UNESCO has been involved with the United Nations efforts to recognize and promote human rights since its very beginning. Read:
- "UNESCO commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: 1948 - 2008"
- The UNESCO Strategy on Human Rights
Thanks to Jan Kunzi for bringing this video to our attention through the UNESCO's Friends group on Linked In.
I'm sorry for leaving a comment that is not related to the post but I am confused about the UNESCO recruitment process. I have been applying for jobs and despite meeting all the requirements (I was applying for higher level positions, therefore they were more demanding: education, long international experience, languages)and being a citizen of an under quoted country there hasn't been any reply whatsoever. Not even an interview invitation! I am an inteligent human being and I understand that the competition might be high, but come on...! It is just hard for me to believe that they have so many candidates for such high and demanding positions. Not even an invitation for an interview? I feel like in today's world unless you know somebody it just doesn't matter what your qualifications are, you won't get anywhere. I was just hoping that UNESCO would be defferent in that matter, but I guess I was wrong. Hudge disapointment!!!
ReplyDeleteMy first job with a UN agency, WHO, came when I was 33. It was a one year contract which was extended a couple of times. By that time I was all but the thesis for a PhD (finishing the thesis on the job), with a strong masters in another field, two languages, three years overseas experience, more five years experience on university faculties, several years of professional research experience and a fairly strong record of publications. Expect that kind of competition for contract positions.
ReplyDeleteCareer appointments are still more competitive, sometimes with thousands of applications for a single position. Moreover, UN agencies are under pressure balance their work forces by nationality, and if you come from a country that is already over-represented in that agency, it is doubly hard to get a permanent posting.
I believe, due to the long absence from UNESCO, the United States is still under-represented on its staff so Americans still have opportunities.
High level positions, such as the ADGs are of course still more competitive than professional positions -- receiving more focus on geographic balance, managerial skills, representation ability, and professional reputation. Strong support from your county's diplomatic representatives for UNESCO might help obtain such a position.
Thank you for the answer, Sir. I guess I just need to apply if there is a position that suits me and be patient. I can't deny that I would like to work for UNESCO for many reasons and I always give a 100% no matter what I do in life. All the previous and current people that I've worked with were always giving me great references. Too bad you are not always able to show that to a potential employer. Especially without an interview. However, thank you for your answer once again, and good luck with everything.
ReplyDeletePS I will of course keep reading the blog :)