OVERVIEW
Position Number : DPA 022
Grade : P-1/P-2
Parent Sector : Division for Partnerships (DPA)
Duty Station : Paris
Job Family : Programme Coordination
Contract Type : Fixed Term
Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 02/10/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The post is situated in the Grants and Resource Management (GRM) Section of the Division for Partnerships. The Division for Partnerships is responsible for coordinating UNESCO’s public and private partners including key interlocutors from bilateral donors, United Nations and multilateral organizations, regional institutions such as the European Union (EU) and regional banks, civil society, philanthropy, foundations and corporations. It works to diversify and expand UNESCO’s donor base and provide backstopping and guidance to UNESCO Programme Sectors, Field Offices, and Category 1 Institutes in support of their efforts to engage with partners and mobilize resources. The Division for Partnerships is responsible for the elaboration of strategies for partnership and resource mobilization, in line with UN reform and best practices in these areas. OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Donor Due Diligence and Audits (DDA) Unit is responsible for: coordinating the due diligence process for private sector upstream partners thereby limiting the Organization's exposure to reputational risk; coordinating responses to donor assessments/questions thereby contributing to the Organization's resource mobilization efforts; and coordinating audit and verification of project funds. In this capacity the DDA Unit proactively works with colleagues from the UNESCO Programme Sectors, Field Offices and Institutes, as well as with relevant central services. KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Associate Partnerships Officer (Due Diligence) works under the direct supervision of the Head of the GRM Section and the overall responsibility of the Director of the Division for Partnerships. The Associate Partnerships Officer (Due Diligence) will be responsible for preparing due diligence reports for private sector upstream partners and responding to donor assessment requests as well as providing support to Programme Sectors, Field Offices and Institutes undergoing audits and verification missions of projects funded by voluntary contributions.
Within this context, specific duties of the Associate Partnerships Officer (Due Diligence) will include:
Due Diligence for private and business sector upstream partners:
Maintain the system for recording, monitoring and updating requests for due diligence clearance received from Programme Sectors, Field Offices and Institutes.
Liaise with Programme Sectors, Field Offices and Institutes as needed to ensure the proper and timely functioning of the due diligence process (e.g. soliciting additional information, responding to questions raised, etc.).
Prepare draft consultation letters to the National Commissions to inform them of potential cooperation between UNESCO and private sector entities registered in their countries and monitor responses.
Conduct online searches of potential private and business sector donor entities.
Prepare the first draft of the due diligence reports for review by the Head of Section.
Prepare communication and training material about DDA's services (due diligence guidelines and training material updates in line with the UN and best practices, as well as the online material).
Under the guidance of the Head of Section, preparedocuments and presentations for meetings of the Committee for the Review of High-Risk Projects.
Donor Assessments:
Assist in the preparation of responses to assessment questions received from potential donors.
Maintain a database of frequently asked questions and responses.
Project audits and verifications :
Under the guidance of the Head of Section, support Sectors/Field Offices/Institutes undergoing audits and verification missions of projects funded by voluntary contributions.
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) Short Description
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework . REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of finance, business administration, law, economics, accounting, audit or a related field. A first-level university degree in the afore-mentioned fields, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
WORK EXPERIENCE
At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience in the field of due diligence or a related field, of which preferably one (1) year acquired at the international level.
Long Description
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Strong understanding of due diligence processes and general understanding of the UNSDG common approach to due diligence.
Good analytical and report writing skills, with a strong attention to detail.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed online searches, ability to review lengthy corporate reports, and summarize essential issues in a clear and effective manner.
Demonstrated openness to constant improvement, the application of new approaches and strategic innovations.
Demonstrated ability to work in a team, participate in unit meetings and maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
Flexibility to adjust work schedules and manage competing priorities, organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet established deadlines.
LANGUAGES
Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and very good knowledge of the other language.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
WORK EXPERIENCE
Professional experience gained in multicultural working environments.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the UN System.
Client oriented with ability to identify client needs and suggest appropriate solutions.
LANGUAGES
Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/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 67 767 US $
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits . 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). 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.
