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Director, UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1CAUIS0001ST

Grade: D-2

Parent Sector: Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Montreal

Job Family: Education

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable - maximum duration of 6 years

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 10/10/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the statistical branch of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nation’s depository for global statistics. Established in 1999, the Institute produces data and methodologies to monitor trends, at the national and international levels, delivering comparative data for countries at all stages of development to provide a global perspective on education, science and technology, culture and communication.

UIS is mandated by the international development community to develop methodologies, statistical frameworks and classifications, to set standards, to collect and disseminate data, and to build national capacities to produce indicators crucial for monitoring progress towards achieving SDG4, SDG9, SDG11 and key targets.

In a rapidly evolving data landscape marked by digital transformation, big data, and growing demand for timely and disaggregated statistics, UIS is at the forefront of innovation in official statistics and capacity development.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

UNESCO is seeking an exceptional, and visionary Director to lead this Institute. The Director will provide strategic, intellectual and operational leadership to position UIS as a globally recognized centre of excellence in data, analytics, and statistical capacity development.

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Education of UNESCO and in accordance with the prerogatives delegated by the Director-General of UNESCO, and guided by the Institute's Governing Board, the incumbent will lead and manage the UIS human and financial resources, including the planning and assignment of resources, the implementation of planned programmes and the assessment of outcomes. The Director will drive the Institute’s strategic vision, ensure the delivery of its goals and objectives with a view to serving UNESCO’s mandate, and strengthen its role within the UN system and the broader global data ecosystem.

Long Description

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The key roles and responsibilities of the incumbent shall include:

Provide high-level managerial leadership for UIS with respect to programmes, including the development and implementation of organizational and resource mobilization strategies.
Oversee the effective management of financial and human resources.
Identify key issues/risks, anticipate global trends as well as opportunities, for UIS and take actions toward its stable development while aiming to ensure UIS remains relevant and impactful to Member States, partner organizations and the world at large.
Lead the strategic vision for the development of statistics in the areas of UNESCO’s mandate.

Represent the Director-General at the United Nations Statistics Commission and other high-level meetings concerning statistics.

Establish and maintain close professional relationships with governmental, non-governmental, international and national institutions, as well as relevant professional bodies working in the field of statistics.

Lead the development of the Institute’s communication and outreach strategy, as well as strengthen the substantive links between the Institute’s activities and UNESCO’s other programmes to provide quality assurance on statistical matters throughout UNESCO.
Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and diverse organizational culture.
Promote innovation, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing across the Institute.

For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: https://www.unesco.org/en, and/or the following documents: 41 C/4 (UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy for 2022–2029) and 43 C/5 (UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2026–2029 quadrennium).

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
Building partnerships (M)
Driving and managing change (M)
Strategic thinking (M)
Making quality decisions (M)
Managing performance (M)
Leading and empowering others (M)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of statistics or a closely related numeric discipline (such as demography, economics or mathematics), or in the fields of education or the social sciences with a substantial part on applied statistics.

WORK EXPERIENCE

At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience of statistical management preferably at both national and international levels, including exposure in senior executive positions at international level.
Strong leadership experience and proven ability in planning and managing international programmes and/or projects.
Demonstrated experience in advocacy, resources mobilization and partnership development.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Commitment to the Organization’s mandate, vision and strategic direction, as well as to its priorities.
Proven leadership and managerial skills and sound analytical capacities.
Sound judgement and decision-making skills.
Ability for strategic planning and management, including capacity to administer extensive programmes and financial resources.
Demonstrated ability to persuasively defend the importance of statistics/statistical products/services and articulate statistical development needs within UNESCO’s mandate.
Excellent diplomatic, negotiation, communication and representational skills.
Strong understanding of global statistical systems and knowledge of the main issues facing the field of education and other UNESCO domains of expertise.
Broad experience, at a high level, of international cooperation mechanisms, and wide networks of contacts with international organizations and development agencies (World Bank, UNICEF, regional development banks, OECD, Eurostat, etc.).
Ability to strengthen the reputation of the Institute by maintaining a focus on top-quality results.
Ability to lead and motivate teams in a multicultural environment, as well as to ensure continuous training and development of staff.

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge of and drafting skills in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

A PhD in relevant field would be a strong asset.
Degree/diploma or course in management.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Extensive experience collaborating directly with government education ministries, national statistics authorities, and policy research institutions or think tanks, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
Professional experience gained in a multicultural working environment.
Track record in working with a wide range of high-level partnerships, and in participating effectively in high-level negotiations.
Strong global professional network.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Competence in the use software for general and specialized applications.
Ability to keep up-to-date on relevant developments in statistics.

LANGUAGES

Good knowledge of French.
Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and 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 US$ 175,883.

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

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. 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. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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 to 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.
lndividuals 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.
Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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