Cultural Emergency Response Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was established in 194

• Its mission is to promote peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, communication, and information. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization plays a crucial role in safeguarding cultural heritage, supporting creative industries, and advancing cultural diversity, especially in contexts of crisis and displacement. The UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in the Arab States, located in Cairo, leads regional efforts to integrate culture into humanitarian action and sustainable development frameworks, working closely with national governments, civil society, UN agencies, and regional institutions.

Job Overview:
The Cultural Emergency Response Support Officer will be a UN Volunteer tasked with supporting the 'Artists in Transit' initiative, which is part of UNESCO's Culture in Emergency programme. This initiative aims to provide safe spaces and professional opportunities for displaced artists and creatives, particularly from Sudan and Palestine, who are currently residing in Cairo. The role involves coordinating artistic residencies, workshops, performances, and exhibitions, as well as engaging with community organizations and cultural institutions to ensure the successful delivery of program activities. The officer will also support the design and implementation of informal education and training activities that link cultural expression with vocational skills, thereby promoting skills recognition and certification pathways in collaboration with local educational institutions. The position requires a proactive approach to resource mobilization and partnership building, as well as effective communication and advocacy efforts to raise awareness of the cultural rights of displaced persons.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Cultural Emergency Response Support Officer include:

• Coordinating and supporting artistic residencies, workshops, performances, and exhibitions led by displaced artists.
• Liaising with community organizations, facilitators, and cultural institutions to ensure smooth delivery of program activities.
• Assisting in outreach and engagement of displaced Sudanese and Palestinian artists and creatives to co-develop cultural initiatives.
• Supporting the design and implementation of informal education and training activities that link cultural expression with practical vocational skills.
• Collaborating with UNESCO education sector and TVET experts to develop training modules in crafts, design, media production, and digital storytelling.
• Promoting skills recognition and exploring certification pathways in cooperation with Egyptian training and educational institutions.
• Supporting the preparation of concept notes and project proposals under the Culture in Emergency programme.
• Assisting in resource mobilization and partnership building.
• Documenting success stories, collecting testimonies, and producing communication materials to raise the visibility of the initiative. 1
• Supporting advocacy efforts for the cultural rights of displaced persons through events, campaigns, and partnerships with media outlets. 1
• Contributing to digital storytelling and social media outreach for the project. 1
• Supporting the development of tools for tracking progress, participation, and the qualitative impact of cultural and TVET activities. 1
• Preparing inputs for internal and donor reports, including success stories and lessons learned. 1
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation of activities and partnerships. 1
• Coordinating with local NGOs, cultural institutions, and community-based organizations to align efforts and avoid duplication. 1
• Identifying opportunities for collaboration and referrals between culture, education, and protection sectors. 1
• Mobilizing local youth and volunteers to contribute to program activities and outreach. 1
• Working closely with the direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan during the first month of the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong commitment to cultural rights and community resilience, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including displaced communities, local organizations, and cultural institutions. The ideal candidate should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility, as well as a strong sense of accountability and professionalism. Knowledge of the cultural landscape in the Arab region and experience in project management, particularly in the context of cultural initiatives, will be highly valued. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of the challenges faced by displaced communities and the role of culture in humanitarian action.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Cultural Emergency Response Support Officer position should hold a degree in cultural studies, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. A postgraduate degree or specialized training in cultural heritage management, community development, or humanitarian action would be an advantage. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of the intersection between culture and development, as well as the ability to analyze and address the needs of displaced communities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in cultural management, community development, or humanitarian action. Experience working with displaced communities or in crisis contexts is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing projects, coordinating activities, and engaging with diverse stakeholders. Familiarity with the cultural policies and frameworks relevant to the Arab region will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNESCO. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, given the context of the position and the communities served. Proficiency in other languages relevant to the region or the displaced communities, such as French or Spanish, would be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Volunteer role, which offers a Volunteer Living Allowance of approximately USD 2025.23 per month, along with a one-time entry lump-sum payment of USD 350

• Upon completion of the contract, an exit lump-sum will also be provided. The role includes comprehensive medical and life insurance coverage through Cigna, which extends to dependents. The successful candidate will have access to the UNV E-Campus for training and learning opportunities, including access to LinkedIn Learning. The position is based in Cairo, Egypt, which is a family duty station with good living conditions and a wide range of services, including health, education, and leisure.