Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations

OVERVIEW

Post Number : PAX 001

Grade : ADG

Parent Sector : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)

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) : 02-JAN-2026

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

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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. Long Description

Within this framework and under the authority of the Director-General, the Sector for Priority Africa and External Relations provides strategic leadership to strengthen UNESCO's partnerships and engagement with Member States, Permanent Delegations, National Commissions, intergovernmental organizations and a wide range of stakeholders. The Sector oversees programmes – including the Participation Programme, Fellowships Programme, Goodwill Ambassadors Programme, coordination with the United Nations system and field offices, and the Protocol Unit; ensuring coherence, transparency, accountability and alignment across UNESCO's global external engagement architecture.

Under the authority of the Director-General, the Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations provides intellectual leadership and strategic vision to guide the Sector's work, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy (2022–2029) and decisions of the governing bodies.

Acting under the Director-General's authority and guidance, the Assistant Director-General:

Leads the implementation of the Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022–2029), ensuring coherence with UNESCO's sectoral and intersectoral priorities.

Strengthens coordination across Sectors and field offices to ensure coherent contributions to Priority Africa and effective support to Member States.

Provides political analysis and strategic guidance on trends, opportunities and challenges to inform decision-making across UNESCO.

Develops and maintains high-level partnerships, including triangular and South–South cooperation, with governments, National Commissions, Permanent Delegations, regional organizations, the United Nations system and civil society.

Provides guidance to Directors and heads of field offices to ensure alignment of sectoral and intersectoral initiatives with UNESCO's strategic objectives.

Advances gender equality, youth engagement, crisis response and support for vulnerable environments, including SIDS.

Supports engagement with UNESCO's governing bodies and represents the Director-General in relevant meetings, conferences and fora to ensure coherent strategic messaging.

Oversees protocol and external relations functions and carries out high-priority initiatives and responsibilities entrusted by the Director-General.

Long Description

For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: , and/or the following documents: 41 C/4 (UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy for 2022 – 2029) and 43 C/5 (Draft UNESCO's Programme and Budget for 2026 – 2029 quadrennium). 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 degree) in a discipline related to UNESCO's mandate, public or business administration, or international relations or a UNESCO related field.

Work Experience

At least 15 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in international and intergovernmental cooperation, preferably within the United Nations system context.

Extensive and relevant professional experience in senior leadership/executive positions in areas directly related to UNESCO's mandate, including assignments at the regional and/or international levels.

Awareness and knowledge of UNESCO's strategic objectives and of wider reform and initiative processes within the United Nations system, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063.

Experience in political analysis and diplomacy.

Long Description

Skills & Competencies

Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organization's mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.

Strong and innovative leadership.

Strong political acumen and diplomatic skills to represent UNESCO effectively and engage high-level stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to lead institutional transformation, manage change and foster a culture of accountability, diversity and performance.

Excellent advocacy and communication skills with strong representational abilities.

Strong ability to interact effectively at the highest governmental levels, as well as with leaders of the private sector and civil society.

Languages

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

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

Work Experience

Previous working experience related to Africa.

Demonstrated results in developing and leading major continental or global programmes or initiatives involving multiple partners and funding streams.

Strong ability to build strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders at the international level, including in support of resource mobilization.

Previous professional experience related to UNESCO's programmes and initiatives.

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 $246,506.

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 websit e . 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.