Head of Unit (Culture)

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Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 20-DEC-2024

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

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture (ADG/CLT) and the direct supervision of the Director of World Heritage (DIR/WH), the incumbent shall exercise the functions of the Natural Heritage Unit of the World Heritage Centre in the Culture Sector. S/he shall lead, manage and oversee the work of the Unit for the effective implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention and act as the focal point for all matters in the field of natural heritage. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating major conservation and thematic projects, initiatives and programmes, as well as cross-cutting issues in relation to natural heritage, and for mobilizing resources and developing outreach in consultation with the Executive Office of the Culture Sector.

The incumbent shall also contribute to supporting, monitoring and reporting on programmes and projects as well as resource mobilization activities in the framework of UNESCO's global priorities (Africa and Gender Equality), and transversal thematic areas, such as Culture and Education, Culture and Climate Change, Indigenous Peoples, as well as for its priority groups (Small Island Developing States - SIDS, and Youth).

In particular, the incumbent shall:

Long Description

• In close cooperation with the Regional Units of the World Heritage Centre and relevant UNESCO Field Offices, coordinate the implementation of programmes and projects in the field of natural heritage; manage the resources of such programmes and projects; liaise with donors/partners, benefiting States Parties and project partners to ensure effective and timely design, implementation and monitoring; contribute to the reporting to the World Heritage Committee and the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, as well as to the UNESCO Governing Bodies; contribute to the preparation of State of Conservation Reports for natural properties on the World Heritage List.


• Supervise the implementation and monitoring of the programmes and projects related to natural heritage by developing strategic approaches and activities, promoting stakeholder engagement and fostering increased awareness and balanced participation of all stakeholders in order to protect the properties while ensuring that these programmes deliver benefits for the conservation of properties and sustainable development for local communities.


• Coordinate the management of Funds-in-Trust projects, in close cooperation with all staff in charge of the follow-up and implementation of the different agreements. Lead resource mobilization initiatives and develop the appropriate plans and strategies to contribute to the conservation objectives and priorities.

Long Description

• In cooperation with the Regional Units of the World Heritage Centre and the Executive Office of the Culture Sector, States Parties, particularly developing countries, appropriate bilateral, multilateral and private donors, international conservation NGOs and civil society partners, develop new conservation programmes and partnerships responding to conservation objectives and priorities. Develop approaches and follow-up initiatives and projects to ensure continuity of the on-going programmes and/or sustainability of their achievements.


• Ensure the implementation of the Strategy for the Conservation of Natural World Heritage properties as adopted by the World Heritage Committee, with particular emphasis on developing countries, using a consultative approach involving the other Units of the World Heritage Centre, the other Entities and Units of the Culture Sector, other Programme Sectors, Permanent Delegations of Member States, as well as external partners. Coordinate the contribution of the World Heritage Centre on all issues of Climate Change and Natural World Heritage, in line with the Policy Document on climate action for World Heritage.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

• Communication (C)


• Accountability (C)


• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Work Experience

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the field of culture, natural heritage, heritage conservation and management or related fields, of which preferably three (3) years acquired at international level.


• Experience in project coordination and management, notably in designing, monitoring and implementing projects related to natural heritage.


• Demonstrated experience in advocacy and resource mobilization.


• Experience in providing leadership to guide staff, and ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate staff and teams.

Skills and competencies

• Excellent capacity to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources and to write documents in a clear and concise manner.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational and coordination skills.


• Ability to manage heavy workload and to work under pressure, with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.


• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment.

Long Description

• Ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, to identify priority activities and assignments, to adjust priorities as required, to allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work, to foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning, to monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced University degree (PhD) in the field of culture, cultural and/or natural heritage conservation and management, social sciences, international relations or related area.

Work Experience

• Experience in designing, developing and monitoring nature/biodiversity conservation.


• Working experience in a UN Organization/Agency.

Skills and competencies

• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of the UN System.


• Knowledge of UNESCO and its Culture Conventions and programme.

Languages

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

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 126,118 US $.

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 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.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.

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Location: Paris, FR

Posted Date: 11/24/2024