Individual Specialist in Culture

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Position Title: Individual Specialist in Culture
Location: Bangkok
Country: Thailand
Deadline Date: 15-MAR-2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to fostering cultural diversity, protecting heritage, and promoting sustainable development through culture, education, and science.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Specialist in Culture at UNESCO's Regional Office in Bangkok is designed to enhance the organization's capacity to safeguard cultural heritage and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The selected consultant will provide technical expertise in various programmatic areas, including safeguarding World Heritage, promoting creativity, and linking culture with development, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The role requires the consultant to conceptualize and deliver strategies, projects, and plans that support national capacity building among Member States, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's Culture Conventions and international best practices. The consultant will also be responsible for advising on the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of culture programs and projects, ensuring that they meet the organization's objectives and contribute to the overall mission of UNESCO.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Individual Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Providing professional expertise and advice to the Chief of Culture Unit on planning, implementation, and monitoring of culture programs, including technical inputs for thematic studies and climate action in World Heritage cities.
• Leading the development of implementation strategies for projects such as the Shared Heritage: Museums in South-East Asia project and providing technical support for safeguarding cultural heritage in emergencies.
• Advising on the development of new strategies and partnerships to demonstrate the role of culture in achieving the SDGs, particularly in relation to sustainable tourism and cultural diversity.
• Ensuring timely execution of activities in accordance with approved strategies and budgets, and undertaking monitoring and analysis of program outputs.
• Developing partnerships with related organizations to facilitate implementation and maximize impact, as well as supporting visibility and communication efforts for the Culture Unit.
• Conducting missions related to program implementation and preparing various reports and communication materials.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in fields such as arts and culture, heritage studies, cultural industries, development studies, or architecture, with a sub-specialization in conservation preferred. Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in culture and creativity, with at least five years at the regional or international level. A proven track record in implementing multi-country projects and fundraising is essential, along with wide networks in the Southeast Asia region. Candidates should also possess excellent analytical and planning skills, the ability to work independently, and effective interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in relevant fields such as arts and culture, heritage studies, cultural industries, development studies, or architecture. A sub-specialization related to conservation is preferred, indicating a strong academic background in the relevant areas of expertise.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the field of culture and creativity. This includes at least five years of experience acquired at the regional or international level, demonstrating a deep understanding of cultural issues and the ability to coordinate complex projects across multiple countries. Proven experience in fundraising and building partnerships is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. While not required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is non-staff and will last between 7 to 11 months. The recruitment is open to external candidates, and the application deadline is set for midnight Paris time on 15-MAR-202

• The role requires travel for missions related to program implementation, with travel expenses covered according to UNESCO's rules and regulations. The position emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and workforce diversity.