Expert in Heritage Management and Curriculum Development

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Position Title: Expert in Heritage Management and Curriculum Development
Location: Paris
Country: France
Deadline Date: 22/02/2025

Job Details

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 fostering cultural diversity, education for sustainable development, and the preservation of world heritage. The organization is committed to promoting the values of respect for human rights, cultural diversity, and sustainable development across its various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The position of Expert in Heritage Management and Curriculum Development is integral to UNESCO's Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022-2029). This role involves collaborating with universities and heritage institutions across Africa to enhance their educational programs related to World Heritage. The expert will be responsible for developing capacity-building programs that focus on the conservation, identification, safeguarding, and promotion of heritage in Africa. The position requires a holistic approach that considers the interconnections between nature and culture, tangible and intangible heritage, and the involvement of local communities, particularly women, youth, and Indigenous peoples. The expert will also engage with international partners to ensure that the curricula developed are relevant and impactful, thereby strengthening the role of African institutions in heritage management and education.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of existing curricula related to heritage education in Africa, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop or refine curriculum frameworks that align with World Heritage principles and practical skills, ensuring compliance with national accreditation requirements.
• Coordinate and facilitate workshops and brainstorming sessions with partner universities and heritage professionals to share best practices and lessons learned.
• Engage with a network of heritage professionals and institutions to foster collaboration and develop a robust network of African universities focused on World Heritage education.
• Document best practices and prepare reports on the progress of the project, including status updates and final reports.
• Establish a high-level advisory group of experts to define core principles and best practices in heritage management and education.
• Prepare comprehensive guidelines outlining core principles and standards for World Heritage education in Africa, including a finalized set of core curriculum elements.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Heritage Studies, Archaeology, History, Cultural Management, Architecture, or a related field.
• At least seven years of professional experience in heritage management, curriculum development, or capacity-building, with a demonstrated track record of working with academic or cultural institutions in Africa or similar contexts.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to deliver educational and professional development programs.
• Familiarity with UNESCO’s norms, conventions, and World Heritage-related guidelines.
• Proficiency in both English and French, with strong written and spoken communication skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s or higher, in a relevant field that includes Heritage Studies, Archaeology, History, Cultural Management, Architecture, or an equivalent discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of heritage management and the development of effective curricula.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in areas such as heritage management, curriculum development, or capacity-building. Candidates should have a proven history of working with academic or cultural institutions, particularly in African contexts, demonstrating their ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the field of heritage education.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as both languages are essential for communication and collaboration within the diverse environments of UNESCO and its partner institutions. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position ranges from 7 to 11 months, and it is open to both internal and external candidates. The application deadline is set for 22nd February 2025, and late submissions will not be considered. The role may require travel for missions as necessary, and candidates should be prepared for potential international engagements. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and persons with disabilities.