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:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO's work is guided by its core values of commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism, which are essential in fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Job Overview:
The position of Culture Sector Officer at UNESCO Windhoek involves a multifaceted role aimed at promoting culture and the creative economy while safeguarding cultural and natural heritage. This role is critical in addressing global challenges as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The officer will be responsible for implementing UNESCO's Culture Sector activities, which include supporting Member States in translating cultural conventions into national policies and strategies. The officer will also contribute to the implementation of the UNESCO Country Strategy for Namibia for the years 2025-2029, aligning with Namibia's National Development Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The position requires a proactive approach to planning, executing, and evaluating cultural programs, ensuring that they meet the strategic objectives set forth by UNESCO and the Namibian government.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Culture Sector Officer will report directly to the National Programme Officer for Culture and will have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Support the planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of Culture Sector activities, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's strategic goals.
• Maintain and foster relationships with national and regional partners, including arts and culture organizations, private sector entities, and local communities to enhance collaboration and support for cultural initiatives.
• Provide technical and administrative assistance for UNESCO-supported programs and Voluntary Contribution projects, ensuring effective project management and delivery.
• Draft comprehensive reports, correspondence, project proposals, work plans, and strategy documents to facilitate communication and transparency.
• Manage project budgets, monitor expenditures, and prepare financial statements to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.
• Contribute engaging content for UNESCO’s website, newsletter, and reports to enhance visibility and promote cultural initiatives.
• Support UN Programme Coordination Groups and participate in sector and technical working groups, ensuring effective follow-ups and collaboration across sectors.
• Facilitate intersectoral collaboration to maximize the impact of cultural programs and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor degree or an advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in the field of culture, heritage conservation and management, or a related field. The role requires a strong foundation in cultural studies and an understanding of heritage management principles. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate good written and oral communication skills, as well as human relations and team-building abilities. The ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse disciplines and varying levels of technical expertise is essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor degree or an advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in fields related to culture, heritage conservation, management, or similar disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of cultural policies and heritage management, which are central to the responsibilities of the Culture Sector Officer.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of relevant work experience in the field of culture. Experience gained within the United Nations system or similar international organizations will be considered an advantage. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage cultural projects, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to policy development in the cultural sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills are essential for drafting reports, proposals, and engaging with various stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to interact with diverse communities and partners.

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 required by UNESCO. The organization 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. UNESCO emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving equitable and diverse geographical distribution and gender parity among its staff.