Pay and conditions
Source: UNESCO Careers + estimates by grade and duty station. Click the cards for more details.
Job Description
UNESCO seeks a Legal Adviser and Director to lead its Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs. Reporting to the Director-General, the post provides authoritative legal advice, directs the Office’s strategic and administrative work, and represents UNESCO on complex international and institutional legal matters.
Key Details
Department
Bureau des normes internationales et des affaires juridiques (LA)
Position details
Experience level
Leadership
Minimum experience
15 years
Category
Director
Grade
D-2
Arrangement
Onsite
Education
Postgraduate degree or equivalent
Recruitment scope
International
Contract duration
2 years, renewable
Language Requirements
Required
English, French
Desired
Arabic or Chinese or Russian or Spanish
Summary of Responsibilities
- Provide legal advice on matters arising from UNESCO activities
- Advise the Secretariat on statutory, normative and regulatory legal questions
- Advise UNESCO governing bodies on request
- Guide development and revision of international normative instruments
- Lead preparation and review of cases before tribunals
- Direct the Office’s strategic, administrative, human-resource and financial management
Role Requirements
- Advanced university degree in law with specialisation in public international law
- At least 15 years of progressively responsible legal experience
- Extensive leadership and management experience
- Excellent knowledge of English or French and ability to work in the other language
Desired Criteria
- International-scale management experience
- Complex negotiation experience with diplomacy and tact
- United Nations-system experience
Skills to Have
Additional info
- Fixed-term appointment
- International mobility is required
Source & verification
IGO Jobs sourced this vacancy from UNESCO Careers, on 7 Aug 2026.