UNESCO is seeking an exceptional senior leader for the position of Assistant Director-General for Sciences, a high-level executive appointment based at the Organization’s headquarters in Paris, France.
This is far more than a conventional science-sector position. The successful candidate will provide intellectual leadership and strategic vision for UNESCO’s Sciences Sector, overseeing major programmes spanning natural sciences, social and human sciences, scientific cooperation, technology, ethics, water security, biodiversity, climate action and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
With an approximate annual starting salary of US$243,931, plus applicable benefits and entitlements, this opportunity is aimed at highly experienced scientific, policy and institutional leaders with a substantial record of international engagement.
A Leadership Role at the Intersection of Science and Global Policy
The world is confronting increasingly interconnected challenges involving environmental systems, technological transformation and social change.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and societies. Climate change and biodiversity loss are intensifying environmental pressures. Water security and disaster resilience remain critical development priorities. At the same time, governments and institutions face growing questions about the ethical, legal and societal implications of emerging technologies.
UNESCO’s Sciences Sector works at this intersection.
The Assistant Director-General for Sciences will help strengthen the coherence and positioning of UNESCO’s scientific mandate while ensuring that science, technology, innovation and knowledge contribute to sustainability, human rights, gender equality, peace and equity.
The role covers an exceptionally broad portfolio, bringing together natural, basic, social and human sciences and connecting scientific knowledge with policy, governance and societal needs.
What Will the Assistant Director-General for Sciences Do?
Reporting directly to the Director-General, the successful candidate will be responsible for the overall implementation of UNESCO’s Major Programme II (Natural Sciences) and Major Programme III (Social and Human Sciences), as approved by the Organization’s governing bodies.
The role requires an executive capable of translating UNESCO’s strategic priorities into measurable impact across multiple scientific and policy domains.
Key responsibilities include advancing initiatives across:
- Social policies and inclusion
- Ethics, research and technology
- Ecological and Earth sciences
- Water sciences
- Science, technology and innovation
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Biodiversity and climate action
- Disaster risk reduction
- Human rights and social inclusion
- International scientific cooperation
The Assistant Director-General will also promote open science, strengthen the relationship between science, policy and society, and expand access to scientific knowledge, technology and capacity-building opportunities.
Shaping Responsible Innovation
One of the defining elements of this position is its focus on the responsible governance of scientific and technological advancement.
The successful candidate will help Member States address the ethical, legal, environmental and societal implications of science, technology and innovation, including cutting-edge fields such as AI and neurotechnologies.
This requires more than scientific expertise. It calls for a leader who understands how scientific developments interact with public policy, institutions, human rights and societies.
The position therefore offers a unique opportunity for an international leader to influence global conversations around responsible technology, ethical innovation and evidence-based governance.
Building Global Scientific Cooperation
The Assistant Director-General will also strengthen UNESCO’s international scientific networks and partnerships.
Responsibilities include fostering collaboration among governments, international organizations, academic institutions, scientific associations, civil society and the private sector.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
- Reinforce international scientific cooperation
- Build strategic partnerships and networks
- Mobilize partnerships and extrabudgetary resources
- Strengthen institutional and human capacity
- Promote innovation and foresight
- Represent UNESCO at high-level international forums
- Engage senior government and international officials
- Strengthen UNESCO’s global visibility and thought leadership
The position will also support programmes connected to UNESCO’s global networks of biosphere reserves, UNESCO Global Geoparks and ecohydrology sites, alongside UNESCO centres and Chairs.
Who Is UNESCO Looking For?
This is an executive-level appointment requiring a substantial record of leadership.
Applicants must have an advanced university degree at Master’s level or equivalent in a discipline related to the field of sciences.
Candidates must also demonstrate at least 15 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience, including senior leadership or executive positions directly related to UNESCO’s Sciences Programme.
Importantly, the required experience should include assignments at regional or international levels, with particular emphasis on managing global scientific programmes and institutions.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Extensive experience in scientific research and cooperation
- Experience leading large and diverse teams
- Experience managing organizational transformation
- Strategic planning and change-management expertise
- Experience conducting complex international negotiations
- Political and diplomatic acumen
- Experience engaging senior government and international officials
- Strong partnership-building and resource-mobilization abilities
- Excellent communication and representational skills
A PhD in sciences or a related sub-discipline is desirable.
Language Requirements
Candidates must have excellent knowledge and drafting skills in English or French, one of UNESCO’s working languages.
Working knowledge of the second working language is desirable.
Knowledge of additional UNESCO official languages—including Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish—is also considered an advantage.
Salary and Benefits
The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years, renewable, with the duty station in Paris.
The approximate annual starting salary is:
US$243,931
UNESCO staff benefits may also include:
- 30 days of annual leave
- Family allowance, where applicable
- Medical insurance
- Pension plan
- Other applicable international staff benefits
Geographical mobility is required for staff appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
The Assistant Director-General for Sciences will occupy a strategic position at one of the world’s leading international organizations for science, education, culture and knowledge.
The role provides an opportunity to influence global policy across some of the defining issues of the coming decades—from artificial intelligence and bioethics to climate change, biodiversity, freshwater security and human rights.
It is particularly suited to senior scientific leaders, international policy experts, research executives and institutional leaders with a proven record of working across borders and disciplines.
The position also places a strong emphasis on diversity, geographical representation, gender parity and inclusion, with candidates from non- and under-represented Member States particularly encouraged to apply.
Application Details
Position: Assistant Director-General for Sciences
Position Number: SCS 001
Grade: ADG
Duty Station: Paris, France
Sector: Sciences Sector
Contract: Fixed Term
Duration: 2 years, renewable
Recruitment: Internal and external candidates
Minimum Experience: 15 years of progressively responsible relevant experience
Education: Master’s degree or equivalent required; PhD desirable
Working Languages: English or French
Approximate Annual Starting Salary: US$243,931
Application Deadline: 22 August 2026, Midnight Paris Time
Applications must be submitted through the official UNESCO Careers portal nere.
High-Proposition Opportunity
Shape the future of global science policy from UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris—leading international action on AI, climate, water security, biodiversity, ethics, human rights and scientific cooperation.
For senior scientific and policy leaders with 15+ years of relevant international experience, this is an opportunity to help position science as a transformative force for sustainable development, peace, equity and responsible innovation.
Application deadline: 22 August 2026.
