OVERVIEW
Position Number: DBM 001
Grade: D-1
Parent Sector: Sector For Administration and Management (ADM)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Administration
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates
Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 08/07/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director-General of the Sector for Administration and Management (ADG/ADM), and the overall guidance of the Deputy Director-General, the Director of the Division of Budget Management is responsible for effective and efficient corporate budget administration, ensuring robust budget controls, monitoring and reporting. The Director provides strategic advice to senior management and stakeholders on all budget related matters covering the Organization, including Category I institutes.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Director of the Division of Budget Management ensures the management of the budget of the Organization in line with the decisions of the governing bodies and defines budget policies and procedures to ensure timely and cost-effective services to stakeholders. He/she is responsible for the preparation of the Programme and Budget document (C/5) of the Organization in close consultation with the Division of Strategic Planning and lntersectorality, programme sectors and other organizational entities. He/she is responsible for ensuring compliance of the budget management mechanisms with Financial Regulations, and for a coordinated approach in budget preparation, implementation and monitoring in accordance with established policies, procedures, rules and best practices. The Director of the Division of Budget Management puts in place appropriate risk mitigation measures.
KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of the Division of Budget Management will:
- Management of the Division
- Manage the overall implementation of the approved work programme for the Division. ln this context, he/she will ensure the efficient work distribution and coordination of tasks, effective linkages, team-work, communication and flow of information.
- Oversee operational organizational effectiveness of the Division and put in place performance improvement practices as necessary.
2. Budget Administration, Monitoring & Reporting
- Develop and implement a methodology for budget forecasting to be used during the budget preparation phase; and monitor and update budget assumptions on an ongoing basis as required.
- Coordinate the preparation of the Programme and Budget document (C/5) of the Organization in close consultation with the Division of Strategic Planning and lntersectorality, programme sectors and other organizational entities.
- Ensure effective administration, monitoring and reporting on budget implementation; and provide reports and requested analytical information to senior management, and the Governing Bodies, in accordance with agreed formats and timing requirements, to support informed decision-making.
- Ensure that an effective risk management and control framework are in place to support the budget preparation and implementation processes; and identify risks and propose mitigation strategies as necessary.
- ln support of budget implementation and control of expenditures, he/she will ensure efficient mechanisms for the establishment, maintenance, and reporting of allotments, obligations and expenditures; oversee the provision of monthly reporting on the status of allotment balances, and expenditure incurred compared to the budget; and oversee regular reporting to senior management so to facilitate efficient management of assigned budgets
- Ensure effective communication with stakeholders on budget matters. Oversee the development of training materials, delivery of trainings and the set-up of information flow to Administrative Officers (with delegated responsibility of allotment management).
Long Description
3. Financial Regulations
- Ensure the compliance of budget administration in its entirety with the overall regulatory framework including the Financial Rules and Regulations.
- Ensure coherent interpretation and application of the overall regulatory framework including Financial Rules and Regulations at the corporate level for correct execution of the integrated budget. Ensure that these aspects in relation to the integrated budget execution are well known by Sectors/Bureaux/Offices.
- lnitiate the review of budgetary policies, procedures and processes as appropriate to support efficient budget management to contribute to a strong culture of internai controls.
COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)
- 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)
- Strategic thinking (M)
- Making quality decisions (M)
- Managing performance (M)
- Leading and empowering others (M)
Short Description
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in economics, finance, business administration or closely related disciplines.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- At least fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in accounting, finance, oversight or closely related fields, of which preferably 7 years acquired at the international level.
- Extensive experience in leading and overseeing the implementation of results-based budgeting (RBB) frameworks, including strategic planning, preparation of Programme and Budgets, establishment of organization-wide performance monitoring systems, and oversight of financial reporting practices and tools.
- Proven track record of managing and providing strategic direction to large, cross-functional and multicultural teams in complex organizational settings.
- Demonstrated experience in driving organizational change, strengthening governance frameworks, and aligning resources with institutional priorities and mandates.
Long Description
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- ln-depth and authoritative knowledge of results-based management (RBM), enterprise risk management, and results-based budgeting methodologies, with demonstrated application at an organizational level in the public sector or international organizations.
- Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to translate organizational vision into actionable programmes and measurable results.
- Excellent analytical, drafting, and policy development skills, with the ability to produce high-level reports and briefs for senior leadership and governing bodies.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships and foster collaboration across diverse, multicultural environments.
- Strong client- and service-orientation, with a focus on delivering impactful and sustainable results.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital tools, including experience leveraging data and analytics for decision making.
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Very good knowledge of ERP systems and tools in support of RBB/RBM.
- Strong understanding of UN or UNESCO policies, governance structures, processes and systems.
LANGUAGES
- Working knowledge of the second working language (English or French).
- Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
Long Description
SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.
To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.
The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.
Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.
Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).
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 US$ 184,832.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- 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 to 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.
- lndividuals 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.
- Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
- In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
- The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
- UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
- UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
