NATIONAL PROJECT OFFICER (Culture)

Parent Sector : [[Cultue]]

Duty Station: [[Islamabad]]

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[1 Year]]

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : [[Service Contract]]

Level : [[SB-4]]

Duration of contract : [[1 Year]]

Recruitment open to : [[External as well as Internal]]

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : [[14-May-2024]]

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Based on its learning from the Radio Education programme implemented amidst the COVID-19, UNESCO in collaboration and support from Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs developed a project, “Radio Education: Promotion of learning through Radio in Marginalized Areas of Pakistan”. The project aims at enhancing access to schools, communities, and youth in isolated areas of Pakistan to improve learning opportunities through an Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) Approach. The project is implemented in six target districts which include: districts Lower Kohistan, Mohmand, and Swat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, district Loralai in Balochistan, and district Diamer and Ghizer (Gupis-Yasin) in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The project is a multi-sector intervention with a focus on practical knowledge pertaining to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED), while culture has been integrated as an integral part of the project to promote the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Pakistan through broadcasting customized radio content and related information in the target areas. The notions of GCED, ESD, peace and social cohesion are carefully interwoven in the project framework to promote inclusion, tolerance, and harmony in society. Information sharing on emerging trends and issues of the science sector, such as climate change, environmental degradation, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and global warming will be regularly taken up in the radio broadcasting.

Long Description

Under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Islamabad Office and the direct supervision of Head of Culture team, the National Project Officer (Culture) is responsible for the management, implementation, monitoring, and reporting on the Culture component of the project in close coordination with National Project Officer (Education), and is expected to contribute to the implementation of, and reporting on timely implementation of the project activities.

  Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions: 

• Manage and provide technical and administrative support in the implementation of the Culture component of the project and coordinate implementation in collaboration with relevant local implementing partners, governmental and non-governmental entities concerned.
• Develop annual work plans and budget proposal for the Culture component of the project, oversee project implementation by undertaking missions to the implementation sites, and report on the status of implementation.
• Use the online tools of UNESCO on reporting, contract management, travel etc. for smooth implementation of the project.

Long Description

• Manage the Culture component of the project budget, ensure budget utilization in accordance with UNESCO’s and donors’ rules and regulations, regularly inform the supervisor on financial status of project implementation and alert the supervisor and propose mitigation measures in case of any irregularities.
• Liaise with the M&E program officer, apply the M&E framework throughout the project period, and exchange data and information in a timely manner.
• Coordinate timely submission of project reports from local implementing partners and prepare synthesis periodic reports and consolidated reports.
• Prepare or contribute to concept notes for resource mobilization, prepare briefings, analytical notes, reports, presentations on the project and inputs to publications.
• Develop and disseminate content for visibility through media for awareness raising of youth and public on safeguarding cultural heritage and provide support in communicating the Culture programme through UNESCO online tools, webpages, newsletters (UNIC and UNESCO) social media, etc.

Long Description

• Facilitate timely and effective information sharing among programme colleagues, participating stakeholders, and local implementing partners.
• Take the lead in the pre-selection of vendors and verify and request payments through the Administrative Officer.
• Perform any other tasks as may be assigned by the Director of the Office and/or Head of Culture.

Skills and Competencies

•              Strong organization and coordination skills.

•              Strong analytical skills.

•              Ability to work effectively, set priorities, and work within tight deadlines.

•              Ability to draft high-quality, clear, concise documents, and reports.

•              Ability to build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

•              Excellent presentation skills and ability to communicate effectively.

•              Strong interpersonal skills, with proven ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment.

•              Excellent IT skills, including office productivity tools and online collaboration tools.

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

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of culture, development studies, social science, or any other related field.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the culture sector.
• Experience in project management in culture or a relevant field, including budget management, coordination, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Experience in results-based management and gender mainstreaming approaches in development initiatives.

• Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and good knowledge of Urdu.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Previous work experience within the United Nations System.
• Knowledge about radio programming in Pakistan.

 
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.