Underwater Cultural Heritage Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which was established in 194

• UNESCO's mission is to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO is dedicated to fostering a culture of peace, promoting sustainable development, and protecting cultural heritage around the world.

Job Overview:
The position of Underwater Cultural Heritage Expert is crucial for the effective implementation of the 2001 Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. The incumbent will act as a scientific focal point and underwater archaeology expert, contributing to the visibility and activities of the Convention. This role involves coordinating projects aimed at protecting underwater cultural heritage, particularly in the Baltic Sea, and integrating these efforts into broader climate action strategies. The expert will also assess and develop activities related to international underwater archaeological missions, ensuring that underwater cultural heritage is considered in climate resilience strategies. The position requires a proactive approach to fostering partnerships and promoting UNESCO's initiatives in this field, as well as the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Underwater Cultural Heritage Expert will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: acting as a scientific focal point for the 2001 Convention activities; contributing to the implementation of activities by the Secretariat; coordinating a cooperation mechanism project for the protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea; organizing meetings and consultations with stakeholders; drafting project proposals and budgets; assessing activities related to underwater archaeological missions; integrating underwater cultural heritage into climate action strategies; supporting the organization of workshops and conferences; and providing monthly progress reports on the implementation of these tasks. The expert will also be expected to engage with various partners and stakeholders to promote UNESCO's visibility and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in disciplines related to culture. Additionally, a minimum of nine years of professional experience in the field of culture and cultural policies is required, with at least four years of this experience gained at the international level. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments and programmes, particularly the 2001 Convention, as well as proven expertise in underwater archaeology and the protection of underwater cultural heritage. Experience in coordinating global consultations and managing multi-stakeholder projects is also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in a relevant field related to culture, cultural heritage, or underwater archaeology. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of cultural policies and the protection of underwater cultural heritage.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of nine years in the field of culture and cultural policies. Of this experience, at least four years must be at the international level, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate and operate within diverse cultural contexts and international frameworks. Experience in organizing global consultations and managing multi-stakeholder projects is highly desirable, as is a background in underwater archaeology and cultural heritage protection.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of both English and French, including speaking, reading, and writing skills. Additionally, a good knowledge of another UN official language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is non-staff and is expected to last between 7 to 11 months. The recruitment is open to external candidates, and the work location is home-based. Candidates are required to submit an online application along with a detailed CV, a technical proposal, and a competitive fee for the assignment. The selection process may include tests and assessments, as well as competency-based interviews. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.