CHIEF OF RESEARCH, POLICY AND FORESIGHT SECTION (SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES)

Deadline: 25 July 2021
Open to: A minimum of 10 years of professional experience
Benefits: 2-years contract

DESCRIPTION

The Research, Policy and Foresight Section supports Member States in leveraging the contributions of the Social and Human Sciences in addressing major contemporary trends that are driving societal transformations. This includes increased inequalities of income and opportunities; the social impact of climate change and of the digital transformation. The goal of this work is to strengthen the research-policy interface, contributing to the establishment of a culture of evidence-informed decision-making policies. The Section also supports capacity-building mechanisms that will strengthen the capacities of national researchers, research institutions, research systems, policymakers and civil society to design and implement public policies for attaining sustainable, peaceful and inclusive societies. The role of this Section has become more important given the societal impact of COVID.

Under the close supervision of the Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences Sector (ADG/SHS), the incumbent will be responsible for the following programmes:

Management of Social Transformation Programme
Inclusive Policy Lab
Futures Literacy
Humanities and Philosophy
Long Description
Under the overall authority and close supervision of the ADG/SHS and reporting to the Director for
Partnerships and Outreach (DIR/POD), the incumbent will lead the design, coordination, execution and evaluation of the programme and projects for the Research, Policy and Foresight Section.

In particular, the incumbent will be required to:

Provide leadership to find solutions to the social challenges member states are confronting.
Demonstrate innovative thinking to address the Post COVID challenges and foster social inclusion, cohesion and resilience.
Keep abreast of state of the art analytical frameworks that inform better policy making, integrating system thinking and behavioural analysis, among others.
Demonstrate deep commitment to address increased inequalities and the social impact of climate change and the digital transformations.
Provide strong intellectual leadership and guidance to Section in order to develop, drive and ensure the delivery of a comprehensive implementation of the Approved Programme and Projects.
Develop flagship projects with international impact and develop high quality networks.
Ensure a comprehensive implementation of the Approved Programme and Projects and deliver timely results; Manage work program effectively fashion, and drive excellent coordination with field offices.
Define priorities and an agenda for staff and the Section and locate and pursue resources.
Demonstrate a strong capacity for timely delivery of the responsible programme outputs.
Maximize the contributions of social and human sciences to the recovery of the COVID pandemic and building innovative solutions.
Transform the Managing of Social Transformation Program (MOST) and provide strategic leadership for its implementation.

ELIGIBILITY

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education

Advanced university degree Master’s or equivalent in the field of Social and Human Sciences, Economics or a related field.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in programme management, project planning, development and implementation in the field of research and public policy or similar programmes.
Demonstrated leadership in these areas of work.
A minimum of 4 years of experience acquired at the international level.
Demonstrated experience in policy analysis and formulation, and in working with countries to advance their policy priorities.
Proven track record in fundraising activities.
Experience in advocacy, resources and partnership mobilization.
Experience in leading and managing human and financial resources.
Demonstrated experience in conducting innovative research and advancing analytical work.

Skills and competencies

Capacity to provide intellectual leadership as well as ability to build trust among, manage, lead and motivate a large number of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Capacity to link policies to research to promote inclusive growth or inclusive socities.
Excellent knowledge of multilateral settings on the inequalities of income and opportunities analysis and international comparatie analysis.
Strong conceptual, intellectual and analytical capacities, with a high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
Solid management and organizational skills with ability to establish plans and priorities and effectively implement them.
Excellent interpersonal and representational analytical skills and demonstrated ability to communicate, advocate, and negotiate with staff and a wide range of stakeholders/partners at all levels within and outside the Organization.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain partnerships and to ensure a high-level coordination and cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
Good grasp of UNESCO’s mission, functions, and core strategies and their leading impact on MOST,
Public Policy, Foresight and other related Programmes.

Languages

Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English or French.

BENEFITS

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.

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.