ASSOCIATE PROGRAMME SPECIALIST (CULTURE)

The mission of the Living Heritage Entity, located in the Culture Sector of UNESCO, is to ensure the effective implementation of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture, the general supervision and guidance of the Chief of the Living Heritage Entity and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist leading the Safeguarding Implementation and Monitoring Team within the Living Heritage Entity, the incumbent will be a key member of the Secretariat of the 2003 Convention in the implementation of the International Assistance mechanism under the Fund for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage by providing technical contribution and undertaking research and analysis. In particular, s/he shall\:

• Contribute to the implementation of International Assistance projects\: take responsibility for the administrative management of the projects' contracts by producing contracts and amendments on the basis of the approved requests, analyzing and monitoring the implementation of individual projects, verifying the completeness, adequacy, quality and compliance of submitted documents with the terms of reference, analysing outputs and outstanding matters and clearing/issuing payments against contracts, preparing status notes/alerts and ensuring overall timely execution of contracts. Provide substantive support to projects and meetings, and backstopping to colleagues at Headquarters and in the Field.

• Carry out backstopping and monitoring of national efforts in the implementation of International Assistance projects in coordination with Field Offices, while keeping Regional Officers of the Living Heritage Entity informed; contribute to the team's analysis of the impact and sustainability of individual projects as well as the efficiency of the International Assistance mechanism by conducting research, compiling data, analyzing best practices and trends, contributing with inputs and recommendations and preparing documents and reports.

• Take part in the evaluation process of International Assistance requests according to the criteria and processes established by the Governing Bodies of the 2003 Convention and in application of the workflow established within the Living Heritage Entity.

• Contribute to designing and implementing actions – as part of the Living Heritage Entity’s outreach and communication plan – about International Assistance, which aim to raise visibility about the mechanism and to share lessons learnt about safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage through the implementation of International Assistance projects. Prepare reports and proposals, write communication notes, and propose elements for inclusion in the outreach and communication plans.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of culture or a related discipline.

Work Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in the field of culture, including at international level

• Experience in implementing and monitoring programmes and/or projects related to culture

Skills and competencies

• Knowledge of UNESCO's work in the field of Culture

• Familiarity with UNESCO's standard-setting instruments and programmes in the field of culture

• Capacity to maintain effective working relations with national authorities, cultural institutions and relevant intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations

• Good analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills

• Very good IT skills, including knowledge of standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets etc.)

Languages

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