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DIRECTOR, DIVISION FOR SCIENCE POLICY AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Paris

  • Organization: UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
  • Location: Paris
  • Grade: Senior Executive level - D-1, Director - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Legal - Broad
    • Environment
    • External Relations, Partnerships and Resource mobilization
    • Scientist and Researcher
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Impactpool has been retained to support UNESCO in the recruitment of this position as an Executive Search Assignment

 

The Division for Science Policy and Capacity Building includes three sections covering\: 

  • Science Policy and Partnerships ;
  • Capacity Building in Science and Engineering ; 
  • Small Island Developing States and Indigenous Knowledge.

The Division aims to support Member States in harnessing science, technology, and innovation (STI) and other knowledge systems for sustainable development at a national, regional and global level towards the implementation of Agenda 2030. A special focus is given to UNESCO’s two global priorities, Africa and Gender, to youth and the increasing use of ICTs.


The Division coordinates the implementation of the UNESCO SIDS Action Plan, the programmes for Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) and the International Basic Science Program (IBSP). For capacity development in STI, engineering and science education, it ensures a close cooperation with The World Academy of Sciences (UNESCO-TWAS), the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP-UNESCO Category 1 Center), other UNESCO-affiliated centers, UNESCO chairs and institutions such as CERN and Sesame. 


The Division is responsible for flagship publications of the Natural Science Sector such as the World Science Report, the Engineering Report or Go-Spin, and manages international days and awards related to the Sector, funded by both public and private sector, including the World Science Forum.


Under the authority and direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General of the Natural Sciences Sector, the incumbent will be responsible for the management of the Division’s human and financial resources, administration and operations, in line with the Organization’s policies and procedures. S/he will lead the Sector’s efforts in establishing and maintaining effective relations with partners in STI inside and outside of the UN System; building and entertaining fundraising strategies and productive partnerships with donors; s/he will be responsible for the planning and coordination of programmes and plans of action. S/he will provide immediate supervision to the Division’s three sections Chiefs and ensure intellectual, strategic and operational leadership in the development and execution of the programme activities of the Division towards the implementation of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals relevant to the Division’s main programmes.

 

In particular, the incumbent will\: 

  • Plan, coordinate and monitor UNESCO’s programmes by strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and promoting participatory governance of STI systems at national, regional and global level. 
  • Provide leadership in forging key strategic partnerships both within UNESCO (TWAS and ICTP) and with outside partners (OECD, ICSU/ISSC, INGSA, etc.) and ensure efficient communication with UNESCO field offices, UNESCO-affiliated centers and chairs. 
  • Provide strategic guidance and follow up on recent evaluations on the World Science Report, the International Basic Science Program and TWAS. 
  • Be responsible for developing partnerships, establishing relations and maintain liaison with actual (Airbus, L’Oréal.) and potential donors in the framework of the UNESCO Resource Mobilization Strategy. S/he will mobilize funds for the Sector’s programme and projects. 
  • Manage and guide a team of multi-cultural staff by creating a positive work environment and giving incentives for commitment and action to promote UNESCO ideals, goals and targets. Direct, allocate and provide accountability for the management of the staff of the Division and the budget allocated to the implementation of specific programmes and activities.

Education

  • Advanced University degree (PHD) in one of the fields of science technology, policy development.

Work Experience 

  • A minimum of 15 years of progressive professional experience at the appropriate management level of which at least 5 years within the United Nations system or other international institutions, covering a wide experience in development issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence and multi stakeholder management.  
  • Experience in advocacy, resources and partnership mobilization. 
  • Specialization and/or substantive experience in the area of science technology and policy development, especially in areas related to the post. 
  • Experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, development. 

Skills/Competencies 

  • Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.  
  • Good knowledge of UNESCO programmes and policies and of international development policies and institutions.  
  • Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer extensive programmes and financial resources.  
  • Leadership capacity, high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.  
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively and to build relationships with diverse groups of organizations and individuals, relevant institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, including through networking; ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations with internal and external partners.  
  • Analytical and organizational skills, including in establishing plans and priorities, and in implementing them effectively, as well as in devising implementation plans.  
  • Proven skills in administration and the management of financial and human resources.  
  • Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a large and diversified body of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. 
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with strong representational abilities.  
  • Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, in front of a broad range of constituents, as well as the news media. 
  • Sound judgment and decision-making skills. 
  • Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.

Languages

  • Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages (English or French) of the Organization and a good knowledge of the second language. Training will be mandatory in order to acquire the required level of the second working language in a reasonable time-frame. 

Education

  • Other degrees or short- to medium-term training in disciplines relevant to the post.

Work Experience

  • Experience in conducting policy dialogue at government and non-government levels or public and private sectors.

Skills/Competencies

  • Good knowledge of the United Nations system.

Languages

  • Knowledge of other official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
This vacancy is now closed.
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