Chief of Section (Management of Social Transformation & Foresight)

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, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 19-AUG-2024

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The world faces significant challenges of significant in complexity demanding multidimensional, knowledge-driven and novel solutions. UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences (SHS) sector supports the sciences and leverages their contributions in the development of such required solutions. SHS is home to the intergovernmental programme on the Management of Social Transformations (MOST), mandated with strengthening the links between what we know and how we act upon it. It does so by fostering institutions, systems and incentives for a sustained impact of knowledge on policies to drive a societal reset along a more inclusive and sustainable path. 

Under the overall authority and close supervision of the ADG/SHS and reporting to the Director of the Division for Social Policies (DIR/SOP), the incumbent will be responsible for the MOST Programme and its various programmatic pillars, as detailed in the Comprehensive Strategy for 2022-2028. In particular, the incumbent will:
 

Long Description

Vision

• Show thought leadership and a strong track record in developing policy solutions to the key socio-economic challenges Member States are confronting, with specific focus on multi-dimensional inequalities, social inclusion, cohesion, resilience, as well as the deep interplays of the green and digital transitions with the inequality reduction agenda.
• Be acquainted with state of the art analytical frameworks that inform better, evidence-driven policy making. 
• 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 build high-expertise networks, particularly with thought leaders on social and economic transformations
• Ensure a comprehensive implementation of the Approved Programme and Projects and deliver timely results.
• Manage work programme, effectively fashion, and drive excellent coordination with field offices.
• Define priorities and agenda for staff and Section and locate and pursue resources.
• Demonstrate a strong capacity for the timely delivery of the responsible programme outputs.
• Maximize the contributions of social and human sciences to a reset along a more inclusive path and promote innovative policy solutions to key challenges.
• Transform the MOST Programme  and its workstreams to enhance impact and provide strategic leadership for its implementation.

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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.
• Translate work plans into implemented programmes and projects.
• Determine budget proposal items, translating into Section objectives and aligning with overall Sector priorities. 
• Ensure visibility of the Section’s outputs.
• Ensure quality delivery of the Section’s events and publications and dissemination, 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 online platforms, discussing emerging trends, application of best practices and exchanging ideas;
• Manage quality of contributions to specific knowledge bases, direct research and further share analysis, ensuring thorough dissemination.

Representation and Policy Advice 

• Develop high impact networks and connect UNESCO in major events with actors and stakeholders, including from the private sector and academic institutions. 
• Create synergies and develop partnerships.
• Represent the Section, in 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 to the development of concept notes, contribute to policy positions, formulation and implementation.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Driving and managing change (M)
Leading and empowering others (M)
Making quality decisions (M)
Managing performance (M)
Strategic thinking (M)
Building partnerships (M)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of social and human sciences, economics or related areas.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in programme management, project planning, development and implementation in the fields of research impact on public policy, knolwedge-policy nexus or similar programmes.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience acquired at the international level and through multilateral programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in policy analysis and formulation, and in working with countries to advance their policy priorities in both multilateral and national contexts.
• Proven track record in fundraising activities.
• Experience in advocacy, resources and partnership mobilization, including experience in advancing partnerships with and through leaders at the individual and institutional level.
• Experience in leading and managing human and financial resources.
• Demonstrated leadership in these areas of work.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting innovative research and advancing analytical work.

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Skills and competencies 

• Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as the 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 research to policies as to promote inclusive growth or inclusive societies.
• Excellent knowledge of multilateral settings.
• Strong experience on income inequality reduction, 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 the 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 high-level coordination and cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks. 

Languages

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education  

• PhD or equivalent in social and human sciences, or related fields

Work Experience 

• Professional experience within knowledge-based and multilateral institutions.

Languages

• Knowledge of other official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).

Assessment

An assessment exercise may be used in the evaluation of candidates.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 149 946 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, as well as exchange rates. Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.  More details can be found on the ICSC Website.

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.

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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. 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 (last update here) 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.