Programme Specialist (Culture)

Post Number : 2UACLT0001PA

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Ukraine

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 13-MAY-2024

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

Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The UNESCO Culture programme for Ukraine is guided by the objectives of the 2015 UNESCO global “Strategy for the Reinforcement of UNESCO’s Action for the Protection of Culture and the Promotion of Cultural Pluralism in the Event of Armed Conflict” and contribute to the overall goals of emergency response, socio-economic recovery and reconstruction through culture, as delineated in the Action Plan for Culture in Ukraine (August 2023), whose development has been coordinated by UNESCO in close cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine (MCIP), and more than 40 national and international partners. 

Under the overall supervision of the Assistant Director-General for Culture, the general supervision of the Director for Culture and Emergencies Entity and the direct supervision of the Liaison Officer / Head of Ukraine Desk based in Kyiv, the incumbent shall be responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and implementation of the UNESCO Desk for Ukraine’s programme in the field of culture. The role entails the implementation and scaling up of the programme and activities aimed at addressing short and mid-term needs in terms of protection, conservation and rehabilitation of cultural heritage affected by the consequences of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 by the Russian Federation and the ongoing war, as well as fostering investments in the capacity building of professionals, the creative sector and livelihood of artists and creators. These shall be aligned with the United Nations in Ukraine Transitional Framework (September 2022 – December 2024), and in particular with its Strategic Priority No 2: Strengthening Systems and Building Resilience, Result 2.2: Early recovery interventions are effective in increasing inclusive human development, promoting a sustainable green economy and building a resilient society, as well as with objective 14.A3 of the draft Ukraine Recovery Plan (July 2022) prepared by the National Council for the Recovery of Ukraine from the Consequences of the War: ‘Restore cultural heritage and infrastructure to promote national identity, access to culture’. Based on the UN Common Country Analysis, it shall further contribute to conceptualize, forge and operationalize the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2024-2027), currently under preparation.

Long Description

In particular, the incumbent shall:

• Responsible for the for the management of UNESCO’s culture programme in Ukraine, including planning, coordination, and implementation of projects and activites. Provides leadership and guidance to the culture team of the UNESCO Ukraine Desk (in Kyiv and Lviv), facilitating information exchange, strategizing for improved delivery, and meeting programmatic objectives.. Oversee the development of work plans and ensure their effective implementation while closely interacting with programme partners and stakeholders to achieve the foreseen objectives. Contribute to the monitoring of project budgets in alignment with donor-approved allocations and proposes adjustments as necessary.

• Provides technical advice and support to the Ukrainian authorities in relation to cultural heritage protection, conservation and the promotion of cultural diversity. Undertake constant liasingwith the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine (MCIP) and other relevant stakeholders at various levels( Local, regional and national).

• In collaboration with colleagues at Headquarters (HQs), serves as Secretary for the Action Plan for the Safeguarding of Ukrainian cultural heritage, as well as act as Secretariat for the Joint Steering Mechanism (JSM) set for the coordination of international efforts for the protections and conservation of cultural heritage in Ukraine. To this end, develops and ensure a regular update of  an on-line platform for the JMS; and organizes JSM meetings in the country (Kyiv/Lviv/Odesa).

Long Description

• In response to needs in terms of protection and conservation of cultural heritage, notably heritage recently affected by the war, conduct a regular assessment of the risks related to the war context in which the projects are implemented and ensure the timely implementation of necessary mitigation measures; 

• Liaising with the Culture Sector (at UNESCO HQ), to identify assistance priorities and design project proposals in close consultation with the MCIP and other relevant stakeholders, by providing inputs on situation analysis, objectives, activities and results, programme strategy, planning, monitoring and evaluation, as well as partnerships. Addresses funding gaps affecting the Culture Sector in Ukraine, by actively initiating fundraising for UNESCO’s culture programme in Ukraine. To this effect liaises with potential donors, in close consultation with the Culture Sector and the Bureau of Strategic Planning at UNESCO HQ.

• Keeps a detailed record of all work progress, producing regular periodic progress reports and briefings, developing and presenting  programme developments to partners and national counterparts involved in the culture programme; coordinate the preparation of project reporting documents and financial reports for donors, as well as relevant contributions to UNESCO’s reports for its governinig bodies and other documents related to its work in Ukraine, and ensure the quality and timely completion of internal and external reporting documents; 

Long Description

• Conducts field assessment visits for evaluating projects effectiveness, identifying problems and instituting timely remedial measures, as appropriate.

• Contributes to the formulation updateand operationalization of the UN Strategic Cooperation Framework and related relevant strategic UN joint documents, emphasizing the  culture sector’s role in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. 

• Elaborates the contents required for the implementation of the programme’s communications plan in close cooperation with the UNESCO’s Communication officer at Kyiv Desk and the Communication and Public Engagement Division at HQs.
   

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
Building partnerships (M)
Making quality decisions (M)
Managing performance (M)
Leading and empowering others (M)
Strategic thinking (M)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in the field of culture, heritage conservation and management, or relevant field. 

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant professional work experience in the field of culture, cultural heritage conservation and management, or related field, of which at least three (3) years acquired at international level. 
• Experience with partnership development and resource mobilisation. 

Skills and competencies 

• Knowledge of development issues and policies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Supervisory and managerial skills, capable of leading a team of professionals.
• Capable of making technically sound decisions on all aspects of project implementation.
• Capable of providing upstream policy advice at highest levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships.
• Good IT skills, including good knowledge of standard office software.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written).  

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Work experience in a conflict/post-conflict country.
• Professional experience in the United Nations System and/or in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and development
• Experience in capacity building and developing field projects related to culture.

Skills and competencies 

• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of the United Nations system or an international organization.
• Knowledge of the UNESCO Standard Setting Instruments in the field of Culture,.
• Ability to translate strategy into priorities and actions and to develop and implement strategic projects and initiatives for the protection of culture in Ukraine.
• Ability to build, develop, and maintain partnerships and to coordinate, negotiate and deal with partners and networks.

Languages

• Knowledge of another/other UNESCO official language(s) (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
• Knowledge of Ukrainian.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 106 091 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

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.