CULTURAL HERTAGE SUPPORT OFFICER (PART-TIME)

Parent Sector : Field Office

Duty Station: Palestine, State of

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Non Staff

Level : Level 3

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 28 July 2024

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Only candidates entitled to work in Palestine can apply.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

The ongoing war in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 has caused serious damage to cultural heritage sites, movable heritage, and cultural institutions. In accordance with the decision of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference adopted on 9 November 2023, UNESCO is closely monitoring the situation on the ground, mainly relying on assessments derived from satellite imagery in cooperation with UNITAR/UNOSAT. In addition, UNESCO continues to advocate with all actors (national and international) on the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage from risks of damage in this context.

UNESCO assesses damage to historic religious sites, buildings of historical and/or artistic interest, depositories of movable cultural property, monuments, museums, and archaeological sites, as well as other sites of cultural importance. Given the high-risk security situation, UNESCO currently relies on remote assessment methodology but also prepares for urgent response when the security situation allows.

In this context, UNESCO is seeking the expertise of a part time architect/urban conservation planner/archaeologist with good knowledge of culture and cultural heritage to assist in monitoring the situation of the culture sector in the Gaza Strip according to its methodology.

Long Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Tasks:

Under the overall authority of the Head of UNESCO Ramallah Office and the direct supervision of the Culture Programme Specialist, in close coordination with the Culture Project Coordinators, the incumbent will assist UNESCO in monitoring the situation in the Gaza Strip in the field of culture. The incumbent will perform the following tasks on a part time basis (80%):

• Review and upgrade the existing set of data, including the Inventory of cultural heritage sites, assessment reports, photographs, and literature related to culture and cultural heritage in the Gaza Strip. Contribute to updating data and information, and developing additional comprehensive documentation on cultural heritage in Gaza as needed.
• Contribute to enhancing the presentation of existing geo-referenced data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Long Description

• Collect data on the various subsectors of culture, including tangible heritage, museums and repositories, illicit trafficking of cultural properties, intangible heritage elements, as well as cultural and creative industries.
• Attend technical meetings and contribute to the preparation of related minutes and briefings.
• Contribute to provide information and input for the various assessment exercises conducted by UNESCO alone or in cooperation with other UN agencies and partners, including in the framework of the UNCT exercises with regard to Gaza.
• Contribute to reporting exercises as required, including to the governing bodies of UNESCO.
• Assist in preparing training and implementing capacity-building activities in the field of culture to support the rehabilitation of cultural heritage in Gaza.
• Contribute to prepare communication, promotional and visibility materials in support of UNESCO’s activities in the Gaza Strip.
• Assist in any other related activities as assigned by the supervisor.

Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
–
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Bachelors in one of the following domains:  Architecture, urban planning, or archaeology.

WORK EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum 3 years of work experience in at least one of the following domains:

– Architectural and cultural heritage conservation.

– Archaeological surveying and conservation.

– Conservation planning for historic buildings and towns.

2. Proven experience in working on cultural heritage-related projects in Palestine and awareness of the culture and cultural heritage scene.

3. .Proven ability in surveying and geo-referenced mapping, with demonstrated knowledge in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

4. Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills in Arabic and English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Palestinian culture and cultural heritage sector in the Gaza Strip is an asset.

• SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

  –    Integrity, reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties.
  –    Good analytical and problem solving skills.
  –    Very good communication skills, including the ability to draft clearly and concisely.
  –    Ability to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
  –    IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software, GIS and AutoCAD.
  –    Knowledge of UNESCO’s mission and culture programme is an advantage. 

   

  LANGUAGES

  Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic (written and oral).

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit their application online and attach under the “Employment History Form” section the following documents in one file:

• An up-to-date CV stating details of educational qualifications, work experience, including prior experience of similar work.
• A cover letter.

Application should be done through Success Factor only.  In case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system, please inform us at [email protected]
 

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.