Programme Specialist (Culture)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 5LBCLT0001RP

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Beirut

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 16-MAR-2021

 

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

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The incumbent shall coordinate the programme and projects in the field of Culture, under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture and the direct supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Beirut Office, and in close cooperation with Culture Programme Specialists of the Field Offices in Amman, Baghdad and Ramallah and at Headquarters, to ensure the design, development, planning, implementation and monitoring of activities carried out under Major Programme IV – Culture in the countries covered by the Office (Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic, Iraq, Jordan and Palestine). 

 

The incumbent is also responsible for preparing inputs for the UNESCO Medium-Term Strategy (C/4), the Programme and Budget (C/5) and related work plans, as well as for developing partnerships and fundraising activities, and for UNESCO’s contribution to the ‘Delivering as One’ exercise in the field of Culture in the countries covered by the Office, as well as to emergency/crisis preparedness and response in (post) conflict or (post) disaster countries, in line with the Strategy for the Reinforcement of UNESCO’s Action for the Protection of Culture and the Promotion of Cultural Pluralism in the Event of Armed Conflict and its Action Plan. In particular the incumbent shall:

Long Description

• Design, plan, coordinate, implement and monitor programmes and projects in the field of Culture in line with the Culture Sector’s strategies and priorities. Plan activities across the sub-region, to ensure the culture programme delivery in the countries covered by the Office. Contribute to the overall delivery of the Office’s programme objectives and intersectoral working modalities, as well as to initiatives and actions towards crisis preparedness and response.

 

• Lead the implementation of strategic initiatives in the field of culture, such as the LiBeirut initiative, in close coordination with UNESCO’s Headquarters, including the coordination with other UN agencies and international and local organizations, partnerships development for project implementation, communication on results, reporting, monitoring and evaluation.

 

• Ensure timely availability of information on emergencies and preparation of related action plans, recommend measures required to mitigate disaster/crisis situations in the field of culture as a whole, coordinate support activities and implement specific response activities for culture, including missions. 

Long Description

• Establish, maintain and enhance strong and strategic working relationships with the concerned national/local authorities, cultural institutions, relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, build and enhance partnerships with UN Agencies, bilateral and multilateral donors, development banks, international and regional organizations, international institutions and the private sector in order to design and implement Culture programmes and projects, including in emergency response and preparedness.

 

• Contribute to resource mobilization by exploring and developing alternative funding mechanisms for the region and individual countries.

Long Description

• Participate in joint programming exercises in the framework of the UN Reform and ‘Delivering as One’, identify entry points for culture in these exercises responding to national priorities and needs in culture; contribute to developing the advocacy and promotion of the role of culture for sustainable development and peace building; develop and implement related joint actions, programmes and activities, including in emergencies.

• Assist Member States in their efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while promoting culture-engaged sustainable development, as well as to engage as relevant in crisis preparedness and response in the field of Culture. Provide policy advice and technical assistance, as well as substantive contributions in the field of Culture to relevant stakeholders in view of the development of national, regional and international strategies. Facilitate and develop capacity building and training activities in support of the UNESCO Culture Programme.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Results focus (C) Making quality decisions (M) Planning and organizing (C) Leading and empowering others (M) Accountability (C) Building partnerships (M) Communication (C) Driving and managing change (M) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Managing performance (M) Strategic thinking (M) Teamwork (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 Education

• Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of Culture, Humanities, Development Studies, International Relations, Law, Economics or related area.

 

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of culture.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience acquired at the international level.
• Proven experience in planning, developing, implementing, managing, coordinating and evaluating programmes.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale projects.
• Experience in fund raising and resource mobilization.
• Experience in leading and managing teams of professionals in a multicultural work environment

Skills and competencies

• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into priorities and actions, develop and implement strategic projects and initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and maintain partnerships, and to coordinate, negotiate and deal with partners and networks.
• Proven capacity to produce high-quality analytical reports.
• Knowledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.
• Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment, and to manage, supervise and motivate staff and teams.
• Ability to take initiative and to manage heavy workload; to work under pressure, with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
• Good knowledge of the regional geopolitical context, challenges and priorities.
• Good IT skills.

 

Languages

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced University degree (PhD) related to the field of Culture, Humanities and/or International Law.

 

Work Experience

• Experience in outreach activities.

 

Skills and competencies

• Good knowledge of the Organization and its rules and regulations.
• Solid knowledge of the UNESCO Culture Programme, Culture Conventions and strategic programmes.
• Strong diplomatic skills.

 

Languages

• Good working knowledge of the Arabic language. 
• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Chinese, Spanish, Russian).

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.

 

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.

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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