Director, Bureau of Human Resources Management

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General of the Sector for Administration and Management (ADG/ADM), the Director of the Bureau of Human Resources Management (DIR/HRM), is responsible for providing strategic leadership and advice on the full range of human resources matters and for leading the conception and the implementation of the Human Resource Strategy for 2023-2027. Providing vision and strategies for the creation and maintenance of a dynamic workforce, the Director plays a primary role for ensuring UNESCO’s continuing capacity to deliver on its mandate. The Director acts as driver for change, leading and supporting the Organization’s reform initiatives, particularly pertaining to improving human resources management, and visionary manager of a team of human resources professionals. Motivating and providing an empowered environment for innovation and high-quality service, the Director ensures the provision of a comprehensive and integrated service which positions the Organization to optimally develop and deploy its human assets. The Director promotes a keen appreciation by management and staff of the critical importance of human resources management as central to the overall performance of the Organization. The Director strives for continuous improvement of HR management and is the visionary leader for the team of HR professionals.

The Director shall be responsible for:

• Directing the delivery of a talent management framework from workforce planning through recruitment, learning and development, and performance management and other human resources management services ensuring integration and synergy for effectiveness and efficiency; while ensuring that diversity targets can be met;
• Driving change and reform initiatives ensuring that HRM serves as an enabler and trusted partner for organizational change, and ensuring effective implementation of the Human Resource Strategy;
• Ensuring the provision of critical business intelligence to senior management on overall workforce trends and emerging issues to position the Organization to proactively anticipate, plan and meet workforce needs as these arise;
• Advocating and building awareness within UNESCO of the strategic importance of human resources management to the performance of the Organization. Embracing the nurturing and guiding of the development of staff including providing meaningful options addressing work/life balance issues, achieving gender equity and the leveraging of diversity as a comparative advantage;
• Supporting the evolution of a modern and dynamic international civil service through active contribution within the United Nations common system on human resources reform;
• Empowering a peer community of human resources specialists to excel in programme delivery in the service of the Organization;
• Representing the Director-General in joint staff-management meetings as well as in the various United Nations and fora including the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), the HR Network and, as appropriate, the High-Level Committee on Management (HLCM).

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)

Accountability (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Professionalism (C)

Strategic thinking (M)

Managing performance (M)

Making quality decisions (M)

Leading and empowering others (M)

Driving and managing change (M)

Building partnerships (M)

-

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in human resources, public or business administration or management, law, social or human sciences or other related fields.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience at the national or international level in human resources, public or business administration, or a related field, of which a significant part at managerial level.
• Experience in leading change-related projects or programmes.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organization’s mandate and vision.
• Strong managerial and leadership skills combined with demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex human resources issues.
• Proven ability to motivate, administer and manage a large body of staff working in diverse human resources functions.
• Thorough understanding and hands-on experience in human resources management and a sound knowledge of HR theory and general management concepts.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities including strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• High sense of professional integrity and political sensitivity; demonstrated ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment whilst maintaining a high sense of objectivity and impartiality as well as sensitivity and respect for gender equality and diversity issues.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French) and a good working knowledge of the other.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Courses/degree/training in a management-related field.

Work Experience

• Senior-level assignments at the international level and/or within the United Nations system or similar International Organizations.
• Knowledge of the United Nations Common System.
• Professional experience gained in multicultural working environments.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships and networks.

Languages

• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (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 191,862 US $.

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

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 23-JUN-2025