Natural Heritage Unit Leader

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Natural Heritage Unit Leader
Location: Paris
Country: France
Deadline Date: 20-DEC-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which was established in 194

• UNESCO's mission is to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO is dedicated to fostering a culture of peace, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring that education is accessible to all.

Job Overview:
The Natural Heritage Unit Leader will operate under the authority of the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Culture and the direct supervision of the Director of World Heritage. This position is pivotal in managing the Natural Heritage Unit within the World Heritage Centre, focusing on the effective implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention. The incumbent will coordinate major conservation projects and initiatives related to natural heritage, mobilize resources, and develop outreach strategies. The role also involves supporting UNESCO's global priorities, particularly in Africa and Gender Equality, and addressing transversal themes such as Culture and Climate Change. The leader will work closely with various stakeholders, including regional units and field offices, to ensure the successful implementation of programs and projects that protect natural heritage while promoting sustainable development for local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of natural heritage programs and projects, managing resources, and liaising with donors and partners. Key responsibilities include supervising the implementation of projects, developing strategic approaches to stakeholder engagement, and ensuring that programs deliver conservation benefits. The role also involves managing Funds-in-Trust projects, leading resource mobilization initiatives, and developing new conservation programs in collaboration with various stakeholders. The incumbent will ensure the implementation of the Strategy for the Conservation of Natural World Heritage properties, particularly in developing countries, and coordinate contributions related to Climate Change and Natural World Heritage.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in culture, cultural and/or natural heritage conservation, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in culture, natural heritage, or related fields is required, with at least three years at the international level. Experience in project coordination, advocacy, and resource mobilization is essential, along with demonstrated leadership skills to guide and motivate teams.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields is mandatory. A PhD in culture, cultural and/or natural heritage conservation, social sciences, or international relations is desirable but not required.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, with a preference for three years acquired at the international level. Candidates should have experience in project coordination and management, particularly in natural heritage, as well as demonstrated experience in advocacy and resource mobilization.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English or French is required, with good knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of additional UNESCO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for two years, with the possibility of renewal. It is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is $126,118, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.