CHIEF OF INCLUSION, RIGHTS AND DIALOGUE SECTION (SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES)(P-5) – Paris – Job vacancy

Post Number : SHS 397

Grade : P-5

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

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 25-JUL-2021

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Inclusion, Rights and Dialogue Section supports Member States to promote inclusive policies and actions, by countering racism and discrimination, advancing intercultural dialogue and pursuing gender equality.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS), the incumbent will be responsible for the following flagship programmes and projects:

• UNESCO’s Roadmap on Anti-racism and non-discrimination, including its toolkit
• Intercultural dialogue and competencies, promoting a culture of peace
• Arts for human rights and social justice
• The promotion of gender equality and the fight against gender stereotypes
• The international coalition of inclusive and sustainable cities
• The Slave Route Project
• The right to science and scientific freedom

Long Description

Under the overall authority and close supervision of the ADG/SHS and reporting to the Director for Policies and Programmes (DIR/PPD) on programme management issues, the incumbent will lead the design, coordination, execution and evaluation of the programme and projects for the Inclusion, Rights and Dialogue Section. In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for:

Vision

• Contribute to fostering inclusive societies, based on strong anti-discrimination policies and strategies, with strong gender component.
• Promote a “race to the top” in developing effective programs and solutions to counter inequalities, and promote more inclusive and resilient societies.
• Provide innovative policy solutions to address the challenges Member states on these issues.
• Provide strong intellectual leadership and guidance to Section.
• Partner with thought leaders and institutions in these fields.
• Develop flagship projects with international impact and develop high quality networks.
• Ensure a comprehensive implementation of the Approved Programme and Projects and deliver timely results. Manage work program effectively fashion, and drive excellent coordination with field offices.
• Help define priorities and an agenda for staff and the Section and locate and pursue resources.
• Demonstrate a strong capacity for timely delivery of the responsible programme outputs.

Programme Design and Management

• Direct the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of work plans and regular and extra budgetary initiatives and activities, ensuring the continuous optimization of resources.
• Transform work plans into programmes and projects. Determine budget proposal items, translating into Section objectives and aligning with overall Sector priorities.
• Ensure visibility of the Section’s outputs. Oversee and manage section events and the publication and dissemination of flagship publications, and other materials such as guidelines and other policy and capacity development materials, documents and other technical products and information.
• Evaluate and report on their effectiveness and impact.

Knowledge and Expertise Exchange

• Facilitate dialogue across expertise and throughout networks and on-line platforms, discussing emerging trends, application of best practices and exchanging ideas.
• Manage quality of contributions to subject specific knowledge bases, direct research and further share analysis ensuring thorough dissemination.

Long Description

Representation and Policy Advice

• Develop high impact networks and connect UNESCO in major events with actors, stakeholders, including from the private sector. Create synergies and develop partnerships.
• Represent the Section, programmes, the sector and if called upon, UNESCO, to internal and external networks, such as universities, agencies, organizations and in ministries.
• Establish and pursue alliances on cross –organizational and –sectional issues and develop working frameworks and systemic approaches to increase capacity.
• Influence and contribute the development of concept notes, contribute to policy positions, formulation and implementation.

Resource Mobilization

• Seek and achieve resource mobilization opportunities for extrabudgetary resources for relevant programmatic and thematic areas including engaging potential donors with projects plans which could attract support.
• Supervise the entire funding process, including developing and writing proposals, validating progress reports and ensuring the timely implementation and completion of project/programme activities.

Administrative Management and Staff Development

• Supervise and motivate his/her section personnel.
• Lead and motivate a team of multicultural staff by creating a positive work environment.
• Monitor progress and development provide regular feedback and follow-up in line with the performance management cycle.
• Effectively manage the budget with strong accountability and reporting.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of Social and Human Sciences, Humanities, Law, Economics or a related area.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in programme management, project planning, development and implementation in the field of research and public policy or similar programmes.
• A miminum of 4 years of experience acquired at the international level.
• Proven track-record on innovative policy solutions to address the challenges faced by Member States regarding the issues managed within the section.
• Proven track record in fundraising activities.
• Experience in advocacy, resources and partnership mobilization.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing human and financial resources.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing research and advancing analytical work.
• Proven experience in mobilizing social and human sciences to inform relevant policy debates.

Long Description

Skills and competencies 

• Capacity to provide intellectual leadership as well as ability to build trust among, manage, lead and motivate a large number of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Solid conceptual, intellectual and analytical capacities, with a high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
• Solid management and organizational skills with ability to establish plans and priorities and effectively implement them.
• Excellent interpersonal and representational skills and demonstrated ability to communicate, advocate, and negotiate with staff and a wide range of stakeholders/partners at all levels within and outside the Organization.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain partnerships and to ensure a high-level coordination and cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
• Good grasp of UNESCO’s mission, functions, and core strategies and their leading impact on the Sections’ Programmes.
• Strong knowledge on gender equality and on policies to counter racism and discrimination.

Languages

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education 

• Advanced university degree (Ph.D or equivalent) in Social and Human Sciences, or in another related field.

Work Experience

• Professional experience within the United Nations System or other multilateral organizations and/or in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral settings/cooperations and development.

Languages

• Good working knowldege of English or French.
• Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

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 a competency-based 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.