Head of Section, Science and Technology, Culture and Communications

UNESCO contributes to peace and human development in an era of globalization by furthering international cooperation through its programmes in education, sciences, culture and communication. With its 193 Member States and 7 Associate Members, UNESCO has its Headquarters in Paris (France) and operates globally through a network of offices and several institutes.
United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization
Post title
Head of Section, Science and Technology, Culture and Communications (SCC)
Organisational unit
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
Duty station
Montreal, Canada
Grade
P-5
Post number
1CAUIS0992ST
Closing date
14 June 2011
Main responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) the incumbent is responsible for the successful execution of the Science and Technology, Communication, and Culture Programmes (SCC). He/She is responsible for the activities leading to dissemination of data on an internationally comparable basis and associated methodological development. He/She provides policy and expert advice on a range of statistical issues related to the SCC programmes. The post holder will be responsible for achieving a globally recognized impact for the UIS in these sectors through survey specification, analysis, standard setting, measurement and other related activities. He/She will have the following responsibilities:
• Direct the planning, initiation and execution of the SCC Programmes, comprising the collection, compilation, analysis, dissemination and international standardization for SCC data. He/She directs the SCC section of the UIS's statistical services and provides both technical and managerial supervision of all its activities, including preparation of its work programme.
• Supervise and undertake research and methodological studies with regards to standards on the concepts, definitions and classifications of SCC statistics to improve international comparability, and the creation, extension and further development of world-wide standards for the collection of data. Initiate, prepare and/or review reports and technical papers on SCC. Supervise and undertake the development of new or improved SCC statistical methods and quantitative models for analyses and projections. Engage with national and international experts as an accepted colleague with sufficient authority to manage their overall input to programmes as advisors and contractors.
• Provide advice in respect to the SCC statistics and data throughout the Organization, to governments, regional offices and other statistical institutions on the statistical aspects of programmes and projects and the evaluation and analysis of data, as required. This includes ensuring substantive backstopping of technical assistance projects in SCC statistics and agreeing programme of co-operation with them through Memorandum of Understanding and other instruments.
• Maintain close liaison and cooperation within the field of responsibility throughout the Organization and with other relevant national and international institutions to ensure full coordination and to avoid duplication of efforts. Represent the Institute at international and regional meetings and inter-agency activities for SCC speaking with authority to influence the decisions of national/international experts and senior government officials.
• Advise senior management on trends and developments in SCC, and recommend appropriate courses of action. Contribute to the strategies and cohesiveness of the UIS, as a member of its Senior Staff Management Team.
Profile
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Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of statistics, mathematics, economics or other related disciplines including training in basic and applied statistics or similar quantitative studies;
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10 to 15 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years at the international level, in the planning, directing and designing of a programme to compile, process and disseminate statistical data or in developing and advising on statistical analysis and methodology;
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Knowledge of statistical and international policy issues related to Science, Culture and/or Communication;
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Excellent knowledge of the challenges associated with Science and Technology, Communication, and Culture Programmes (SCC);
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Excellent analytical skills;
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Ability to interact and effectively communicate with a wide range of high-level partnerships in a multuticultural environment;
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Strong managerial skills. Experience in leading and motivating staff and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues and people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. A proven experience in supervising a team is required;
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Proven experience in the use of computers for the processing of statistical information and supervising the development and maintenance of computer databases;
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Excellent knowledge of English or French; good knowledge of the other language an asset. Knowledge of another official UN language would be an added advantage.
A written test may be used in the recruitment of the post.
Conditions of employment
UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars but mainly paid in local currency. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates. For this post, the annual remuneration in local currency will start from around USD$ 135,820 (USD$ 126,180 if without dependants), exempt from income tax. In addition, UNESCO offers an attractive benefits package including 30 days annual vacation, home travel, education grant for dependant children, pension plan and medical insurance. The initial appointment, which is for 2 years, includes a probationary period of 12 months, and is renewable, subject to satisfactory service. Worldwide mobility is required as staff members have to serve in other duty stations according to UNESCO’s job rotation policy. UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.
How to apply
When applying for UNESCO vacancies, please only use the on-line recruitment system at www.unesco.org/employment. Candidates without access to Internet may send a paper application by completing the official UNESCO CV form (available at Headquarters, UNESCO Offices, National Commissions in Member States, or any office of a United Nations Resident Representative) in English or French to Chief, HRM/RCS, UNESCO, 7 place de Fontenoy, 75352 Paris 07 SP, France, before the closing date, quoting the post number: 1CAUIS0992ST
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNESCO and requesting the payment of a fee, please contact: Recrutweb@unesco.org
UNESCO is committed to promote geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as nationals from
non- and under-represented Member States. Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply
Non- or under-represented Member States as of March 2011 (please check at www.unesco.org/employment for the latest situation): Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan,
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador,
Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Fiji, Gabon, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait,
Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Montenegro, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Niue, Oman, Palau,
Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi
Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United
Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen.
HRM/RCR/JD/11/P/51 Issue date: 14 April 2011