OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture and the direct supervision of the Director of Culture and Emergencies Entity, the incumbent will be responsible for planning and implementing the programme of the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit. S/he will coordinate the support provided to the Director of Culture and Emergencies Entity in assisting the statutory organs of the Convention in all aspects of their decision-making; the development and implementation of pertinent and meaningful programmes related to the 2001 Convention; the elaboration and implementation of strategies and projects for the promotion of the wide ratification and implementation of the 2001 Convention and related awareness-raising activities; the scientifical and technical aspects of the monitoring of programmes, projects and activities, including in the areas of capacity building and policy development and mobilize voluntary contributions to support these activities.

Within this context, the incumbent shall:

• Plan and coordinate the organization of the meetings of the Governing Bodies of the 2001 Convention and any other consultative or subsidiary bodies, ensure their smooth and efficient conduct and follow-up; take responsibility for the policy, content and logistical aspects of the meetings, liaison with States Parties, oversight of the preparation of the agenda, collaboration with the Legal Advisor, working and information documents, summary records;
• Provide substantial input in policy development on Underwater Cultural Heritage, including on conservation, management and other relevant matters, ensure consultation and coordination with stakeholders;
• Coordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of programmes, projects and activities to protect and preserve underwater cultural heritage by providing strategic and policy advice to Member States; participate or contribute to the organization of scientific conferences and meetings of relevance; cooperate with the UNESCO Conventions and Recommendations in the field of culture;
• Develop and implement innovative strategies and approaches to translate the principles of the 2001 Convention into policies and programmes, by building on evaluations, reviews and other assessments related to the Convention, coordinating the development of capacity-building activities, elaborating pedagogical materials, methods and tools, and implementing training and support activities. Provide guidance and backstopping to Field Offices for planning, implementing, following-up and evaluating capacity-building activities;
• Develop and ensure the implementation of work plans within the integrated budget, and their periodic reporting. Ensure management and the implementation of the Medium-Term Strategy and the Approved Programme and Budget, and foster intra- and intersectoral cooperation of work in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and reporting to the UNESCO Governing Bodies;
• Mobilize voluntary contributions for programmes and projects in line with the priorities of the prevailing C/5 Programme and Budget and the Culture Sector Resources Mobilization Framework, develop and establish appropriate partnerships and ensure their implementation and reporting to donors.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Culture, Political Science, International Law, or related area.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects or programmes in culture or related fields, with at least three (3) years at the international level.
• Experience in planning and formulating strategic and analytical documents.
• Experience in leading, managing and coordinating teams in a multicultural environment.
• Experience in engaging government agencies, partner institutions and/or donors and in developing partnerships.

Skills and competencies

• Good conceptual, research and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical, negotiating, diplomatic and advocacy skills.
• Excellent drafting skills with the ability to produce high-quality reports and papers on scientific, technical, or strategic issues.
• High level of autonomy, ability to identify and analyse trends, opportunities and threats and to develop appropriate strategies and mechanisms to address them.
• Excellent capacity to build a teamwork spirit, provide guidance and motivate a multicultural team.
• Ability to communicate (written and oral) and negotiate effectively and persuasively with various stakeholders.
• Excellent IT skills, including advanced knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English (both written and oral) or French and good knowledge of the other language.

Source:https://careers.unesco.org/job/Paris-Programme-Specialist-Head-of-Unit-