Madam/Sir,

            I am pleased to inform you that UNESCO is now recruiting for the Young Professionals Programme 2008. As you know, the main objectives of this programme are:

Ø  To improve the geographical distribution in the Secretariat

Ø  To contribute to the rejuvenation of staff and to increase the representation of women

Ø  To ensure continuity and efficiency in the administrative services of the Secretariat

We are requesting applications from persons meeting the following criteria:

i.  Nationals of non-represented or under-represented Member States of UNESCO,

            ii.  Under thirty years of age as of 31 December 2008,

iii. An advanced university degree in one of the following fields with a major in the specified diploma:

Ø  Education-(Masters in Science Education);

Ø  Environmental Sciences (Masters in Environment or Ecology and/or World Life Management focused on environmental planning for sustainable development);

Ø  Discrimination and racism  (Advanced law degree and/or political sciences and/or sociology: focus on Human Rights);

Ø  Cultural Expressions and Creative Industries (Masters in Cultural Expressions with a focus on creative industries);

Ø  Information Services (Masters in informational technology with a focus on SAP in Human Resources);

Ø  Audit/internal oversight (Masters in auditing and/or risk management, and/or informational technology; accounting);

Ø  Communications (Masters in communications and/or media studies with a focus in media management);

Ø  Relations with Member States (Masters in International relations and/or Political Science with a focus within the Arab world);

Ø  Human Resources (MBA in Human Resources Management);

Ø  Treasury (Masters in accounting and/or financial analysis; ACCA certified an advantage.)

iv.  Excellent knowledge of English or French. Knowledge of both working languages is an asset.

The selection will be based on the three notions of excellence, achievement and commitment to UNESCO’s mandate. A relevant first professional experience can be an asset, but is not an essential requirement.

            I invite you to circulate this information to nationals of your country through the most appropriate channels. You are kindly requested to make a pre-selection of up to 12 candidates against the above criteria. The application forms (attached) of these pre-selected candidates need to be sent together, in three copies, and before the cut-off date of 30 December 2008, to the following address by mail:

Genevieve Rouchet

Chief HRM/TCD

7, Place Fontenoy

75352 Paris 07SP

France

After assessing all applications, the Bureau of Human Resources Management will invite a number of candidates to Headquarters for interviews and language examinations.

The selected candidates will be recruited with a one-year contract at P-1 level. During the first 12 months of employment within a Programme Sector, a Field Office or an Administrative Service of the Organization, the Young Professionals will be given the opportunity to expand their knowledge of UNESCO and the UN System, and to acquire the relevant skills related to UNESCO’s fields of competence and its administration.

A renewal of their contracts will depend on the careful evaluation of their performance during the probationary period.  Those, whose performance will have met the required standards, will be offered a subsequent appointment.

Should you need any further information, please contact Mrs G. Rouchet, Chief of the Training and Career Development Section (g.rouchet@unesco.org, Tel: +33-1-456-81834) or Mr. Jean-Paul Moreau, programme coordinator at jp.moreau@unesco.org or at +33 1 456-82342.

I wish to thank you for your kind cooperation.