Chief of Section (Technology and AI in Education)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : ED 036

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) : 20-DEC-2023

 

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

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General of Education (ADG/ED), and the direct supervision of the Director of the Division for the Future of Learning and Innovation (DIR/ED/FLI), the incumbent will lead the design, management, implementation and monitoring of the programme in the Section of Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Education. The Section plays an essential role in providing policy guidance, strengthening national capacities for policy formulation and implementation, developing norms, standards and tools, and mobilizing resources to help ensure a human-centered approach to the digitization of education. The Chief of Section will ensure that technical support and backstopping is provided to UNESCO Field Offices in their efforts to reinforce the capacity of Member States to steer the digital transformation of education in support of inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. In doing so, s/he will coordinate with Education Sector teams at Headquarters, Regional Bureaus, Category I Institutes, UNESCO Programme Sectors, as well as other partners. 

Long Description

In leading the design, development, implementation and monitoring of the Section’s programme in technologies and AI in education, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

 

• Lead and coordinate UNESCO’s efforts to develop international standards, normative instruments, as well as policy guidance materials and tools related to various dimensions of the use of digital technology in education;
• Provide policy advice and capacity building support to Members States in the field of digital education and AI in education, in close cooperation with Field Offices, as well as other partners;
• Organize UNESCO’s global annual flagship event, Digital Learning Week, in cooperation with UNESCO Sectors, UN agencies, and other international partners involved in digital education; 
• Establish, develop and sustain strong working relations and partnership with governments, UN agencies, NGOs, private sector, civil society and other partners of UNESCO;
• Lead, support and manage the staff of the Section; 
• Mobilize resources for the Section’s programmes;
• Monitor the effectiveness and impact of the Section’s Programmes and activities in support of Member States. 

Long Description 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 or equivalent) in education or related fields of social sciences.

 

Work Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the field of education, of which preferably, at least 5 years acquired at the international level, including in policy development related to technology in education.
• Experience in designing and implementing national and/or international large-scale digital education programmes.
• Experience in resource mobilization and partnership development.
• Experience in leading and managing teams of professionals in a multicultural environment.

Long Description

Skills and Competencies 

• Good understanding of global trends and developments related to technological innovation in education.
• Technical skills including the ability to provide advice on educational policy, strategic planning and management in the area of ICTs in education and/or digital learning.
• Ability to organize and engage in policy dialogue with high-level government officials, international education partners, civil society representatives, and researchers with regard to technology in education.
• Ability to accompany and lead change initiatives.
• Excellent leadership and managerial skills, including sound analytical capacities, high sense of objectivity, professional integrity and political astuteness.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare, present and discuss findings and recommendations on education issues clearly and concisely.

 

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and working knowledge of the other.  

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

• Advanced university degree (a PhD or equivalent) in educational sciences, education technologies, global education policy, comparative education, or other related fields. 

 

Work Experience

• Experience in the field of multilateral cooperation and development.
• Experience in providing support to countries in the implementation of digital education projects and programmes at a national or regional scale. 
• Strong global professional network in digital education.

 

Skills and Competencies 

• Understanding of the international digital learning landscape.
• Understanding of UNESCO’s strategic direction and familiarity with UNESCO’s operations.
• Knowledge of agile working methodology.

 

Languages

• Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or 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 119,725 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide 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 a competency-based 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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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.