Assistant Director-General for Culture (re-advertisement)

OVERVIEW

Position Number: CLT 001

Grade: ADG

Parent Sector: Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Culture

Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 03-MAR-2026

 

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

 

https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000386038

 

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

 

The Culture Sector plays a central role in UNESCO’s mission to promote the role of culture, heritage and creativity as a global public good and an important enabler of sustainable economic and social development, a source of knowledge and resilience and a vector for dialogue and cooperation. It supports Member States in implementing UNESCO’s six cultural conventions as platforms for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, addressing the challenges posed by conflicts, climate change and natural disasters on culture. 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

Under the authority of the Director-General, the Assistant Director-General for Culture provides strategic leadership, intellectual vision and managerial oversight for UNESCO’s Culture Sector (Major Programme IV). The incumbent is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the Sector’s overall strategy, ensuring that UNESCO remains the global leader in the field of culture.

Working closely with other Assistant Directors-General, the incumbent fosters transversal collaboration across sectors, ensuring that culture is fully integrated into UNESCO’s broader programme delivery, particularly in relation to education, the sciences, communication and information. 

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The Assistant Director-General for Culture will:

Long Description

• Provide strategic direction and leadership in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of the Culture Sector’s strategy, policies and programmes, as approved by the governing bodies.
• Promote the role of culture, heritage and creativity as enablers of sustainable social and economic development, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Lead the implementation of UNESCO’s cultural conventions and other normative instruments, supporting Member States in translating global frameworks into concrete national actions and strengthening international cooperation.
• Oversee the protection, conservation and transmission of cultural heritage.
• Foster creativity and the diversity of cultural expressions, strengthening cultural and creative industries as drivers of inclusive growth and innovation.

Long Description

• Enhance the Culture Sector’s contribution to conflict prevention, crisis response and recovery, ensuring that culture and heritage are protected in emergencies and integrated into humanitarian and peacebuilding strategies.
• Develop and maintain high-level partnerships with Member States, United Nations entities, development banks, private sector and philanthropic organizations to expand the Sector’s reach and impact.
• Promote innovation and knowledge sharing, anticipating emerging trends and harnessing digital technologies for cultural preservation and access.
• Represent the Director-General and UNESCO in high-level international fora and intergovernmental meetings, strengthening UNESCO’s visibility, influence and thought leadership in the cultural field.
• Ensure effective management and accountability, fostering a culture of performance, transparency and diversity across the Sector.

 

Long Description

 

For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: https://www.unesco.org/en, and/or the following documents: