Programme Specialist (Paris, France) Full Time

Post Number : SHS 165

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 08-AUG-2023

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

The focus of UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) is to foster inclusive societies, by prioritizing policies that benefit those at the bottom of the income distribution, and those most affected by the on-going multidimensional crises. 
 

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences (ADG/SHS) and  the Director for Social Policies, and direct supervision of the Chief of Section, the incumbent supports the effective implementation of UNESCO’s Management of Social Transformations (MOST) programme, focused on major trends affecting societies (inequalities, environmental, digital, demography-migration) and promoting policies that foster inclusive societies. She/he also ensures state-of-the-art analytical contributions to the areas that are covered by the MOST programme.   

The incumbent will: 

• Contribute to the implementation of the MOST Comprehensive Strategy 2022-2029, engaging with Member States in knowledge production and promotion to inform policies to address the current socio-economic challenges.  
• Establish a network and maintain links with leading institutions and experts within the pillars and thematic priorities of the MOST programme;
• Lead the MOST Section’s work related to the science-policy nexus by developing, implementing and advancing MOST’s thought leadership programme, aimed at positioning UNESCO as the place for innovative thinking on counter inequalities of income and opportunities, as well as the major trends that are deepening and compounding social divides. Advance MOST’s mandate in relation to monitoring, analyzing, providing technical assistance, promoting outreach and communication, conducting consultations with Member States and other stakeholders, and preparing consolidated reports for UNESCO’s Executive Board and General Conference.
• Contribute to the management of the Social and Human Sciences Sector’s relationship with Fundacion La Caixa and the Category II Centre Palau Macay across all strands of work in the preparation of the annual inequalities report; the annual MOST-Caixa Forum on Social inclusion, and various other events and activities.  

• Advance the humanities and digital anthropology work streams; develop core research and the narrative of the contributions that digital anthropology can make to ensure a human rights-based approach in the digital transformation, enhancing the positive impact on our societies and on the environment; design and contribute to the communication and outreach strategy to reach global, regional, and national levels. This includes the preparation of research papers and dissemination-related material, including communication plans and associated material.
• Under the guidance of Executive Secretary of MOST, support the Secretariat in relation to MOST’s Intergovernmental Council (IGC) and the meetings of its Bureau and the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), based on the Statutes and Rules of Procedure of MOST, and document and maintain the digital and shared institutional memory of the MOST programme.
• Foster links with policy-makers and establish support networks for MOST in Member States.
• Prepare proposals for the mobilization of funds to support projects and supervise the design, implementation and assessment of related projects linked to the MOST agenda.
• Lead and coordinate programme planning, budgeting, commissioning and contracting, activity implementation, monitoring and evaluation and reporting for activities under the MOST strategy; mobilize resources for programmes and projects and coordinate funding initiatives; prepare briefings, statements, reports for formal reporting as required. 
• Advance the implementation of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy (C/4s), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5), the MOST Comprehensive Strategy 2022-2029, and global development plans such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 
• Maintain a close link with leading institutions with a close mandate to that of MOST; ensure that MOST produces state-of-the-art analysis in the social and human sciences areas.
• Perform any other relevant duties that may be required by the senior management of the Sector.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of social and human sciences or related discipline. 

Work Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressive professional experience relevant to social sciences research, socio-economic policies, policy and social transformation or related discipine, of which preferably 3 years have been acquired at the international level. 
• Experience in designing, implementing, and coordinating strategies and programmes, including related to capacity-building in the area of social and human sciences.
• Proven track record in fund-raising and other resource mobilization mechanisms.

Skills and competencies 

• Expertise in socio-economic policies and particularly major trends affecting societies (inequalities, environmental, digital, demographic) and/or promoting inclusive societies.
• Recognized scientific research, publication, writing and critical thinking competencies. 
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, and project management, along with resource mobilization. 
• Proven ability in programme management, including the monitoring and reporting of programme activities and related financial and substantive aspects. 
• Leadership experience, including the ability to manage and motivate staff and teams and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment. 
• Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national and international authorities, academic and non-government institutions, intergovernmental organizations, including through networking. 
• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations with internal and external partners. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present findings and recommendations on issues clearly and concisely. 

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and working knowledge (written and spoken) of French.

Education  

• PhD in social sciences (including economics) with a proven track record of publications in fields including social inclusion, environmental change, society, governance of regional and global commons, or digital transformations and societal disruption.  

Work Experience 

• Proven knowledge creation and brokering experience.
• Professional experience in the United Nations system or other multilateral organizations and/or in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral settings/cooperation and development.   

Skills and competencies 

• Good knowledge and familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations System.

Languages

• Knowledge of other official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).

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.