UNESCO Project Officer - Culture

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 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. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to fostering a culture of peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication.

Job Overview:
The UNESCO Project Officer for Culture will play a pivotal role in the Asia and the Pacific Unit of the World Heritage Centre. This position is crucial for the effective implementation of the 1972 Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage across 46 States Parties in the Asia-Pacific region. The Project Officer will focus on enhancing capacity-building initiatives, fostering partnerships, and facilitating cooperation activities. The role involves coordinating significant projects such as the UNESCO/China Funds-in-Trust project aimed at strengthening capacity for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Project Officer will also be responsible for managing project resources, developing work plans, and ensuring compliance with the project’s objectives and reporting requirements. This position requires a proactive approach to developing partnerships with various stakeholders, including national authorities, academic institutions, and international organizations, to promote the conservation and management of cultural and natural heritage.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will be tasked with coordinating the planning, implementation, and monitoring of key projects related to the World Heritage Convention. Responsibilities include managing project resources and budgets, preparing and monitoring contracts and partnership agreements, and ensuring the timely reporting of project outcomes. The incumbent will also develop detailed work plans in consultation with national authorities and partners, provide technical support for the preparation of Tentative Lists and Preliminary Assessment requests, and create practical guidelines and knowledge products. Additionally, the Project Officer will maintain partnerships with relevant institutions, facilitate knowledge exchange among countries, and contribute to the development of the Asia-Pacific Unit’s project portfolio, including resource mobilization efforts and strategic partnerships.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in cultural heritage management, archaeology, architecture, communications, international relations, or related fields. A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in cultural and/or natural heritage, international cooperation, or project management is required, with at least two years of experience at the international level. Candidates should demonstrate experience in project management, heritage conservation, and organizing capacity-building activities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as cultural heritage management, archaeology, architecture, communications, or international relations. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of cultural heritage and the frameworks governing its protection and management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience, with a strong emphasis on international cooperation and project management. Candidates should have experience in heritage conservation and management, as well as in organizing and implementing capacity-building activities and international cooperation initiatives. Experience working with the UN System or in international development cooperation is highly desirable, particularly in the context of the World Heritage Convention.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English or French, both written and spoken, and a good knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of additional official languages of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment with an initial duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. The position is classified at the P-3 level, and the approximate annual starting salary is 110,855 USD. UNESCO offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may include video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. Candidates are encouraged to apply online and must provide accurate information by the application deadline. UNESCO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds.