Individual Consultant Culture specialist Heritage, arts and sustainable development

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. 

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.   

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: 

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

• 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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. 
• 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

Specific functions will include, but not be limited to:  

• 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;
• Undertake monitoring of programmes, projects and activities in accordance with the approved strategies, workplans, project documents and budgets;
• Undertake review and analysis of expert reports, policy documents and other projects outputs;
• Prepare briefings, technical reports, progress reports and final reports related to Culture Sector’s implementation;
• Conduct missions as foreseen in the programme and project work plans.

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)

Source: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Bangkok-Individual-Consultant-Culture-specialist-Heritage,-arts-and-sustainable-development/793885002/