Chief of Section (Higher Education)
JOB DETAIL
OVERVIEW
Post Number : ED 449
Grade : P-5
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Fixed Term
Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 13-MAR-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Higher Education Section implements UNESCO’s programme in Higher Education. It carries out analysis on a wide range of higher education issues and policies. It is in charge of the implementation of the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education. The Higher Education Section is working to improve the evidence base for the renewal of Higher Education within a lifelong learning perspective including on the topics of equity and inclusion, learning pathways, digitalisation, greening and links with the labour market, skilling and reskilling. Together with the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the Higher Education Section is bringing together data on higher education systems to permit more fine-grained analysis of trends and define appropriate programmes.
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education and the direct supervision of the Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems, the incumbent will lead the Section for Higher Education to support Member States in developing and reforming their higher education policies and systems and promote recognition of qualifications and international cooperation in this field. The incumbent will carry out the following duties and responsibilities:
Long Description
• Stimulate strategic thinking and international policy dialogue on higher education renewal and development at global, regional and national levels.
• Provide intellectual leadership to the Section through identification of key issues and formulation of relevant programmes and activities. Ensure the quality of all knowledge products, reports and services delivered and ensure effective articulation with other UNESCO programmes in education within a lifelong learning perspective.
• Lead the implementation of the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education and advance UNESCO’s work on cross-borders recognition of qualifications, quality assurance and digitisation of credentials.
• Lead the provision of technical assistance and policy advice to Member States, in collaboration with UNESCO field offices and UNESCO Education Institutes.
• Reinforce and further develop partnerships with other organizations, entities and networks active in the field of higher education and with the university community at large.
• Contribute to the mobilization of extra-budgetary resources.
• Manage the Section team and budget and oversee programme implementation and reporting.
Long Description
Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in education, social sciences, public policies, international development, engineering, or a related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
• 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience at both national and international levels in education policy and system management, including a proven experience in the higher education sector.
• Experience in coordinating or collaborating with networks of the higher education institutions including on issues related to recognition of qualifications, quality assurance, resourcing and benchmarking higher education institutions.
• Management experience preferably at the international level.
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
• Knowledge of the tertiary education sector, including in the field of inter-university cooperation, student mobility, learning pathways and skilling and reskilling.
• Proven conceptual, analytical and technical skills in the field of higher education, including the ability to provide policy review and advice and conduct comparative analysis within a lifelong learning perspective.
• Experience in fund-raising and facilitating networks and building partnerships.
• Strong managerial and team leader skills. Experience in leading and motivating staff and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues and people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and knowledge of or commitment to learn French in a reasonable timeframe.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Good knowledge of French.
- PhD (or equivalent) in a subject of direct relevance to higher education policies and reforms.
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
- Experience within University System including at management level.
- Experience within higher education regional and international networks.
- Knowledge of policies and programmes linking higher education, research, industrial development and innovation.
LANGUAGES
- Good knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, 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 143 825 US $.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
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.
