Consultant - Culture Underwater Heritage

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization has a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, and it operates in over 190 countries with a workforce of thousands of employees. UNESCO is known for its commitment to fostering cultural diversity, protecting heritage, and promoting sustainable development through education and science. The organization is particularly focused on the preservation of cultural heritage, including underwater cultural heritage, which is the focus of this position.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Culture Underwater Heritage will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the 2001 Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. This position requires the incumbent to act as a scientific focal point and underwater archaeology expert, contributing to the visibility of the Convention within the academic community. The consultant will participate in key international scientific conferences, particularly focusing on regions such as South Asia and East Asia, and will coordinate projects aimed at protecting underwater cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea. The role involves developing educational components in collaboration with various UNESCO networks and assessing activities related to underwater archaeological missions. The consultant will also integrate marine and underwater cultural heritage into climate action strategies, fostering awareness and collaboration among various stakeholders. Overall, this position demands a proactive approach to promoting and protecting underwater cultural heritage on a global scale.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Consultant include acting as a scientific focal point for the 2001 Convention activities, contributing to its visibility in the academic community, and participating in international scientific conferences. The consultant will coordinate the implementation of a cooperation mechanism project for the protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea, which includes organizing meetings, drafting project proposals, identifying fundraising partners, and developing educational components. Additionally, the consultant will assess and develop activities related to underwater archaeological missions, coordinate efforts to integrate underwater cultural heritage into climate action strategies, and support the organization of key meetings and events related to the Convention. Monthly progress reports on the implementation of these tasks will be required, ensuring accountability and transparency in the role.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include an advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in disciplines related to culture. Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of professional experience in the field of culture, with at least five years focused on cultural policies at the international level. The consultant should possess a strong knowledge of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments in the field of culture. Proven expertise in underwater archaeology, coordination of global consultations, and event management is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize information from various sources.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree, in a relevant field related to culture. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of cultural policies and the protection of underwater cultural heritage, as well as for engaging effectively with various stakeholders in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of professional experience in the field of culture, with a significant portion of that experience (at least five years) focused on cultural policies at the international level. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively navigate the complexities of international cultural heritage issues and contribute meaningfully to UNESCO's mission.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of both English and French, including speaking, reading, and writing skills. Additionally, a good knowledge of the other language is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, or Russian, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a consultant contract at Level 2 - Middle, with a duration of 11 months. The position is open to external candidates and requires on-site work in Paris. The application process involves submitting an online application, along with a detailed CV and a technical proposal outlining the approach for the assignment. Candidates should also provide a competitive fee for the assignment expressed on a monthly basis. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its personnel appointments, and it applies a zero-tolerance policy against harassment. Individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.