Associate Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to foster cultural diversity, protect cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development through culture. The organization operates various programs and initiatives to safeguard cultural properties and promote cultural pluralism, especially in regions affected by conflict or disasters.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer will play a crucial role in the Culture Sector of UNESCO, which focuses on promoting the importance of culture as a driver for sustainable economic and social development. This position is particularly centered on the implementation of the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two Protocols. The incumbent will assist in coordinating the UNESCO Civil-Military Alliance for the Protection of Cultural Property, which involves working closely with military and civil actors to enhance their capacities in cultural property protection. The role requires a proactive approach to developing guidance tools, conducting training sessions, and supporting the global ratification strategy of the 1954 Hague Convention, particularly in underrepresented regions. The Associate Project Officer will also be responsible for compiling expert rosters, maintaining communication with stakeholders, and contributing to reports and briefings for UNESCO's governing bodies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Project Officer include:

• Contributing to the follow-up of the UNESCO Civil-Military Alliance for the Protection of Cultural Property Forum, including maintaining a roster of experts.
• Assisting in the capacity-building of civil and military actors through training on obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention and its Protocols.
• Supporting States Parties in implementing Article 7 of the 1954 Hague Convention, including establishing specialized services and integrating protection principles into military doctrines.
• Developing guidance tools for the inscription and boundary clarification of cultural properties on the International Register of Cultural Property under Special Protection.
• Conducting training on the inscription of cultural properties and supporting the establishment of Tentative Lists.
• Monitoring the state of protection of inscribed properties and promoting best practices among site managers and military partners.
• Supporting the implementation of the global ratification strategy through awareness-raising and training initiatives.
• Drafting briefings and reports for UNESCO's statutory and governing bodies and communicating these documents to relevant services.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Culture, Social and Human Sciences, or related fields. Additionally, a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in cultural property protection projects, preferably in military contexts, is required. Proven experience in civil-military cooperation, project coordination, and communication is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to manage training programs effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields related to Culture or Social and Human Sciences. Specialized training in cultural property protection, military operations, or project management in the field of culture is highly desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in cultural property protection projects, ideally with a focus on military cooperation. Experience in coordinating cultural property protection initiatives, particularly in conflict zones, is crucial. Candidates should also have a background in communication and outreach related to cultural heritage.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English or French, both written and spoken, is mandatory. A good knowledge of the other language is also required. Knowledge of additional UNESCO official languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment lasting for 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The position is open to both internal and external candidates. UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary being 67,951 USD, along with benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may include assessments and interviews, and candidates are encouraged to apply online through the UNESCO careers website.