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 workforce of over 2,000 employees, UNESCO operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace in the minds of men and women. The organization is dedicated to fostering cultural diversity and heritage preservation, particularly through its various programs and initiatives aimed at safeguarding cultural and natural heritage worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer position within UNESCO's Culture Sector, specifically in the Africa Unit of the World Heritage Centre, is pivotal for the implementation of projects aimed at the conservation and sustainable development of World Heritage properties in Africa. The incumbent will be responsible for managing four key projects, including a restoration project funded by Japan and three conservation projects funded by Norway. The role requires a proactive approach to project delivery, ensuring effective communication with stakeholders, monitoring project outcomes, and preparing reports for donors. The position also emphasizes the importance of integrating heritage-led solutions into community development, thereby promoting sustainable livelihoods and job creation. The Associate Project Officer will design and deliver capacity-building activities related to impact assessment and heritage management, ensuring that African States Parties are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to manage their cultural heritage effectively.

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

• Contributing to the implementation of projects financed by Japan and Norway, ensuring effective project delivery through regular follow-up with implementing partners and stakeholders.
• Preparing donor reports and briefings, monitoring project results and budgets, and developing communication and visibility materials.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of projects that promote sustainable livelihoods and community well-being.
• Designing and delivering capacity-building activities on Impact Assessment and World Heritage management instruments for States Parties and local stakeholders.
• Providing technical guidance and advisory support for the preparation, review, and submission of management plans and impact assessments.
• Drafting State of Conservation reports and other documents for the World Heritage Committee, in cooperation with African States Parties and UNESCO Field Offices.
• Supporting States Parties in the conservation and management of World Heritage properties and participating in statutory meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as culture, heritage conservation and management, humanities, or political science. Additionally, a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in the conservation of natural and cultural heritage is required, with at least one year of experience at the international level. Experience in project management and heritage conservation is highly desirable, along with strong planning and organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and proficiency in IT.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields related to culture, heritage conservation and management, humanities, political science, or other related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of cultural heritage management and the principles of sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in the field of conservation of natural and cultural heritage. This experience should ideally include at least one year at the international level, demonstrating the ability to work in diverse cultural contexts and manage projects effectively. Experience in project management is also crucial, as the role involves overseeing multiple projects simultaneously.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of other official UNESCO languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a project appointment for a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, and the application deadline is set for midnight Paris time on September 30, 202

• UNESCO offers a competitive salary, with the approximate annual starting salary for this post being 87,095 USD, along with benefits such as 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, and candidates must complete an online application by the deadline. UNESCO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and persons with disabilities.