UNESCO seeks Legal Adviser in Paris
The senior role, graded D-2, is open to both internal and external candidates and will be offered on a two-year fixed-term contract, renewable subject to the organisation’s rules and operational needs.
UNESCO has opened applications for the position of Legal Adviser and Director of its Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs in Paris.
The senior role, graded D-2, is open to both internal and external candidates and will be offered on a two-year fixed-term contract, renewable subject to the organisation’s rules and operational needs.
The successful candidate will lead UNESCO’s legal office, provide authoritative legal advice to the Director-General, Secretariat, General Conference and Executive Board, and guide the organisation on complex issues of international and national law.
The role also includes advising on UNESCO’s Constitution, statutory texts, regulatory framework, international standard-setting instruments, and the legal aspects of the organisation’s global activities. The selected candidate will also oversee legal briefs for proceedings before courts, administrative tribunals and other judicial or quasi-judicial bodies.
Applicants must hold an advanced university degree in law, preferably with specialisation in public international law, and have at least 15 years of progressively responsible legal experience at national level or within the United Nations system. Senior management or executive experience is also required.
UNESCO is seeking a candidate with strong leadership, legal drafting, strategic planning, diplomacy, communication, and team management skills. Excellent knowledge of either English or French is required, together with the ability to work in the other language.
Experience in international organisations, complex negotiations, partnership development, and knowledge of other United Nations languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish will be an advantage.
The post comes with an approximate annual starting salary of US$204,457, in addition to benefits that may include annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance and pension entitlements.
Applications must be submitted through the UNESCO Careers portal by 25 June 2026, midnight Paris time.
