Assistant Director-General for Sciences (Paris, France) contract

Position Number: SCS 001

Grade: ADG

Parent Sector: Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Sciences

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 26/05/2026

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

In response to the increasing interdependence of environmental, technological and societal systems, UNESCO will pursue a forward-looking process aimed at strengthening the coherence and positioning of its scientific mandate. The evolving global landscape for sciences, characterized by accelerated technological change, complex sustainability challenges and growing demands for science-informed responsible governance, calls for closer alignment between natural, basic, and social and human sciences. 

The Sciences Sector will enhance UNESCO’s capacity to deliver science-based, integrated, policy-relevant and ethically grounded solutions, while advancing action on innovation and capacity building. This will be done with full respect and preservation of the mandates, intergovernmental programmes and normative instruments adopted by Member States.

The Sciences Sector plays a central role in advancing UNESCO’s mission to build peace and sustainable development through promotion of sciences, knowledge and innovation. Its mandate is to strengthen science, technology and innovation (STI) systems at national, regional, and global levels, promote international scientific cooperation across scientific fields, and harness the transformative power of social and human sciences, technologies and innovation to address the world’s most pressing challenges and the complexity of social transformations – from climate change and biodiversity loss to water security and disaster resilience, from promotion of human rights and social inclusion to equitable access to knowledge and ethical technological advancements, including artificial intelligence. 

Through major intergovernmental programmes, committees and standard-setting instruments – including inter alia Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme, the Intergovernmental Bioethics Committee (IGBC) and related scientific committees, the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB), the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), the International Convention for the Elimination of Doping in Sport, and the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) – the Sector mobilizes global scientific networks and knowledge to shape and inform policy and action.

Under the authority of the Director-General, the Assistant Director-General for Sciences is responsible for providing intellectual leadership and strategic vision for the Sciences Sector in line with the Organization’s Medium-Term Strategy for 2022–2029 document (41 C/4) and the decisions of the governing bodies. To this end, the Assistant Director-General for Sciences is responsible for the overall implementation of Major Programme II (Natural Sciences) and Major Programme III (Social and Human Sciences), approved by UNESCO’s governing bodies, including for its category 1 institute (the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics). 

The mission of the Sciences Sector is to harness natural, basic, social and human sciences as a transformative force for sustainability, human rights, gender equality, peace, and equity by integrating the best and all available forms of knowledge, technology, ethical reflection, governance, and inclusive, intercultural dialogue across disciplines, knowledge systems and worldviews, and strengthening the link between scientific frontiers and societal relevance underpinned by research and supported by evidence-based policy for development.

The Assistant Director-General for Sciences will:

• Advance UNESCO’s initiatives and measurable impact across key sciences domains, including Social Policies and Inclusion; Ethics, Research and Technology; Ecological and Earth Sciences; and Water Sciences.
• Strengthen policies and governance related to sciences, technology and innovation and increase access to scientific and technological advances and knowledge-sharing, through open sciences approaches, as well as reinforced science-policy-society interface, with a view to achieving ethical, sustainable and inclusive development through knowledge production and sharing and capacity building.
• Empower Member States to manage the ethical, legal, environmental and societal implications of sciences, technology and innovation, including cutting-edge science, emerging technologies and their applications, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and neuro-technologies.
• Monitor global trends and developments in the different scientific fields and their contributions to solving global challenges and social transformations, while operating in an innovative, creative, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary manner.
• Promote knowledge and building of human and institutional capacities as regards natural, basic, social and human sciences, fostering responsible technological advancements and scientific research across social, human, environmental, water and Earth sciences.

• Foster international scientific cooperation at the service of society to address the complexity of social transformations, Earth systems, biodiversity, disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation and freshwater security.
• Develop comprehensive and integrated actions with UNESCO’s global networks of designated sites (biosphere reserves, UNESCO Global Geoparks and ecohydrology sites), UNESCO centres and Chairs in both major programmes.
• Reinforce links with global and regional scientific associations and institutions.
• Promote the integration of a human rights-based approach in all of UNESCO’s programmes and activities.
• Support youth-policy development, youth action, and civic engagement.
• Promote intercultural dialogue.

• Advance intergovernmental cooperation and building multi-stakeholder public policies in the field of sports and anti-doping.
• Strengthen the philosophy and humanities programme, the debate of ideas, as well as the General History of Africa, as well as the Routes of Enslaved Peoples, and Silk Roads programmes.
• Mobilize partnerships and extrabudgetary resources, fostering collaboration with Member States, international organizations, academic institutions, civil society, and the private sector.
• Foster innovation and foresight in the sciences, ensuring UNESCO remains a global laboratory of ideas in response to emerging challenges.
• Represent the Director-General and UNESCO in high-level international fora and intergovernmental meetings, strengthening UNESCO’s visibility, influence, and thought leadership.

For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: https://www.unesco.org/en, 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).

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)
• Building partnerships (M)
• Driving and managing change (M)
• Strategic thinking (M)
• Making quality decisions (M)
• Managing performance (M)
• Leading and empowering others (M)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a discipline related to the field of sciences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience from senior leadership/executive positions in areas directly related to UNESCO’s Sciences Programme, including assignments at the regional/international levels, with particular emphasis on experience in managing global scientific programmes and institutions.
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct complex negotiations and managing politically sensitive normative processes at the international level, preferably in the context of multilateral scientific cooperation and the United Nations system.
• Demonstrated experience in leading large, diverse teams and managing organizational transformation, including change management and strategic planning.
• Substantial experience representing an organization and engaging effectively with high-level government/international officials.
• Extensive relevant professional experience in scientific research and cooperation.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic directions and priorities.
• Strong and innovative leadership, capable of articulating a compelling vision for the role of sciences.
• 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.
• Strong ability to interact effectively at the highest governmental levels, as well as with leaders of the private sector and civil society, and to mobilize resources and to build collaborative partnerships and networks with and between a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills with strong representational abilities.

LANGUAGES

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

EDUCATION

• A Ph.D. level degree in the field of sciences or one of its sub-disciplines.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Awareness and knowledge of UNESCO’s strategic objectives and of wider administrative and programmatic processes within UNESCO and 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).

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$ 249,178.

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

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• 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 to 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.
• lndividuals 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.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.