OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

UNESCO’s Bureau of Strategic Planning (BSP) drives the Organization’s strategic planning and reporting, resource alignment, and programme coherence while building robust partnerships to support its mission. BSP develops UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy and Biennial Programme, ensuring alignment with global priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In addition, BSP coordinates corporate partnerships, oversees the mobilization of voluntary resources, and manages grant agreements. It also promotes results-based management, oversees programme monitoring, and supports capacity building, ensuring that UNESCO’s initiatives are both effective and responsive to global needs.

Under the authority and direct supervision of the Director of the Bureau of Strategic Planning (DIR/BSP), the incumbent will serve as Executive Officer for BSP, providing technical advice, integrated management, knowledge management, and coordination to ensure the effective and timely delivery of BSP functions. This role supports BSP operations across all divisions, working closely with BSP units, Headquarters, Field Offices, and external stakeholders. Acting as the main coordinator for cross-divisional projects, the incumbent will handle initiatives that require an integrated, Bureau- or organization-wide approach, and sustained knowledge sharing. Additionally, she/he will manage the Secretariat for internal coordination groups, such as the Committee for the Review of High-Risk Projects and the Programme Coordination Group.

Within this context, the incumbent will:

• Ensure the effective, high-quality functioning of the BSP Directorate by driving synergy, rigorous quality control, and strategic follow-up of key BSP deliverables. Support the development of BSP workplans and budgets, support their implementation and oversee their monitoring. Ensure regular meetings of the Bureau’s senior management and that key priorities are addressed in a timely manner. This role requires good coordination and an overview of BSP’s priorities to align workflows across BSP, enhancing cross-divisional cooperation and information sharing, and ensuring cohesive, consistent processes and outputs. It also demands close coordination with stakeholders beyond BSP, including other HQ units, Field Offices, and external partners such as UN organizations, to advance UNESCO’s strategic objectives with a unified and impactful approach.
• Serve as the Secretariat of the Programme Coordination Group (PCG) by organizing forward agendas, collaborating with corporate units to prepare submission papers for deliberation, and documenting meeting outcomes. This role includes preparing detailed minutes, monitoring the implementation of Committee decisions, and ensuring follow-up to maintain alignment with UNESCO’s strategic objectives.
• Serve as the Secretariat of the Committee for the Review of High-Risk Projects (CRHRP) and other internal coordination bodies as assigned by DIR/BSP, ensuring proper review and decision-making. This includes following up on identified issues and risks, collaboration with relevant division/units in BSP as well as within the Programme Sectors and ensuring that risk mitigation measures are implemented effectively in collaboration with ADM/RCP and in compliance with UNESCO’s risk management frameworks.
• Lead the drafting and preparation of strategic and specialized deliverables in support of DIR/BSP, with input from, and consultation with, both divisions within BSP, Programme Services, Management, and Field Offices. This includes making sure that DIR/BSP has key information for meetings and engagements in close coordination with relevant Bureau staff. It involves the facilitation and systematization of knowledge production, codification, and sharing across BSP and with other units. It will rely on coordination and consultation with relevant in-house units, liaison with external stakeholders, as well as performing original specialized research and drafting, and not least reviewing. She/he will also support other directors in the Bureau for tasks of a corporate nature or undertaken for the entire Bureau, as assigned by DIR/BSP.
• Undertake other relevant tasks, as requested by DIR/BSP.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

–

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Development Studies, Economics, Management, International Relations or in a related field.

Work Experience

• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in supporting directorate functions, facilitating team coordination, and providing high-level executive support and management, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international level.
• Strong experience in knowledge management and data analysis.

Skills & Competencies

• Robust knowledge of strategic planning and reporting, as well as partnership development and management.
• In-depth understanding of governance and decision-making processes within international organizations.
• Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
• Proven ability to produce high quality, analytical and impact-oriented strategic documents and reports.
• Excellent coordination, interpersonal and negotiation skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.
• Networking and advocacy skills, with a sense of diplomacy.
• Ability to effectively manage competing deadlines.
• Excellent data analysis and information technology management skills.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and working knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience in managing secretariats for corporate coordination mechanisms.
• Experience with corporate risk management.

Skills & Competencies

• Familiarity with relevant technological solutions and systems relevant to programme planning, monitoring and reporting.
• Familiarity with UNESCO specific strategic planning processes, including the Medium-Term Strategy (C/4) and Programme and Budget (C/5).
• Familiarity with UNESCO’s governance structures and mechanisms.
• Knowledge of UN reform processes.

Languages

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