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