Individual Consultant: Culture specialist – Heritage, arts and sustainable development

Parent Sector : Field Office

Duty Station: Bangkok

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Bangkok Time) : 19-May-2024

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Background Information

The Culture Unit of UNESCO Bangkok aims to enhance UNESCO Member States’ capacity to safeguard heritage and promote culture towards sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The unit is responsible for wide range of programme areas, namely (i) safeguarding World Heritage, intangible cultural heritage, underwater cultural heritage and other movable heritage,(ii) promoting creativity including the cultural and creative industries, (iii) linking culture and development, particularly towards the SDGs and in the context of cities. 

Purpose of the Assignment 

Within the diverse Culture programmatic areas, the selected consultant will provide technical expertise related to culture, heritage and sustainable development, including climate change and emergency contexts. The consultant will take the lead in conceptualizing and delivering strategies, projects and plans in order to support strengthening national capacity among Member States in policy-making and operational implementation in line with the UNESCO Culture Conventions and other international and regional frameworks and best practices.   

Long Description

Duties and Responsibilities 

Under the authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Culture Unit of UNESCO the Individual Specialist shall serve as a lead technical expert and perform functions as follows: 

Terms and Reference 

  1. Undertake the effective planning, implementation and monitoring of culture programmes and projects, including support within the framework of the UNESCO culture conventions, as follows:  

1.1 Under the 1972 Convention: Develop the implementation strategy and provide technical inputs for undertaking the new extra-budgetary project related to climate action in World Heritage cities and towns, by ensuring synergies with other UN frameworks and initiatives by allied organizations including World Heritage Advisory Bodies such as ICCROM.  In addition, develop and implement other programmes related urban heritage with reference to the UNESCO recommendation on Historic Urban landscape (2011) and provide technical support to States Parties in World Heritage protection and management  

 1.2 Related to culture, heritage and education: Develop the implementation strategy and provide technical inputs for undertaking a major new project on cultivating intercultural understanding via shared heritage using museums as a platform, with a focus on Southeast Asia.  In the spirit of the new UNESCO In the spirit of the UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Protection and Promotion of Museums and Collections, their Diversity and their Role in Society (2015) and the new UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education, lead the development of new strategies and programmes to enhance the role of culture in contributing to SDG Target 4.7 

Long Description

1.3 Related to culture in emergencies: Conceptualize technical support to Member States for project on strengthening civil society actions for safeguarding cultural heritage and other activities related to emergency response and disaster risk mitigation, by seeking the collaboration and inputs of relevant international, regional and national bodies and experts.  
           1.4 Related to culture and sustainable development: Provide technical advice in the development of new strategies, programmes and partnerships to demonstrate the role of culture in contributing to the SDGs and sustainable development in general.  This includes activities under the framework of the 2005 Convention including the promotion of cultural and creative industries, the 2030 UNESCO Culture Indicators and the Expedia Sustainable Tourism Pledge.   
           1.5 Related to sustainable heritage management: provide expert inputs for the UNESCO Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation and training activities under the Competence Framework for Cultural Heritage Management  

2. Specific functions will include, but not be limited to:  

           2.1. Ensure timely execution of activities, in accordance with the approved strategies, workplans, project documents and budgets, by liaising with partners, experts, consultants, and UNESCO field offices;  

2.2. Undertake monitoring of programmes, projects and activities in accordance with the approved strategies, workplans, project documents and budgets;  

2.3. Undertake review and analysis of expert reports, policy documents and other projects outputs; 

2.4. Prepare briefings, technical reports, progress reports and final reports related to Culture Sector’s implementation; 

2.5. Conduct missions as foreseen in the programme and project work plans. 

3. Develop partnerships with related organizations with a view to facilitate implementation, maximize impact and identify opportunities for further collaboration; Take an active role in the formulation and preparation of proposals for resource mobilization, in alignment with UNESCO Culture Sector’s priorities. 

4. Support visibility and communication of Culture Unit, including official communications and public documents.  Prepare communication/outreach materials for website, press releases, speeches and presentations related to programmes and projects 

Travel:  

The Individual Specialist will be required to travel on missions directly related to programmes and projects implementation during the assignment. The Individual Specialist should travel economy class and receive DSA at the standard rate (and which should be reduced, as necessary, when the number of days of DSA exceeds the limits stipulated in the table of rates published by ICSC). DSA is only payable to individuals carrying out assignments away from their usual place of residence or work. The Individual Specialist is expected to make her/his own travel arrangements and should be provided with a lump sum to cover travel-related expenses in accordance with UNESCO rules and regulations.  Travel-related expenses (e.g. the cost of tickets, terminal fares and DSA) must be fixed and agreed between the parties. The Individual Specialist is responsible for obtaining UNDSS security clearance prior to each approved mission. 

Duty station: Bangkok, Thailand with missions to be determined

Long Description

Deliverable and Timeframe 

No. 
Deliverable(s)
Timeline
1
Workplan for World Heritage Cities and Climate Action projects
31 July 2024
2
Final project report for heritage emergency fund project on strengthening civil society actions for safeguarding cultural heritage in Myanmar
31 August 2024 
3
Report on field school associated with the Heritage Awards

30 September 2024 

4
Proposal to support culture sector in Myanmar based on recommendations from Heritage Emergency Fund Report

31 October 2024 

5
Progress report for the 2030 UNESCO Culture Indicators study in SEA
30 November 2024 
6
Summary results of SEA museum survey for shared heritage museum project
31 December 2024
Deliverable and Timeframe 
7
Progress summary for the implementation of the 1970 Convention and/or 2001 Convention
31 January 2025 
8
Meeting report from shared heritage museum roundtable meeting
28 February 2025  
9
Summary results of World Heritage Cities and Climate Action survey
31 March 2025
10
Meeting agenda for Regional Meeting on World Heritage Cities and Climate Action
30 April 2025
11
Meeting Report from Shared Heritage Museum Roundtable Meeting
31 May 2025
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
–
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent and above) in the field of arts and culture, heritage studies, cultural industries, development studies, architecture or related professional areas, with a sub-specialization related to conservation if possible.

Professional Work experience:

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the field of culture and creativity, of which at least five years acquired at the regional/international level  
• Wide networks in the Southeast Asia/Asian region  
• Proven experience in implementing and coordinating multi-country projects  
• Proven track record in fundraising and building partnerships  

Languages :

Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken)

Skills and Competencies:
•    Knowledge of Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia culture and heritage issues
•    Proven conceptual and analytical skills
•    Effective planning and organizing ability
•    Capacity to follow up and coordinate independently with minimal supervision
•    Proven ability to work efficiently in a dynamic and multicultural team environment
•    Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills
•    Proven capacity to build and maintain effective partnerships inside and outside the organization
•    Ability to work under pressure

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience:

•    Relevant experience with international organization and multilateral is an asset.

Application Process

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now” and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in ‘Employment History Form / My Documents’. Before uploading the document, at the end of the word document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information:
•    An up-to-date CV stating details of educational qualifications, work experience, including prior experience of similar work experience, including prior experience of similar work 
•    A statement including how your qualification and experience make you suitable for this assignment and motivation letter
•    A brief proposal (1-2 pages) , A brief proposal on approach/methodology on how to carry out the assignment and the proposed fee total and monthly rate in USD. Any travel and subsistence requirements should be indicated separately. 

Assessment 

 •    Only applications providing the information requested in the application procedure will be considered.

 •    Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Your proposal and any supporting documents must be in English. 
 

Note:
•    Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidate(s) about the outcome or status of the selection process.
•    Please submit your application through SuccessFactors. Only if you are unable to attach requirements in system, please inform us at [email protected].
 

UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organisation the best value for money. 

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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