Chief of Section - Education for Sustainable Development

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General of Education (ADG/ED), and the direct supervision of the Director of the Division for Peace and Sustainable Development (ED/PSD), the incumbent will lead the design, coordination and execution for programme and projects in the Section of Education for Sustainable Development, and play a significant role in policy and strategy direction, development and integration, and resource optimization. S/he will coordinate with other parts of the Education Sector including its Category I Institutes, as well as UNESCO’s other Programme Sectors, to ensure that technical support and backstopping are provided to UNESCO Field Offices in implementing the Section’s programme aiming at reinforcing Member States capacity to develop and implement policies and strategies related to the Education for Sustainable Development.

In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Section’s programmes and be further accountable for implementing a results-based approach and ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in operations;
• Provide support to reforms, policy development and capacity building of Members States in the field of education for sustainable development in cooperation with other parts of the Education Sector and its Category I Institutes, coordinate with relevant UNESCO Chairs and UNESCO’s other Programme Sectors, and other partners and relevant entities;
• Be responsible for all issues regarding international normative instruments related to education for sustainable development
• Generate evidence of the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of UNESCO support to Member States in the area of ESD, and programmes implemented by the Organisation in the field of education for sustainable development;
• Lead the flagship Greening Education Partnership , and including the partnership and cooperation with the Science Sector. Lead and engage actively in the organisation of global debates and advocacy initiatives including international debate fora, and other initiatives related to education for sustainable development and the visibility of the programme;
• Lead and manage the staff of the Section for the purpose of formulating, planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting, and evaluating the programmes, as well as supporting Member States and other development partners;
• Establish, develop and sustain strong working relations and partnerships with governments, agencies, NGOs, the private sector, civil society and other partners of UNESCO;
• Lead and coordinate the resource mobilization for the Section’s programmes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, sciences or related social sciences fields.

Work Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the field of education, of which at least 5 years acquired at the international level, including policy analysis and development related to education for sustainable development.
• Proven work experience in designing and implementing national and/or international large-scale programmes in education for sustainable development.
• Proven experience in resource mobilization and partnership development.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in leading and managing teams of professionals in a multicultural environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Good understanding of global trends and developments related to education for sustainable development.
• Proven conceptual, analytical and technical skills including the ability to provide advice on educational policy, strategic planning and management.
• Ability to engage in policy dialogue with high-level government officials, international education partners, civil society representatives, researchers and educators.
• Ability to accompany and lead change initiatives and persist in times of challenges.
• Proven leadership and managerial skills, a broad general culture and sound analytical capacities, high sense of objectivity, professional integrity and political astuteness.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to provide intellectual leadership and motivate multidisciplinary teams in a multicultural environment, as well as ensure coaching and development of staff.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare, present and discuss findings and recommendations on education issues clearly and concisely.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good working knowledge of the other.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• A PhD in education, sciences or other related social science fields.
• Other degrees or short to medium-term training in disciplines relevant to the post.

Work Experience

• Experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and development.
• Experience working in an agile environment.
• Strong global professional network.
• Experience in providing support to countries in the implementation of education projects and programmes at a national or regional scale.

Skills and Competencies

• Understanding of UNESCO’s strategic direction and familiarity with UNESCO’s operations.
• Knowledge of agile working methodology.

Languages

• Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

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 151, 244 US $.

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

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-JUL-2024