound financial governance, effective budget planning, transparent resource use, alignment of financial planning and partnerships with programmatic priorities, and effective leveraging of voluntary contributions.
• Promoting simplification, modernization, digital transformation and coherent IT governance across headquarters and field offices, under the Director-General's direction, to enhance efficiency, reduce duplication and improve programme and corporate services.
• Supporting the Director-General in ensuring staff performance, accountability, career development and well-being, and helping improve workflow effectiveness and reduce bureaucracy.
• Providing strategic guidance and oversight for UNESCO's fundraising campaigns and partnerships with Member States, multilateral donors, the private sector and civil society.
• Supporting efforts to strengthen the public visibility of UNESCO.
• Representing the Director-General in meetings, missions, inter-agency fora and strategic dialogues with Member States, partners and stakeholders, and chairing meetings and task forces when delegated.
• Carrying out high-priority initiatives and any additional responsibilities entrusted by the Director-General, including acting on behalf of the Director-General during his absence.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Professionalism (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Building partnerships (M) Driving and managing change (M) Leading and empowering others (M) Making quality decisions (M) Managing performance (M) Strategic thinking (M) -
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as business or public administration, management, finance, economics, international relations or other UNESCO related areas.

Work Experience

• At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in senior leadership, strategic management, business administration and policy development, with a significant portion at managerial/financial senior executive level within a government, multilateral international organization or large multinational private sector entity. 
• Demonstrated experience in leading large, diverse teams and managing organizational transformation, including change management, strategic planning and the development of partnerships.
• Proven track record in fundraising and resource mobilization, including engaging with governments, multilateral donors, foundations and private sector stakeholders to secure and leverage financial support for organizational priorities. 
• Substantial experience representing an organization or government and engaging effectively with high-level government or international officials.

Long Description

Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of, and commitment to, UNESCO's mandate, vision, strategic directions and priorities.
• Proven ability to provide visionary leadership, inspire trust and drive organizational performance in alignment with strategic objectives.
• Expertise in developing vision, strategies and innovative approaches to strengthen administration and support services, including finance, partnerships, outreach and resource mobilization.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking, sound judgment and capacity for innovation in complex political, social and institutional environments.
• Ability to build, sustain and leverage strategic partnerships with Member States, international organizations, civil society, the private sector and academia to advance UNESCO's mission.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and representational skills.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing large, diverse teams.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• A Ph.D. level degree in discipline related to the post.

Work Experience

• Awareness and knowledge of UNESCO's strategic objectives and of wider processes within the United Nations system.

Languages

• Working knowledge of the second language (English or French). 
• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian 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 US $268,761.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

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. 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 an 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.

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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) 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.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization. 

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