HEAD OF 1972 WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION UNIT

Paris

Organization: UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Location: Paris
Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Legal - Broad
- Culture - World Cultural Heritage
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

The World Heritage Centre assumes the function of the Secretariat to the World Heritage Committee and ensures the effective implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention. Its main tasks are to ensure the Convention's statutory activities related to the organization of the statutory meetings, implementation of the Governing Bodies’ decisions and resolutions, as well as of activities related to nominations to the World Heritage List, conservation and Periodic Reporting, Monitoring and Advisory missions, co-ordination of International Assistance, promotion of the Convention, etc.

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture and the direct supervision of the Director of the World Heritage Centre (WHC), as well as in cooperation with the Deputy Director and the Regional Units of WHC, the incumbent shall exercise the functions of Head of Unit leading, managing and overseeing the work of the unit for the effective implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, as well as managing the statutory work and processes in close cooperation with the Administrative Unit and the Partnerships, Communication and Meetings Unit of the Culture Sector.

In particular, the incumbent shall\:

Plan and lead the organisation of the meetings of the Governing Bodies of the World Heritage Convention, including the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, the World Heritage Committee and its Bureau as well as any other consultative or subsidiary bodies, and ensure their smooth and efficient conduct and follow-up. This responsibility includes the policy, content and logistical aspects of the meetings, including liaison with States Parties and host countries' authorities, oversight of preparation of all documents, etc. Prepare and/or provide conceptual guidance on strategic and complex documents on World Heritage content and processes-related matters for both the Governing Bodies of UNESCO and of the World Heritage Convention. Provide substantial input in policy development on World Heritage, including on conservation, management and other relevant matters, and ensure coordination with all stakeholders concerned, including Advisory Bodies, States Parties and other entities. Supervise the staff of the unit in the implementation of its work programme and budget.

Ensure the consistent application of the Rules of Procedure and of the Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention in all relevant processes and documents. Act as the Focal Point in all matters related to the Operational Guidelines and analyse the need for their revision, in the framework of the Committee or General Assembly decisions and take the lead in the coordination of such revisions.

Supervise the World Heritage Education programme and the coordination of the preparation by the Regional Units of State of Conservation Reports for properties on the World Heritage List, in collaboration with the Advisory Bodies (ICCROM, ICOMOS and IUCN) and coordinate the implementation of other statutory obligations of the World Heritage Centre including knowledge management.

Provide substantial input in conceptualising and developing the C/5, C/4, C/3 and other strategic and programmatic planning and budgeting documents and processes in close cooperation with the Deputy Director of the World Heritage Centre and the Administrative Officer of the Culture Sector. Ensure coordination of the World Heritage Centre's meetings with other UNESCO heritage-related Conventions and contribute to enhancing synergies with these Conventions.

Education

Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of culture, cultural and/or natural heritage or a related area.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in designing and implementing policies, programmes and/or projects in the field of culture, cultural and/or natural heritage.
Relevant experience acquired at international level.
Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.
Experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks and partnerships
Experience in managing staff, projects and budget.

Skills and competencies

Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the UN system, including the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Agenda.
Strong analytical, problem solving, organizational, coordination and negotiation skills.
Proven ability to provide high-level advice and support in World Heritage related matters.
Excellent written skills, and in particular capacity to collect, synthesize and analyze information from various sources, to write documents in a clear and concise manner and elaborate guidelines.
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 and diplomatic skills with ability to lead, motivate, and empower staff and ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment and ability to express ideas orally.