Governor General Michaelle Jean is headed to the United Nations, CTV News has learned.

Jean will be appointed special envoy for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife reported Monday night.

"Her main goal is to fight poverty and Haiti's appallingly high illiteracy (rate)," Fife said. "She'll not only spend time in Haiti, but also travel the globe to keep the world's eyes focused on Haiti and to raise funds."

The prime minister "went to bat to get her this high-profile job," which starts in late September, Fife said.

UNESCO, as the agency is known, has a broad mandate.

"UNESCO's mission is to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information," says a statement on the agency's website.

Canada is one of 182 member states to have a permanent delegation with the organization.