Vacancies: UKNC Non-Executive Directors for Education, Natural Sciences and Communication & Information (pro bono roles)

The main fields of activity in these portfolios include the following UNESCO Conventions, Recommendations and Programmes:

• Sustainable Development Goal 4 Coordination
• The Global Education Coalition (GEC)
• G20 Education Working Group
• Global Education Monitoring Report
• Global network of technical and vocational education and training institutions
• UNESCO Associated Schools Programme Network (ASPnet)

• Biosphere Reserves - Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB)
• Global Geoparks - International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP)
• UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science
• Intergovernmental Oceanographic Committee (IOC)
• UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP)

• International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC)
• Protection of Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists
• Global Media Defence Fund

UKNC Non-Executive Directors will further the vision, purpose, objectives, and values of the National Commission by:

1. Providing expert advice in their field of competency
   1. Providing expert, independent, advice to UK and devolved governments on UNESCO related issues
   2. Advising and supporting individuals and institutions in the UK, its Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies on accessing UNESCO accreditation
2. Supporting and enhancing the value of the UK’s UNESCO sites and projects
3. Propose and pursue areas for policy review and research
4. Overseeing externally funded projects in their field of competency
5. Advancing the UKNC’s Strategy 2022-26
6. Supporting the UK government’s agenda in helping UNESCO become more institutionally effective
7. Working effectively with other UKNC’s Non-Executive Directors (including Chair and Vice-Chairs) and Secretariat led by UKNC Chief Executive / Secretary General
8. With other Non-Executive Directors, ensuring that the policies and practices of UKNC are in keeping with its aims; that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a company limited by guarantee; and strives to achieve best practice

All UKNC Non-Executive Directors are expected to:

• Understand and support the aims and objectives and procedures of UKNC as set out in its Articles of Association and Accountable Grant, and reflect the UKNC’s vision and principles, strategy and major policies
• Understand and consider the organisation (including the Secretariat) as a whole, maintaining good relations with all colleagues and recognising the respective roles of Board Members and Secretariat staff
• Ensure familiarity with UNESCO programmes, policies and procedures and of the UK Government’s priorities and policies towards UNESCO relevant to their policy portfolio
• Be aware of the UNESCO designations in the UK and Overseas Territories and be familiar with those in their policy portfolio
• At all times when fulfilling role as a Non-Executive Director, or in connection with the UKNC’s aims and objectives, to act in the best interests of the UKNC.
• Prepare for, attend and contribute to, Board and other meetings of Directors and occasionally take part in relevant training sessions
• Follow the Members’ Code of Conduct & Best Practice, particularly when exercising the functions of the Directors, or any of its task or sub-groups or committees

Additionally, fulfil such other duties and assignments within the scope of the role as may be agreed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Essential

• Broad understanding of UNESCO and support for its objectives and activities in a UK context
• Knowledge and experience of work in the Natural Sciences, or Education, or Communication and Information, sectors as relevant to UNESCO and UNESCO in the UK
• Experience of strategy and policy development, and performance monitoring
• Experience of project management
• Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in English (orally and in writing) with a wide-cross section of society.

Desirable

• Experience of working with UNESCO or other International Organisations
• Experience and record of success in fundraising and/or communications
• Experience of awards/designation processes
• Experience in International Development
• Experience of roles in advisory bodies and/or of working with Government (preferably Westminster or Devolved Administrations)
• Experience of director-level work for not-for-profit or charitable organisations, with particular reference to governance, legal, financial and audit, and business planning aspects
• Demonstrable networking skills and access to network(s) of associated experts or contacts.

Time Commitment: At least 20 days per year, including four UKNC Board Meetings per year and other task-related activities. Candidates should indicate the time they expect to be able to devote to UKNC work.

Travel Requirements: In-person attendance at UNESCO meetings and functions in the UK (mainly London), France (usually UNESCO headquarters in Paris) and occasional other overseas countries.

Remuneration: The role is voluntary. Reimbursement of reasonable approved expenses will be paid.

Applicants should submit their application comprising a letter (of no more than two sides of A4 in 12-point text) and a CV indicating their expertise, engagement & networks in relation to the role. Applicants should also provide the names and contact details of two referees.

Completed applications should be sent to [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 23:59 GMT on Sunday 27 April 2025.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 22 and 23 May 2025. We anticipate that the selected candidates will be appointed by the end of May 2025.

Confidential informal enquiries, to arrange a telephone conversation or to submit in writing, should be addressed to either:

• Professor Anne Anderson, UKNC Chair and Non Executive Director for Higher Education: [email protected]
• James Bridge, UKNC Chief Executive and Secretary-General: [email protected]