UNESCO Assistant Job 2026: Assistant Director-General for Sciences Vacancy – Eligibility, Salary, Responsibilities and How to Apply

Overview

UNESCO is recruiting an Assistant Director-General for Sciences, a senior executive appointment at the ADG level based at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. The post sits in the Sciences job family and is a fixed-term international contract of two years, renewable. It is open to internal and external candidates.

The appointee gives strategic direction to UNESCO's Sciences Sector and contributes to efforts to strengthen international scientific cooperation and address major global challenges. UNESCO's scientific work covers areas such as environmental sustainability, biodiversity, water resources, ocean science, research, technological development and innovation.

What the role involves

The Assistant Director-General provides strategic leadership for UNESCO's scientific activities, identifies emerging priorities and keeps science programmes relevant to changing global circumstances. The post includes leading and overseeing major scientific programmes involving many stakeholders and possibly several countries and regions, with a focus on measurable results aligned with UNESCO's objectives.

Strengthening partnerships between governments, scientific institutions, universities, international organizations and research networks is central to the job, as is promoting the use of scientific knowledge in policymaking and supporting international discussions on scientific, environmental, technological and development challenges. The role also requires executive management: leading teams, coordinating programmes, managing institutional priorities and working with senior colleagues across UNESCO. The appointee works with senior government officials, scientists, researchers, policymakers and development partners.

Who can apply

The post is intended for an established professional with a substantial record in science and international cooperation. Relevant experience includes scientific research and research management, leadership of scientific institutions, international scientific cooperation, work in government or multilateral organizations, global development programmes, strategic policy development, management of large-scale scientific initiatives, multidisciplinary team leadership, international partnerships, and science and technology policy.

Key dates

Applications close on 22 August 2026 at midnight Paris time.