Project Assistant – Culture Unit

Parent Sector : [[Culture]]

Duty Station: [[Harare]]

Standard Duration of Assignment:[[10 Months]]

Type of contract : [[Service Contract]]

Level : [[SC3]]

Recruitment open to : [[Zimbabwean National Only]]

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : [[08 February 2024]]

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Background and Project Description

The Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site Development Project aims to improve the quality of life of the communities living around Great Zimbabwe National Monument through the diversification of the local economy; the promotion of income generating and employment opportunities; and fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging among vulnerable groups.

The project will enhance the conservation and management of the Great Zimbabwe National Monument World Heritage site in a sustainable manner; adequately interpret and present the site and its associated intangible cultural heritage elements; support the development of sustainable tourism practices and develop community-based cultural programming and tourism offers, thereby contributing to attaining the 2030 Agenda with its international sustainable development goals.

The Project Assistant will support the Project Coordinator in the implementation of the components entrusted to the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, in close collaboration with all key partners, in particular the following activities under the project’s four main components.

• Documentation and Conservation
• Interpretation and visitor facilities
• Commercial management and marketing of the site
• Community-based and territorial level management solutions

Long Description

Assignment

Within the framework of the above context, under the overall authority of the Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO Southern Africa and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator and the Head of the Culture Unit, the incumbent will assist in the implementation of the Project by carrying out a range of administrative, operational and technical tasks to implement and monitor project activities, ensuring timely and effective delivery is consistent with UNESCO rules and regulations. The Project assistant shall undertake the following specific tasks:

Long Description

1. Assist in the implementation of the project component 2 on Interpretation by facilitating the development of the interpretation framework and the creation of interpretive content for the Great Zimbabwe National Monument World Heritage site.
2. Support in overseeing project advancement: Conduct daily monitoring and frequent evaluation of project activities, providing regular reports on achieved progress, and recommending updates to the project log frame.
3. Assist in planning and organization of meetings, workshops, conferences, and other events relating to the projects, ensuring that all logistics such as hotel and conference bookings as well as transportation are in place.
4. Develop and implement a tracking system for all contracts to ensure that deliverables are submitted on time and report any delays to the Supervisor on time.
5. Support communication and visibility efforts by assisting in the production of communication materials, publications, brochures, etc. Disseminate project-related information to relevant stakeholders.
6. Maintain e-files as well as paper files for the Project in compliance with the Organization’s records management policy and for audit and evaluation purposes.
7. Undertake any other relevant tasks as assigned by the Supervisor.

Skills and competencies

Skills

• Analytical skills to conceptualize issues, process data and synthesise information in a coherent and concise format.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly the ability to collect, synthesize and analyze information from various sources and draft working and information documents clearly and concisely.
• Good adaptation skills to multicultural working environments and ability to communicate sensitively and effectively across different constituencies (national, and local partners, donors, project stakeholders, experts etc.).
• Strong interpersonal skills, discretion, integrity and tact, particularly when faced with politically sensitive issues.
• Ability to take initiative, manage competing priorities, organise and prioritise workloads, and meet established and short deadlines with a strong capacity for accuracy, close attention to detail, and quality of work.
• Good IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Outlook, etc.)

–
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education

Bachelor Degree or equivalent in Cultural Policy, Anthropology, Archaeology, Museum Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Work experience

• Proven professional experience (minimum 2 years) in project management in the field of culture or humanities.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) Cultural Policy, Anthropology, Archaeology, Museum Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.

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.

Footer

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.