Associate Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Office in Jordan is dedicated to preserving and promoting both tangible and intangible cultural heritage within the country. Established to work closely with national authorities, it collaborates with various ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Department of Antiquities, and the Ministry of Culture. The office aims to ensure sustainable conservation of Jordan's rich cultural heritage while promoting socio-economic development in local communities. Through its projects, UNESCO Jordan focuses on investing in cultural heritage preservation, contributing to decent livelihoods, and creating short-term employment opportunities, particularly in areas like As-Salt and other significant cultural sites across Jordan.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the UNESCO Amman office's culture unit by assisting in the management of ongoing projects related to cultural heritage rehabilitation and construction. This position involves regular follow-up and monitoring of project activities, ensuring that they are executed on time and meet the required quality standards. The officer will be responsible for coordinating with contractors, conducting site supervision, and ensuring compliance with technical specifications. The role also includes preparing reports and documentation, conducting field visits, and maintaining effective communication with stakeholders and partners. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the overall success of the projects by managing various phases of project implementation, from planning to reporting, while addressing any challenges that may arise during the process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Project Officer's duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: managing all phases of project implementation, providing support for rehabilitation and construction works, ensuring quality interventions by coordinating with contractors, assessing and monitoring executed works, preparing necessary documentation and reports, conducting regular field visits for site supervision, reviewing contractors' deliverables for compliance, addressing potential difficulties proactively, facilitating information sharing among stakeholders, participating in technical meetings, drafting official correspondence, and supporting administrative tasks as needed. The officer will also be responsible for maintaining strong relationships with project partners and ensuring effective project management throughout the contract duration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in architecture, civil or structural engineering, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in architecture, architectural conservation, structural engineering, or cultural heritage rehabilitation is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong communication skills, both oral and written, and the ability to draft clear and concise documentation. Proficiency in analyzing and summarizing information from various sources is essential, along with the ability to interpret rehabilitation and construction drawings. Knowledge of historical building materials and construction methods in the Middle East context is also important, as well as familiarity with project management and budget management tools.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as architecture, civil engineering, structural engineering, or a closely related discipline is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of cultural heritage rehabilitation and construction management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in fields related to architecture, architectural conservation, structural engineering, or cultural heritage rehabilitation. Candidates with previous experience working with UN agencies or international NGOs, particularly in cultural heritage, will be viewed favorably. Experience in site supervision and a demonstrated understanding of UNESCO's work will also be considered advantageous.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in both English and Arabic is mandatory for this role, encompassing written, spoken, reading, and comprehension skills. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for drafting official documents and reports.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 6 months, with a 3-month probation period. The possibility of extension is contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of project funding. The role is open to external candidates, and the selection process may include video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of efficiency and integrity in its hiring process and encourages applications from individuals belonging to minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities. All applications will be treated confidentially, and UNESCO does not charge any fees during the hiring process.