Director, Bureau of Human Resources Management

OVERVIEW

Position Number: HRM 237

Grade: D-1

Parent Sector: Bureau of Human Resources Management (HRM)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Administration

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 25/09/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Bureau of Human Resources Management is responsible for developing, leading and coordinating the implementation of UNESCO’s Human Resources Strategy in close collaboration with its key stakeholders, namely Member States, senior management and UNESCO personnel, ensuring that UNESCO has a diverse, high-skilled and committed workforce worldwide that can deliver the Organization’s mandate across its fields of competence.

In this regard, the Bureau provides strategic HR support services to management and UNESCO employees by developing, recommending and facilitating the implementation of human resources policies, programmes and initiatives including those captured in the five-year Human Resources Strategy’s roadmap. 

In addition, the Bureau is also responsible for statutory operational services and activities essential for the effective delivery of the Organization’s programmes and the well-being of its workforce.

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), and overall supervision of the Deputy Director-General, the Director of the Bureau of Human Resources Management (DIR/HRM) leads and coordinates the delivery of human resources management services across the Organization. 

The incumbent provides authoritative advice and support to the senior management on a broad range of human resources matters and contributes to the development and implementation of HR policies, programmes and initiatives in line with organizational priorities and operational requirements.

The Director oversees the provision of integrated HR services, including workforce planning, recruitment, learning and development, performance management and staff engagement, ensuring effective and consistent application of policies and procedures. The incumbent leads a team of HR professionals and promotes efficient, client-oriented HR services that support the Organization in attracting, developing and retaining a competent and diverse workforce.

The Director promotes awareness within UNESCO of the importance of human resources management for overall organizational performance and as such, will manage the implementation of HR reform initiatives through innovative HR policies and practices, while cultivating a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement across the Organization.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director shall be responsible for:

• Providing guidance and support to senior management on all human resources matters and emerging HR issues. Promoting awareness of sound human resources management practices and support initiatives aimed at fostering a values-based workplace culture, supporting work-life balance and wellbeing initiatives, gender equality, nurturing staff development through targeted programmes and policies and leveraging diversity as an advantage to improve performance and innovation.

• Leading and coordinating the formulation, development, implementation and communication of UNESCO’s Human Resources Strategy, HR policies, programmes and initiatives, ensuring alignment with evolving organizational needs. Supporting organizational change and HR reform initiatives positioning HRM as a proactive enabler and trusted partner in achieving organizational transformation, efficiencies and innovation.

• Leading the design and implementation of an integrated talent management framework encompassing workforce planning, recruitment, learning and development, and performance management, aligning HR policies and processes to create synergies and efficiencies and embedding diversity targets into all stages of the employee lifecycle. Providing expert advice to senior managers on the implementation of HR policies and processes. Ensuring the provision of critical business intelligence to senior management on workforce trends and emerging HR issues to enable data-driven decision-making and proactive workforce planning and resource allocation.

• Leading a team of HR professionals, setting clear objectives, monitoring performance and fostering collaboration that encourages innovation, service excellence, continuous learning and professional development. Managing the overall implementation of the approved work programme and budget for the Bureau, ensuring efficient work distribution and coordination of tasks, promotion of teamwork, communication and management information.

• Building and maintaining productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including Permanent Delegations, academic institutes, professional networks and HR service providers.

• Representing the Organization in joint staff–management meetings as well as in the various United Nations forums including the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), the HR Network and, as appropriate, the High-Level Committee on Management (HLCM). Representing the Organization in governing body meetings as required.

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 (Draft UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2026 – 2029 quadrennium).

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 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 and/or implementing organizational transformation. 

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities. 
• High sense of professional integrity and political sensitivity; demonstrated ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners.
• Strong managerial and leadership skills combined with demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis of complex human resources issues.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities including strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Thorough understanding and hands-on experience in human resources management and a sound knowledge of HR theory and general management concepts.
• Proven ability to motivate, administer and manage a large body of staff working in diverse human resources functions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to manage relationships at all levels of the Organization as well as 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 (English or French) of the Organization and ability to work in the second language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Courses/degree/training in a management-related field or in disciplines relevant to the post.

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 & COMPETENCIES

• Awareness and knowledge of UNESCO’s strategic objectives and of wider processes within the United Nations system.
• Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships and networks.
• Knowledge/understanding of UN HR Rules and Regulations.

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 US$182 355.

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.