Programme Specialist (Culture)
Ngo & Social Services Jobs
Job Description
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture (ADG/CLT), the functional authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa in Harare and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist (Culture), the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the Culture programme, the management of activities/projects as well as the overall visibility of the actions. The incumbent works in the framework of UNESCO’s Medium Term Strategy (C/4s), the approved programme and Budget (C/5) for Major Programme IV (Culture) and global development plans, notably the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063. In particular, the incumbent shall:
Duties and Responsibilities
Long Description
Ensure technical backstopping for projects and events and provide technical support to colleagues and Field Offices as related to assignments and priorities. Ensure high visibility of activities and projects by communicating to UNESCO’s different publics through various support (publications, brochures, exhibitions, web news, videos, apps, social media), producing texts and visuals, contributing to the production of graphics, photos and videos and presenting in manner that is relevant and adapted to locally programme activities and results.
Research, recommend and contribute to the development and expansion of a knowledge base on the particular area(s)/theme(s) of assignment, ensuring regular contributions to web and printed content. Prepare data on Culture programme activities including technical articles and communication material and ensure its dissemination to colleagues, peers and stakeholders via the Office’s website, newsletters, National Commissions and other national organizations and the media. Carry out trend analysis and research and recommend particular courses of action based on findings.
In area(s) of responsibility remain aware of advancements and best practices among development partners, NGOs and competitors in order to advise SADC, the national governments, National Commissions, ministry and colleagues on policy formulation, project development, resources and best practices.
Long Description
Participate in the conceptualization, design, planning, developing, coordination, monitoring and implementation of the Regional Office’s Culture strategies and corresponding programmes, projects and activities. Identify entry points for culture and focus on areas within national priorities, and propose alignment of the latter with Culture priorities, particularly for the promotion, preservation and safeguarding of tangible, intangible and movable heritage, the promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.
Within the context of the Regional Office programme of work, perform national, and SADC-level, capacity building related activities such as data collection, data presentation and analysis, strategic scenario planning. Appraise and analyse systems, assist the Ministry responsible for Culture and officials in formulating sound policy advice and strategies. Participate in C/5 work plans and policy formulation discussions and other think tank activities.
Facilitate the work of the Office in the joint programming exercises in the framework of the UN reform, such as Delivering as One, Common Country Assessments (CCA)/ United Nations Sustainable Development Country Frameworks (UNSDCF), Country Programme Documents (CPD) and Country Programme Action Plans (CPAP), in alignment with regional and national UNESCO goals, and UN Agencies’ goals. Provide technical advice/ assistance and contribute to provision of policy advice to SADC and to Member States to uphold the role of culture as a vector for national development and contribute to development of national cultural policies. Respond to national priorities with informed solutions.
Long Description
Enhance information and knowledge management processes for internal and external users of Information and communication technology (ICT) in Culture knowledge while ensuring the dissemination and exchange of information by collecting, updating, analysing and making retrievable information on ICT use in culture and development.
Establish collaborative and influential partnerships with stakeholders and enhance UNESCO’s standing and influence with think-tank institutions, universities and research centres in the area of Culture. Liaise with colleagues of the Sector and other Sectors of UNESCO; support the efficient carrying out of joint programme and project work and maintain close relations with local authorities, governmental and national professional organizations. Contribute to the development of national cultural policies. In this context, maintain strong working relations with relevant cultural institutions, as well as pertinent intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
Leverage relationships within and across teams at UNESCO while building external partnerships for project and programme development, coordinate and expand networks, organize national capacity development workshops and promote knowledge sharing through portals and other means
Contribute to resource mobilization for cultural projects, and inter-sectoral initiatives, by developing concept notes and project proposals on the basis of situational analysis and needs assessments and in accordance with the C/5. Deal with UN Agencies seeking or marketing joint programme, bilateral and multilateral partners, continental development Banks (e.g. AfDB or others) and International Institutions. Prepare and follow up on submissions, coordinate donor meetings, including state of the art peer consultations. Prepare inputs and strive to generate voluntary contributions funded projects and funding.
Qualifications and Experience
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of Culture, Humanities, Development Studies, International Relations or Law, or related areas.
Work Experience
A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of culture.
Experience in developing and coordinating programme implementation, activities, and projects.
Long Skills and competencies
Proven capacity to produce analytical reports and recommendations in the area of culture and development.
Good analytical, organizational and coordination skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Sense of priorities, discretion, rigor and tact.
Ability to work in a team and maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment.
Good IT skills.
Languages
Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.
Experience in outreach activities and partnerships/network building.
Skills and competencies
Strong diplomatic skills with excellent political awareness and understanding.
Good understanding and work experience in the inter-linkage between culture, arts and sustainable tourism.
Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the UN system.
Knowledge of the UNESCO Culture Programme and its six Conventions.
Knowledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Languages
Knowledge of Portuguese, and/or another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish)
