Position Number: HRM 237. Grade: D-1. Parent Sector: Bureau of Human Resources Management (HRM). Duty Station: Paris. Job Family: Administration. Contract Type: Fixed Term, duration 2 years, renewable. Recruitment open to internal and external candidates.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT: The Bureau of Human Resources Management is responsible for developing, leading and coordinating the implementation of UNESCO's Human Resources Strategy in close collaboration with its key stakeholders — Member States, senior management and UNESCO personnel — ensuring that UNESCO has a diverse, high-skilled and committed workforce worldwide that can deliver the Organization's mandate. The Bureau provides strategic HR support services to management and employees by developing, recommending and facilitating the implementation of human resources policies, programmes and initiatives, and is responsible for statutory operational services essential to programme delivery and workforce well-being.
FUNCTIONS OF THE POST: Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General of the Sector for Administration and Management (ADG/ADM), and overall supervision of the Deputy Director-General, the Director of the Bureau of Human Resources Management (DIR/HRM) leads and coordinates the delivery of human resources management services across the Organization, providing authoritative advice to senior management on a broad range of HR matters.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Provide guidance and support to senior management on all human resources matters and emerging HR issues; promote sound HR practices, a values-based workplace culture, work-life balance and wellbeing, gender equality and diversity.
* Lead and coordinate the formulation, development, implementation and communication of UNESCO's Human Resources Strategy, HR policies, programmes and initiatives; support organizational change and HR reform initiatives.
* Lead the design and implementation of an integrated talent management framework covering workforce planning, recruitment, learning and development, and performance management; ensure business intelligence on workforce trends for data-driven decision-making.
* Lead a team of HR professionals, set objectives, monitor performance and manage the Bureau's approved work programme and budget.
* Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders including Permanent Delegations, academic institutes, professional networks and HR service providers.
* Represent the Organization in joint staff–management meetings and UN forums including the ICSC, the HR Network and, as appropriate, the HLCM, and in governing body meetings as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in human resources, public or business administration or management, law, social or human sciences or related fields. A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience at national or international level in human resources, public or business administration, or a related field, a significant part at managerial level. Experience leading change-related projects or organizational transformation. Strong managerial and leadership skills, excellent judgment, analytical and negotiation skills, high professional integrity and political sensitivity, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment. Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one working language (English or French) and ability to work in the second.
DESIRABLE: Senior-level assignments at the international level and/or within the UN system; knowledge of the UN Common System and UN HR Rules and Regulations; knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
BENEFITS: Basic salary plus benefits which may include 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance and pension plan. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US$182,355. Geographical mobility is required for staff appointed to UNESCO's international posts.
Closing date: 25/09/2026
HOW TO APPLY:
All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information by the application deadline (Midnight Paris Time, 25/09/2026). To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website (https://www.unesco.org/en/careers) or use the 'Apply now' link on the vacancy page. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
https://careers.unesco.org/talentcommunity/apply/1370240957/?locale=en_GB