Programme Specialist (Social and Human Sciences)

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): 20-JAN-2025

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

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information. This position is located in UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS), which strives to accomplish a fundamental humanist mission by enhancing efforts against violence, racism and discrimination, combatting gender stereotypes, deploying the power of sports for social inclusion, promoting intercultural dialogue and supporting youth, women and people with disabilities.

The incumbent will work under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences (ADG/SHS) and the guidance of the Director for Social Policies (SHS/SOP), supporting the effective implementation of UNESCO’s Management of Social Transformations and Foresight (MOST) programme.

In particular he/she will be responsible for the following:

• 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 supporting the coordination and development of research and knowledge products and activities.
• Work with UNESCO’s field offices for the implementation of MOST Schools.
• Advance MOST’s mandate in relation to monitoring, analyzing, providing technical assistance, promoting outreach and communication, conducting consultations with Member States and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the management of the Social and Human Sciences Sector’s relationship with outside partners for the MOST Programme.
• Advance the humanities work stream.
• Design and contribute to the communication and outreach strategy to reach global, regional, and national levels.
• Support the Secretariat in relation to MOST’s Intergovernmental Council (IGC) and the meetings of its Bureau and the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).
• 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.
• Maintain a close link with leading institutions with a close mandate to that of MOST.
• Perform any other relevant duties that may be required by the senior management of the Sector.

Communication (C), Accountability (C), Innovation (C), Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C), Planning and organizing (C), Results focus (C), Teamwork (C), Professionalism (C), Building partnerships (M), Driving and managing change (M), Leading and empowering others (M), Making quality decisions (M), Managing performance (M), Strategic thinking (M)

Education

• Advanced university degree at least at the Master’s or equivalent level, in the field of social and human sciences including economics, public policy, management, sociology or other related fields.

Work Experience

• At least 7 years of progressive professional experience relevant to social sciences research, social or economic policies, social transformation or related areas, of which preferably 3 years 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.
• Recognized scientific research, publication, writing and critical thinking competencies.
• Experience producing rigorous high quality research.
• Proven ability in programme management, including the monitoring and reporting of programme activities.
• Leadership experience, including the ability to manage and motivate staff and teams.
• Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national and international authorities.
• Knowledge of the UNESCO’s Management of Social Transformations and Foresight (MOST).
• Excellent coordination, project management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Languages

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

Education

• Advanced university degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in the field of social sciences, economics, public policy, sociology and related fields with a proven track record of publications relevant for the position.

Work Experience

• Proven knowledge creation and brokering experience.
• Professional experience in the United Nations system or other multilateral organizations.
• International experience and experience with policy at the national level.

Skills and competences

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

Languages

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 121 556 US $.

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

UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station. Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.

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.

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. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.