GRANTS MANAGEMENT OFFICER

OVERVIEW

Position Number: DPA 834

Grade: P-3

Parent Sector: Division for Partnerships (DPA)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 14/09/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Partnerships Division (DPA), placed under the Deputy Director-General (DDG), is responsible for coordinating UNESCO’s public and private partners including key interlocutors from bilateral donors, United Nations and multilateral organizations, regional institutions such as the European Union (EU) and regional banks, civil society, philanthropy, foundations and corporations. It works to diversify and expand UNESCO’s donor base and provide backstopping and guidance to UNESCO Programme Sectors, Field Offices, and Category 1 Institutes in support of their efforts to engage with partners and mobilize resources. The Partnerships Division is responsible for the elaboration of strategies for partnership and resource mobilization and manages grants agreements.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of DIR/DPA and the direct supervision of the Head of the Agreement Management Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for leading the review of donor funding agreements, for supporting and guiding implementing units in the area of funding agreements, and the development of grant policies and procedures pertaining to these areas.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Within this context, specific duties of the incumbent will include:

Review of funding agreements :

• Provides active support in negotiations with donors on all types of funding agreements and ensures an effective system is in place for the review of funding agreements.
• Handles such negotiations taking into account the requirements of donors and UNESCO's relevant regulations and rules, policies and procedures.
• Provides advice on risks that the Organization can take with regard to non-standard clauses and any other risks arising from the funding agreements.
• Coordinates consultations with relevant UNESCO services.

Backstopping to implementing units:

• Provides advice on choice of funding arrangement depending on donor's requirements to project officers.
• Provides advice and backstopping to project officers, at Headquarters and Field Offices, in the preparation of project agreements as well as Institutes as applicable.
• Processes delegation requests for signature of funding agreements and ensures that funding agreements are recorded in a timely manner in the Organization's systems.
• Organizes training on funding arrangements as appropriate for Headquarters and Field Offices in close relation with other DPA units.

Monitoring of agreements:

• The incumbent, with the support of team members, is responsible for maintaining up to date the list of agreements under negotiations/review to ensure proper report on funding arrangements in the pipeline.

Policies and procedures:

• The incumbent will participate in the review, update and revision of grant management policies and ensure UNESCO funding agreement templates are regularly updated.

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)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in public administration, economics, or a related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least four (4) years of relevant professional experience in the area of funding agreements negotiation or closely related fields, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at international level.
• Demonstrated experience in grants management and partnerships.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent understanding of grants management processes, especially on funding agreements review and negotiation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the international donor landscape.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain effective partnerships and participate in negotiations with various stakeholders.
• Excellent drafting skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.

LANGUAGES

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Good understanding of the United Nations System funding structure.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and/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 109 427 USD

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.