CHIEF OF RESEARCH, POLICY AND FORESIGHT SECTION (SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES)(P-5) – Paris – Job vacancy

Post Number : SHS 338

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 Research, Policy and Foresight Section supports Member States in leveraging the contributions of the Social and Human Sciences in addressing major contemporary trends that are driving societal transformations. This includes increased inequalities of income and opportunities; the social impact of climate change and of the digital transformation. The goal of this work is to strengthen the research-policy interface, contributing to the establishment of a culture of evidence-informed decision-making policies. The Section also supports capacity-building mechanisms that will strengthen the capacities of national researchers, research institutions, research systems, policymakers and civil society to design and implement public policies for attaining sustainable, peaceful and inclusive societies. The role of this Section has become more important given the societal impact of COVID.

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

• Management of Social Transformation Programme
• Inclusive Policy Lab
• Futures Literacy
• Humanities and Philosophy

Long Description

Under the overall authority and close supervision of the ADG/SHS and reporting to the Director for Partnerships and Outreach (DIR/POD), the incumbent will lead the design, coordination, execution and evaluation of the programme and projects for the Research, Policy and Foresight Section.

In particular, the incumbent will be required to:

Vision

• Provide leadership to find solutions to the social challenges member states are confronting.
• Demonstrate innovative thinking to address the Post COVID challenges and foster social inclusion, cohesion and resilience.
• Keep abreast of state of the art analytical frameworks that inform better policy making, integrating system thinking and behavioral analysis, among others.
• Demonstrate deep commitment to address increased inequalities and the social impact of climate change and the digital transformations.
• Provide strong intellectual leadership and guidance to Section in order to develop, drive and ensure the delivery of a comprehensive implementation of the Approved Programme and Projects.
• 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.
• 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.
• Maximize the contributions of social and human sciences to the recovery of the COVID pandemic and building innovative solutions.
• Transform the Managing of Social Transformation Program (MOST) and provide strategic leadership for its implementation.

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 with major events and actors, including stakeholders, including from the private sector. Create synergies and develop partnerships.
• Represent the Section 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

• 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)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

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

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.
• Demonstrated leadership in these areas of work.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience acquired at the international level.
• Demonstrated experience in policy analysis and formulation, and in working with countries to advance their policy priorities.
• Proven track record in fundraising activities.
• Experience in advocacy, resources and partnership mobilization.
• Experience in leading and managing human and financial resources.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting innovative research and advancing analytical work.

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.
• Capacity to link policies to research to promote inclusive growth or inclusive societies.
• Excellent knowledge of multilateral settings on the inequalities of income and opportunities analysis and international comparative analysis.
• Strong 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 analytical 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 MOST, Public Policy, Foresight and other related Programmes.

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 another related field.

Work 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.

Languages

• Good working knowledge 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.