International Consultant

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Phnom Penh

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 21-JUNE-2020

 

 

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

 

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Following the JFIT Angkor project from Phase I to V, the Phase V project within the framework of the UNESCO/Japanese Funds-In-Trust for the ‘Safeguarding of the Bayon Temple of Angkor Thom’ (2018-2021) was designed to assist the Royal Government of Cambodia, and more in particular the APSARA National authority. The aims of the project are to enhance management and operational capacities and to conserve and restore one of the most important monuments of the site of Angkor - the Bayon Temple of Angkor Thom. Since the 19th Century, the Bayon temple has been a place of international cooperation. The École Françoise d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO) led restoration activities until the 1970’s. Following the end of two decades of international conflict in Cambodia and the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements International cooperation resumed under the auspices of UNESCO. In 1992 the Angkor site was inscribed simultaneously on the UNESCO World Heritage List in Danger and the World Heritage List. Since 1994, the Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor (JSA), through financial assistance of the UNESCO /Japanese Funds-in-Trust for the Preservation of the World Cultural Heritage, has undertaken a scientific research and conservation work at the Bayon temple at the Angkor World Heritage Site, involving Cambodian experts and workers. The successful implementation of the last Phase IV and the establishment of the APSARA National authority as a management agency of Angkor under the auspices of the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts led to discussions in late 2014, on the JASA (Japan APSARA Safeguarding Angkor) Steering Committee Meeting, for continuation of the project to a Phase V.Continued safeguarding efforts of the Bayon temple is vital, it being one of the most powerful symbolic icons of the Khmer Empire. It continues to be a place of worship for the local religion and is greatly admired by both national and international visitors. The UNESCO/JASA project is now in its fifth phase, which commenced from June 2018 and will run until June 2021. The project mainly focuses on landscape improvement of the Northeast façade, the conservation of the outer and inner gallery bas-reliefs and the structural stability of the Central Tower. The overall goal of the Safeguarding of Bayon Temple of Angkor Thom, Phase V project, is to contribute to the protection, enhancement and sustainable development of the Bayon Temple of Angkor World Heritage property.

Long Description

This unique cultural heritage site represents an ideal environment to showcase how acts of negligence and lack of maintenance due to civil unrest can be transformed, over time, into an opportunity for tolerance, peace and development through cultural programmes and initiatives.After receiving a generous financial assistance from the Government of Japan on 28 June 2018, which followed by signing of the Plan of Operations between UNESCO and the Royal Government of Cambodia on 25 September 2018, UNESCO and JASA team (the APSARA National authority and the Japanese team led by Waseda University) have jointly commenced working from 1st November 2018 for the preservation of the Bayon Temple of the Angkor World Heritage property.The work result of JASA from 2018 to 2019 identified critical issues on the state of conservation of the Bayon Temple. One is the structural instability at the Central Tower complex and other areas of the Bayon Temple; This challenge stemmed from water infiltration to the structure and a growing number of tourists; compacted soil by previous back filling work at the excavation trench under the Central Tower is loose and unstable. Another is deterioration of the condition of the bas-reliefs; the issue is an extremely complex and complicated by many factors. Because these issues are intertwined in an intricate manner, conservation of the Temple, bas-reliefs and the Central Tower should go hand in hand, while providing pragmatic conservation training to Cambodian experts in-situ, which work will contribute to enhance the knowledge and capacity of the local experts in restoration techniques.Overall, the interventions from 2018 to 2019 have been addressed as planned, while conservation activities are still on-going in-situ. The followings provide a brief overview of activities carried out between November 2018 and October 2019. These activities are;

1. Restoration work to strengthen and stabilize the Central Tower
•Study for stabilizing the foundation structure beneath the Tower;
•Research for reinforcement of the central terrace;
•Preliminary study of the reinforcement of the upper structure.

2.Conservation of the bas-relief at the inner Gallery
•Study for restoration and consolidation of the stone surface of the bas relief;
•Research for improvement of roofing of the inner Gallery.

3. Landscape improvement of East Façade of Bayon
•Landscape improvement of north-east corner pavilion (tower 69 – northeast corner pavilion)
•Archaeological survey at East Façade of Bayon.

Long Description

SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT

In order to support the aforementioned objectives of the Project, and under the overall authority of the representative of the Phnom Penh office and direct supervision of the Programme Specialist for Culture,  within the framework of UNESCO’s activities for the UNESCO/Japanese Funds-In-Trust for the ‘Safeguarding of the Bayon Temple of Angkor Thom’ (corresponding to Regular Program, MLA 1: Safeguarding Immoveable Cultural Heritage: MLA 3: Capacities of LDCs for the protection and conservation of movable cultural property enhanced as an integral part of national development efforts), the contractor recruited shall:
1. Provide technical advice to the Cambodian authorities in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention with regards to the on-going UNESCO’s project at the Bayon Temple of Angkor Thom;
2. Coordinate activities undertaken in cooperation with the APSARA National authority, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts and local governments relating to the implementation of the UNESCO /JFIT project including:

i. Undertaking missions to and work at Siem Reap in Cambodia, as necessary and requested for project implementation;
ii. Coordination of conservation and site development activities in cooperation with UNESCO, the APSARA National authority, partner agencies, local government, community and central government stakeholders;
iii. Organization of stakeholder meetings and coordination of capacity-building workshops as necessary;
iv. Interim and final Reports of UNESCO Japanese FIT project for the Bayon Phase V project;

3. Liaise with JASA, international experts and institutions and organizations, to support the project activities, maximize dialogue;
4. Monitor and evaluate the project toward the priorities set out in consultations with relevant stakeholders;
5. Assist the Government of Cambodia with the effective implementation of UNESCO Cultural Conventions. This would include, advocating for policy review in order to create a conducive environment for unlocking economic potential of the rich cultural and natural heritage present in the country;
6. Support resource mobilization efforts for UNESCO initiatives and develop concept notes and project proposals to improve the protection and promotion of the cultural heritage sites and sustainable tourism in Cambodia with immediate and long-term development benefits for the population;
7. Make substantive contributions to UNESCOs awareness-raising activities through the office publications, website and other public representation at stakeholder meetings, conferences and workshops;
8. Undertake any other activities and program support as specified by the Head of the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office and the Programme Specialist for Culture;

Long Description

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

1. A monthly report due on the end of every month detailing activities undertaken in fulfilment of this contract, in line with Articles I of the contract (with three months probationary period).  The report shall include: a) carried-out activities in the reporting month; b) achievements; c) challenges encountered; d) recommendations; e) follow-up actions. The report shall be submitted to the Programme Specialist for Cutlure for approval at the end of each month for contract payment.
2. Interim/final reports for the above extra-budgetary project;
3. Concept notes and project proposals for resource mobilization activities
4. Mission reports
5. Final report at the end of the contract period, summarizing activities completed during the contract and any recommendations for the future.
C.  Payment Schedule: 
1. Upon submission of a monthly Report:  USD 5,000/Monthly fee + DSA
2. Most economical airfare from/to Cambodia (one time)
3. Mission cost in Cambodia

Short Description

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

• Strong analytical, problem solving and organizational skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Proficiency in writing;
• Excellent project implementation skills;
• Capable of making sound decisions on all aspects of project implementation;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships (both within and outside the Organization);
• Good knowledge of standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)

- For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERINCE

Education
• Master’s degree or higher in archeology, architecture, conservation, heritage management, tourism development, or any related fields;
Experience
• At least 4 years of full-time experience in all aspects of heritage management and conservation, with at least 2-year experience at international level, preferably in Southeast Asia;
• Excellent analytic skills;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• Experience in resource mobilization;
Language
• Fluency in English and good commend of French is an asset (both written and oral). Knowledge of Khmer is also an asset. 

CONTRACT DURATION, LOCATION AND OTHER CONDITIONS

From 1 to 6-month contract with a 3-month probationary period; extendable to additional 6 months, subject to satisfactory performance and project validity.
The position is based in Siem Reap in Cambodia. UNESCO will provide cell phone, office space and access to office equipment as required to perform tasks.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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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