Culture Sector Officer

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Position Title: Culture Sector Officer
Location: Windhoek
Country: Namibia
Deadline Date: 11 March 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, protecting heritage, and promoting sustainable development through culture. The organization is dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and works closely with member states to implement policies that enhance cultural and creative economies.

Job Overview:
The Culture Sector Officer position at UNESCO Windhoek is designed to support the implementation of the Culture Sector's activities in Namibia. The officer will play a crucial role in promoting culture and the creative economy while safeguarding cultural and natural heritage. This position is pivotal in addressing global challenges as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in relation to conflicts, disasters, and emergencies. The officer will work under the supervision of the National Programme Officer for Culture and will contribute to the UNESCO Country Strategy for Namibia for the years 2025-2029, aligning with national development plans and international frameworks. The role requires a proactive approach to planning, implementing, and evaluating culture-related projects, ensuring that they meet the strategic objectives set by UNESCO and the Namibian government.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Culture Sector Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Supporting the planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of Culture Sector activities.
• Maintaining relationships with national and regional partners, including arts and culture organizations, private sector entities, and communities.
• Providing technical and administrative assistance for UNESCO-supported programs and Voluntary Contribution projects.
• Drafting reports, correspondence, project proposals, work plans, and strategy documents.
• Supporting the management of project budgets, monitoring expenditures, and preparing financial statements.
• Contributing content for UNESCO’s website, newsletter, and reports to enhance visibility.
• Supporting UN Programme Coordination Groups and participating in sector and technical working groups, ensuring follow-ups.
• Facilitating intersectoral collaboration to enhance the effectiveness of cultural initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in the field of culture, heritage conservation and management, or a related field. The position requires at least two years of relevant work experience in the field of culture. Experience within UN agencies will be considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate good written and oral communication skills, human relations, and team-building abilities. The ability to interact with individuals from diverse disciplines and varying technical backgrounds is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in a relevant field such as culture, heritage conservation, management, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of cultural policies and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in the field of culture. This experience should ideally include work in cultural projects, program management, or related areas. Experience gained in the UN system will be viewed favorably, as it demonstrates familiarity with international standards and practices in cultural development.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication and reporting within the UNESCO framework. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the cultural context of Namibia or the broader Southern African region.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a Service Contract at Level SC 4, with a duration of one year, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. The position is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for potential international mobility as part of their role. UNESCO offers a competitive salary based on the UN salary scale for Locally Recruited Staff, along with benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The recruitment process emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds, as well as persons with disabilities.