International Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh is dedicated to promoting peace, education, and cultural preservation. Established as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO aims to foster international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on sustainable development and the protection of cultural heritage. The Phnom Penh office specifically works on projects that address the historical and cultural significance of Cambodia, particularly in relation to the Khmer Rouge regime and its impact on the nation’s collective memory. The office collaborates with various stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to implement initiatives that support cultural preservation and education.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant is integral to the implementation of the 'Peace Education, Archives Preservation and Digitalization, and Site Conservation for Youth Empowerment (PEACE)' Project in Cambodia. This project, supported by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aims to preserve archives and sites associated with the Khmer Rouge regime, which resulted in significant loss of life and cultural heritage. The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive Conservation and Management Manual that provides guidelines for the respectful handling and conservation of human remains and artefacts at Cambodian memorial sites. This role requires collaboration with local site managers and stakeholders to ensure that the manual is practical and tailored to the operational realities of the sites. The consultant will also conduct training workshops to enhance the skills of site managers and staff, ensuring the sustainable management of these important cultural resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key activities, including:

• Development of a Conservation and Management Manual that outlines best practices for the management of human remains and artefacts at memorial sites. This manual will cover international legal frameworks, ethical principles, documentation procedures, field recovery methods, environmental management, and long-term conservation planning.
• Conducting two field missions to Cambodia: the first for fact-finding and consultations with site managers, and the second for delivering training workshops and presenting the manual.
• Designing and delivering capacity-building workshops aimed at enhancing the conservation skills of site managers and staff, with a focus on practical applications of the manual.
• Developing training materials that can be reused for future training sessions at the Cambodian Memorial Sites. The consultant will also be responsible for submitting reports on the progress and outcomes of the workshops and manual development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in conservation, archaeology, heritage studies, museum studies, anthropology, or a related discipline. Additionally, they should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in heritage conservation or museum collection management. Experience working with human remains and sensitive heritage materials is essential, along with a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in the field. The ability to develop conservation manuals or technical guidelines is also required, demonstrating a strong understanding of best practices in heritage conservation.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as conservation, archaeology, heritage studies, museum studies, or anthropology is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the conservation and management of sensitive heritage materials.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in heritage conservation or museum collection management. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in working with human remains and sensitive heritage materials, showcasing their ability to handle complex conservation issues. A history of developing conservation manuals or technical guidelines is also essential, indicating the candidate's capability to synthesize information into practical applications.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for drafting the Conservation and Management Manual, conducting training workshops, and engaging with stakeholders. While not mandatory, knowledge of Khmer or other languages relevant to the Cambodian context would be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to connect with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is approximately eight months, with an estimated total of 70 working days required for the completion of the project. The position is open to external candidates and allows for remote work, although field missions to Cambodia are necessary. The consultant will be expected to deliver specific outputs, including drafts and final versions of the Conservation and Management Manual, as well as reports on the capacity-building workshops. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing high standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process, and encourages applications from individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities. All applications will be treated confidentially, and no fees are charged at any stage of the hiring process.