Programme Specialist Social and Human Sciences

Programme Specialist (Social and Human Sciences)OVERVIEWPost Number:
SHS 385Grade:
P-4Parent Sector:
Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)Duty Station:
ParisJob Family:
Social and Human SciencesType of contract:
Fixed TermDuration of contract:
2 years, renewableRecruitment open to:
Internal and external candidatesApplication Deadline (Midnight Paris Time):
04-NOV-2024UNESCO Core Values:
Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, ProfessionalismThe 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 the Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS), supervision from the Director for Social Policies (DIR/SOP) and direct management of the Chief of Section for the Management of Social Transformations (SHS/SOP/MOST).
He/She is responsible for ensuring the development and delivery of a wide spectrum of programmes and project activities within the frameworks of UNESCO's Medium Term Strategy (C/4s), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and the Comprehensive Strategy of the Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme for 2022-2028.The successful candidate will ensure the development of programmes, projects and activities within the 2022-2028 Comprehensive Strategy of the Management of Social Transformations (MOST) and he/she will be responsible for the following:
Ensure UNESCO's positioning in this field and enable UNESCO to deploy, advance and oversee the work on Foresight and Futures Literacy.Facilitate UNESCO-wide integration of Foresight and Futures Literacy into the activities of the Organization.Organize reflection and research at a highly advanced level on Foresight and other topics relevant to the MOST Section.Direct the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of work plans and activities.Participate in and/or lead other actual or future workstreams of the MOST Section as required.Provide administrative leadership including the management of staff, consultants and interns assigned.Build robust substantive, programmatic and strategic synergies of the workstream with the MOST Programme.Work on and contribute to the UNESCO Secretariat of the MOST intergovernmental Programme.Fundraise and expand the programmatic portfolio in the areas of assignment and the MOST Programme.Advocate for and provide high-quality technical support and policy advice to the Member States and relevant MOST stakeholders.COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)Communication (C)Accountability (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Work ExperienceAt least 7 years of progressive relevant professional experience in pertinent occupations for the position, of which preferably 3 years acquired at the international or multilateral level.Experience with foresight, anticipation, futures studies and their application.Experience in designing, implementing, and coordinating strategies, programmes and projects in fields pertinent to the position.Proven experience in the provision of technical advice and policy support.Proven track record in fundraising and other resource mobilization mechanisms.Skills and competenciesGood knowledge of UNESCO's work and familiarity with the substance of the work done in SHS.Good analytical, organizational and project management skills.Recognized scientific writing and critical thinking competencies.Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national/local authorities and relevant institutions.Proven ability in programme management, including the monitoring and reporting of programme activities.Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.Ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations with internal and external partners.Excellent written and oral communication skills.Ability to manage and motivate staff and teams.LanguagesExcellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and good knowledge of French.DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONSEducationAdvanced university degree (Ph.D.
or equivalent) in the field of social sciences, economics, public policy or other relevant fields.Work ExperienceExperience in UNESCO's Programmes and/or normative tools in the field of social and human sciences.Experience with the United Nations System, multilateral settings/cooperation and development.Experience with inter-agency mechanisms of the United Nations System.Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP).BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTSThe approximate annual starting salary for this post is 126,891 US $.
UNESCO's salaries are calculated in US dollars.
Other benefits include:
30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESSPlease note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information.
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.FooterUNESCO 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.
UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades.
Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.
Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
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