JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES

Reporting to the UNESCO Regional Director for West Africa and supervised by the Head of the Culture Programme, the Project Assistant will support the implementation of the project “Emergency measures to strengthen the protection of Gorée Island against coastal erosion”. This project aims to provide a holistic response to the effects of climate change on Gorée Island, a World Heritage Site in Senegal. It will provide a concrete, operational and visible response with rehabilitation works, the implementation of sustainable preventive actions to reduce risks related to climate change and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) activities. This position involves coordinating rehabilitation activities, managing relationships with local and international stakeholders, and supervising awareness-raising and training activities. The Project Assistant will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring the various project components, ensuring that objectives are achieved within the specified timeframe and in accordance with UNESCO quality standards. This role requires close collaboration with public stakeholders, local authorities, communities, and international partners to ensure the sustainability and positive impact of the interventions.

In particular, the project assistant is responsible for:

Coordination:

Coordinate calls for tenders and contracts from service providers for all project activities
Monitor the rehabilitation and renovation work planned as part of the project
Monitor and evaluate training and awareness-raising activities
Monitor the project budget
Inform and support the team in the application of administrative processes and related procedures to ensure effective coordination of the work. Demonstrate rigor and diplomacy in the management and coordination of activities with particular attention to compliance with UNESCO and State of Senegal standards

Planning and Implementation

Assist in the drafting, revision and finalization of documents and correspondence to be sent to internal and external partners
Initiate and follow up administrative procedures, in particular payments, in collaboration with the Administration
Monitor contracts, deadlines, blockages and alert the Project Manager accordingly
Be results-oriented and problem-solving and demonstrate innovation and creativity in supporting project management

Communication

Monitor the implementation of the project’s communication and visibility plan, including the choice of service providers responsible for producing communication materials, monitoring with national partners and technical partners, and ensuring quality control for the visibility of UNESCO and the financial partner.
Assist in the organization of information and consultation sessions with local and national stakeholders.

Reporting

Research, compile, review and update information and data necessary to prepare reports to be submitted to the financial partner.

SKILLS (Fundamental / Managerial)

Responsibility (F)
Communication (F)
Innovation (F)
Knowledge sharing and constant desire for improvement (F)
Planning and organization (F)
Results culture (F)
Teamwork (F)

For more information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Academic qualifications:
• University degree required, such as a master’s degree in cultural or natural heritage management, in human and social sciences

Professional experience:
• At least 3 years of experience in supporting project management for the protection of cultural or natural heritage in Senegal, including collaborative actions with communities and awareness-raising actions among young people

Skills and Competencies:
• Excellent skills in management support and coordination
• Excellent knowledge of UNESCO Conventions in the field of heritage
• Excellent knowledge of national and local public and private stakeholders involved in the field of heritage
• Excellent communication and report writing skills
• Ability to work in a team and mobilize stakeholders
• Excellent ability to work in a multicultural environment and under high pressure

Language requirements:
• Fluency in French required

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Professional experience
• Experience in a United Nations organization is an asset;
• Experience in a World Heritage site in Senegal is an asset.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements