Associate Project Officer

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture, the general supervision of the Chief of the Living Heritage Entity (CLT/LHE) and the direct supervision of the Head of Programme Management Unit of the same Entity, the incumbent shall assist in the coordination, development, implementation and management of activities and projects related to intangible cultural heritage, in the framework of the implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The incumbent shall be involved in supporting the following activities of importance to the Entity:

• As regional officer for designated countries, assist in the preparation and implementation of project documents, maintaining constant communication with relevant Field Offices, Permanent Delegations, national counterparts, colleagues within the Entity and partnering with other stakeholders promoting projects and activities related to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.
• Gather and maintain accurate and up-to-date information on intangible cultural heritage activities, meeting deadlines and sharing country information.
• Participate in the work of the Secretariat for the 2003 Convention through (i) assistance in the preparation of working documents, scenarios and briefings for the meetings of the Governing Bodies, namely the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention and their consultative bodies, (ii) preparation of standard correspondence with Member States, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), experts and centres of expertise, and others regarding the implementation of the Convention, and (iii) support to the statutory meetings.
• Assist in providing technical and analytical support as appropriate to the international cooperation mechanisms established under the 2003 Convention, as required, notably (a) in the processing and examination of nominations to the Convention’s Lists, (b) requests for International Assistance (in support of the Safeguarding and Implementation Team of the Entity), (c) proposals of programmes, projects and activities that best reflect the principles and objectives of the Convention, (d) requests of NGOs for accreditation and (e) periodic reports submitted by States Parties.
• Facilitate the implementation of the global capacity-building strategy for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage through project development, implementation, reporting and monitoring by ensuring effective collaboration between CLT/LHE, UNESCO Field Offices, members of the global facilitators network, Category 2 Centres, and national counterparts.
• Contribute to the identification of new activities and projects, in particular related to intangible cultural heritage and sustainable development, providing technical support to project elaboration and identification of potential financing partners.
• Assist in organizing conferences and expert meetings.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced University degree (Master or equivalent) in the field of culture, social or human sciences or a related field.

Work Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant working experience in the field of culture, safeguarding intangible cultural heritage or a related field, such as heritage management or cultural policy, of which preferably one year of professional experience acquired at the international level.
• Experience in the elaboration and management of programmes/projects in the field of culture.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to collect, synthesise and analyse information from various sources.
• Strong writing skills for producing clear, concise and effective texts.
• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.
• Close attention to detail and quality of work, balanced by the ability to manage the heavy workload.
• Ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment and to work effectively in a team environment.
• Advanced Information Technology skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Outlook, etc.).

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English or French, both oral and written, and very good knowledge of the other language.

Source: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Paris-Associate-Project-Officer-(Culture)/799916702/