Director of Research Ethics and Inclusion Social and Human Sciences Vacancy-Job Ref: EJFRUNESCO/0306/2025823

Director of Research Ethics and Inclusion Social and Human Sciences Vacancy-Job Ref: EJFRUNESCO/0306/2025823

Paris (France)

Job Description

UNESCO’s core values: Commitment to the Organization, integrity, respect for diversity, professionalism

SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences (ADG/SHS), the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Provide strategic direction and intellectual leadership to UNESCO’s work to harness the social and human sciences for building inclusive societies, through the definition of ethical standards for science and new technologies, including bioethics, artificial intelligence and neurotechnologies; the fight against racism and discrimination, and the promotion and protection of human rights; the empowerment of youth and women, and intercultural dialogue; as well as other activities within the thematic programme of the Social and Human Sciences Sector.

Manage the Division and ensure effective planning and monitoring of its agenda, including through programmes in UNESCO field offices. Ensure the mobilization of resources necessary to achieve the Division’s mandate.
Oversee the implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and ensure that the analytical work carried out by UNESCO ethics committees results in changes. Advance the development of a recommendation on the ethics of neurotechnologies, as well as work on the ethics of climate engineering, the Internet of Things, and other emerging themes.
Support the annual Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination, as well as the network of policymakers responsible for these issues. Also support the biennial Youth Forum.

Foster intra/inter-sectoral cooperation and synergies by working closely with BSP, PAX, IOS, DBM and FIN, as well as collaborating with field offices for efficient and effective implementation of Major Programme III activities within its mandate.
As required, represent the Social and Human Sciences Sector in various working groups and task forces, and prepare policy papers, reports and analytical reviews. Oversee and contribute to the work of sections under the direct responsibility of the Division, including the Section on Bioethics and Ethics of Science and Technology, the Section on Inclusion, Rights and Intercultural Dialogue, and the Youth Section.

The incumbent will work within the framework of the Medium-Term Strategy (C/4), the Approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and UNESCO’s global priorities Africa and Gender Equality, as well as United Nations development initiatives, such as the 2030 Agenda.

In particular, he/she must:

Aligning SHS programmes with UNESCO’s global priorities.
Guide, direct and supervise the Division’s programmes aimed at promoting and developing research and inclusion, including its flagship programmes on combating racism and discrimination, the UNESCO programme on the protection of science and scientists, the UNESCO Global Youth Fellowship Programme, the Transforming Mindsets initiative, the protection of scientists and scientific freedom, as well as the Sector’s mandate for UNESCO’s global priorities and priority groups (Africa, gender equality, youth and SIDS).
Provide leadership in raising awareness of SHS programmes by establishing and fostering key partnerships and joint projects with representatives of Member States, UNESCO intergovernmental bodies, civil society and the private sector.
Support the Sector’s research activities related to inclusion, intercultural dialogue, gender equality, bioethics and ethics of science and technology, youth, as well as other relevant programs, including its contributions to global priorities and its response to the needs of priority groups.

Provide leadership and program management:

Provide the Division with overall operational guidance and advice and make timely decisions to achieve objectives, produce results and create opportunities for desired change in research and inclusion.
Lead the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Division’s programmes (including regular and extrabudgetary initiatives and activities), ensuring continuous optimization of resources, particularly with regard to value-added activities for research and inclusion.
Oversee the development of biennial work plans and define outcomes, outputs, expected results and performance indicators for the Division, in collaboration with all sections under his/her supervision, the Executive Office and the programme specialists of the SHS Sector in UNESCO field offices.

Manage designated sections:

Provide leadership and direction at the intellectual, strategic and operational levels.
Encourage teamwork to ensure coordination, collaboration, and synergies with and among senior management. Provide information, guidance, and support to staff members so that SHS sections can produce quality results in a timely manner.
Ensure that staff members maintain appropriate standards of organization, efficiency, accountability and integrity, while producing tangible, quality results.
Ensure the quality, impact and visibility of flagship SHS programs within its mandate.
Support the ADG/SHS on all relevant management issues as required.
Establish mechanisms and frameworks to promote teamwork in coordination with the SHS executive office:
Promote and ensure effective communication between SHS sections/units at Headquarters and in field offices, particularly with regard to research and inclusion, as well as global priorities and priority groups.
Advise and inform the ADG/SHS on program and staff issues under his/her authority.
Ensure appropriate communication on activities with all stakeholders.

Perform other duties as needed:

Represent UNESCO at high-level internal and external meetings and conferences.
Represent the ADG/SHS whenever necessary.
Participate in high-level management mechanisms of the SHS Sector, UNESCO and the United Nations system, as appropriate.
Carry out any other activities that may be required to ensure the success of the Sector.
SKILLS (Fundamental / Managerial)
Communication (F)
Responsibility (F)
Innovation (F)
Sharing knowledge and constant desire for improvement (F)
Planning and organization (F)
Results culture (F)
Teamwork (F)
Professionalism (F)
Creation of partnerships (M)
Driving and managing change (M)
Professional Performance Management (M)
Ability to make good decisions (M)
Leadership and Empowerment of Colleagues (M)
Development of strategic thinking (M)

For more information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Training

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of social sciences and humanities, technology, bioethics, ethics of science and technology, public policy, economics, or other related fields.
Professional experience

A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience at progressively responsible levels, focused on policy development and technology policies, including at least five years of experience at the international level.
Proven management and leadership experience, combined with experience overseeing issues related to social sciences and humanities, ethics of technology and bioethics, as well as intergovernmental and independent expert bodies.
Proven excellent ability to build and maintain partnerships at global, local and community levels.
Strong track record of building relationships with leading institutions in the social sciences and ethics field, and strong knowledge of cutting-edge technologies.
Proven experience in advocacy and resource mobilization.

Skills/Competencies

Adherence to the mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities of the Organization.
Ability to lead institutions, strong sense of objectivity, professional integrity, tact, diplomacy, and political astuteness. Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to establish plans and priorities and implement them effectively. Proven ability to identify major strategic issues, opportunities, and associated risks.
Ability to provide intellectual direction and guidance to staff, and the ability to build trust and manage, lead and motivate a large and diverse team in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, as well as a commitment to ongoing staff training and development.
Strong political sensitivity and integrity, and proven ability to communicate and engage effectively with a wide range of senior partners and stakeholders.
Demonstrated strategic planning skills and strong management skills, including the ability to manage complex programs and projects, as well as financial and human resources, exercising appropriate supervision and control.
Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work in multicultural environments with objectivity and impartiality, as well as sensitivity to issues related to gender equality and diversity.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with a proven ability to represent institutional priorities and engage with a wide range of senior partners.
LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge of English or French and working knowledge of the other language.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Training

Doctorate in a field of social sciences and humanities, bioethics, ethics of science and technology, economics, public policy, or other related fields.
Professional experience

Professional experience in a multilateral framework, and good knowledge of international cooperation and the promotion of development programs.
LANGUAGES

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

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