Team Leader

UNESCO; Paris; Sur place; USD 162 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An educational policy organization is seeking a leader for Knowledge Generation and Mobilization. Responsibilities include overseeing research, promoting innovations, and building strategic partnerships. The ideal candidate has a strong research background, strategic leadership abilities, and at least ten years of professional experience in education. A competitive salary and benefits are offered, along with a two-year renewable contract in Paris.

Prestations

30 days annual leave

Medical insurance

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of relevant experience in education.
• Experience in knowledge management and maintaining academic partnerships.
• Proven track record in publishing and communication.

Responsabilités

• Lead IIEP’s program of Knowledge Generation and Mobilization.
• Coordinate strategic debates and oversee research projects.
• Advocate for IIEP’s mission and strengthen partnerships.

Connaissances

Strong Research Background

Strategic Leadership

Project and Team Coordination

Effective Communication

Formation

Advanced university degree in relevant fields

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (desired)

Description du poste

OVERVIEW

Post Number:IEP 824

Grade:P-5

Parent Sector:Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station:Paris

Job Family:Education

Type of contract:Fixed Term

Duration of contract:2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to:Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time):29-AUG-2025

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

As the only specialized organization with the mandate to support educational policy, planning and management, the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) plays a unique role within the United Nations system. IIEP was established in 1963 as an integral part of UNESCO. IIEP has offices in Paris, Dakar, and Buenos Aires. IIEP draws on voluntary contributions from core donors and project funding to achieve its goals and objectives.

Under the overall authority and direct supervision of the IIEP Director and within the framework of IIEP’s Medium-Term Strategy, the incumbent will lead IIEP’s program of Knowledge Generation and Mobilization (KGeM). He/She will also coordinate IIEP’s foresight function and will provide technical support in his/her areas of expertise.

More specifically, the incumbent will undertake the following responsibilities:

Long Description

1. Setting clear objectives to IIEP’s programme of work related to research, publications, knowledge curation, communication and reporting.

• Formalizing IIEP’s quality assurance standards and operating procedures for its research projects and knowledge products across the three offices, ensuring quality assurance and evaluation for all related deliverables.
• Providing advice and assistance to all IIEP Programme Specialists contributing to research activities, projects and programmes.
• Coordinating the visiting researcher’s programme.

2. In coordination with the Director, develop IIEP’s foresight function, explore new topics, and promote innovations, by:

• Coordinating the production of flagship publications or reports.
• Commissioning papers in preparation of the publication of working papers and other publications related to the Institute’s foresight function.
• Coordinating the work of the Innovation task force.
• Organizing Strategic Debates.

Long Description

3. Lead IIEP’s research, technical assistance and capacity development work in the area of digital governance, transparency and accountability in education, by:

• Documenting new trends in the area, coordinating international surveys, commissioning country papers, and writing synthesis reports and briefs summarizing the main outcomes of the research.
• Presenting the results of the research and other activities undertaken in international and national arenas.
• Facilitating exchange and policy dialogue in the area, with a focus on Ministries of Education.
• Providing technical support to countries to help them design and implement integrity tools and policies in practice.

4. Advocates convincingly for IIEP’s mission externally, seeking to improve the profile and impact of the organization, by:

• Strengthening academic partnerships with universities and international networks around evidence-based policy, as well as governmental or non-governmental, international or national institutions.
• Organizing and attending high level events, forums, workshops, seminars, meetings, or other capacity building activities organized by IIEP or at the Invitation of Member States, partner organizations, research networks, universities, CSOs, or donor agencies.

5. Ensure a performance management culture, by:

• Supervising and motivating personnel.
• Monitoring progress and development, providing regular feedback and following up in line with the performance management cycle.
• Managing budget and ensuring other administrative tasks, such as oversight of documents in line with existing rules and regulations.
• Participating as a member of the IIEP management team and contributing as needed to overall IIEP management activities.

6. Additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) 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) Leading and empowering others (M) Making quality decisions (M) Managing performance (M) Strategic thinking (M) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework . REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) Education, Economics of Education, Public Policy or Public Administration, Sociology, Political Sciences, or Development Studies or other relevant fields.

Work Experience

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in research and development in the field of education, of which preferably five (5) years acquired at international level.
• Professional experience in knowledge management, publications and communication.
• Professional experience in building and maintaining academic partnerships at national and international levels, working with international partners, ministries of education, donors, and researchers.
• Professional Experience in generating new knowledge and organizing seminars

Long Description

Skills & Competencies

• Strong Research Background: Proven expertise in educational policy, planning, or a related field, ideally with international experience.
• Strategic Leadership: Ability to define vision, set priorities, and align R&D activities with IIEP’s overall strategy.
• Project and Team Coordination: Skilled at organizing work plans, coordinating multiple projects, and managing interdisciplinary teams.
• Project Oversight: Experience managing complex research projects, including budgeting, timelines, and reporting.
• Publication and Dissemination: Track record of publishing in academic or policy-relevant outlets; experience with knowledge sharing and advocacy.
• Effective Communication: Strong writing and presentation skills for diverse audiences (academic, policy, development partners).
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to work with international partners, ministries of education, donors, and researchers.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and oral) of English and French

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the above-mentioned fields.

Skills/Competencies

• Innovation Orientation: Capacity to drive innovation in R&D, including identifying emerging trends and translating them into actionable research.
• Futures Thinking and Foresight Methods: Experience with foresight methodologies (e.g., scenario planning, trend analysis, etc.) and ability to detect and interpret signals of change in global education systems and policies.
• People Management: Ability to mentor, guide, and develop staff; resolve conflicts; promote collaboration and motivation.

Languages

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, 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 161 347 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult ourGuide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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