Associate Project Officer

OVERVIEWPost Number : 1ITCLT0002PAGrade : P-2Parent Sector : Field OfficeDuty Station : VeniceJob Family : CultureType of contract : Project AppointmentDuration of contract : 1 yearRecruitment open to : Internal and external candidatesApplication Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 10-NOV-2025UNESCO Core Values :Commitment to the OrganizationIntegrityRespect for DiversityProfessionalismDuration of contract : 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performanceOVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSTUnder the overall supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe and the direct supervision of the Head of the Culture Unit the incumbent will assist in the implementation of UNESCO's cultural programme in South-East Europe countries covered by the Regional Bureau. He/she will support activities among others related to culture and creativity, the safeguarding of tangible and intangible heritage and the strengthening of capacities for heritage protection and management. The incumbent will also contribute to the development and implementation of EU-funded projects and to the broader intersectoral programme of the Bureau.Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesContribute to the implementation of UNESCO’s cultural programme in the region covered by the Bureau with a focus on capacity-building, heritage safeguarding and cultural policy development.Programme and Technical SupportContribute to the design, implementation and monitoring of activities under EU-funded and other extra-budgetary projects notably Culture and Creativity in the Western Balkans.Support the preparation of training materials, guidelines and workshops targeting professionals and institutions involved in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage.Assist in the organization of regional and national capacity-building activities on emergency preparedness, post-disaster needs assessment and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.Support the implementation of UNESCO’s contribution to Horizon Europe initiatives ensuring coordination of assigned Work Packages and timely delivery of related outputs.Provide inputs for the preparation of project documentation, concept notes, technical reports and communication materials.Coordination and Project ManagementEnsure effective coordination of project activities across multiple initiatives maintaining regular communication with implementing partners, governmental counterparts, experts and other stakeholders.Support the preparation and follow-up of project workplans, budgets and progress reports ensuring that all activities are implemented in line with UNESCO rules and donor requirements.Contribute to the recruitment and supervision of project consultants and service providers including drafting terms of reference, overseeing deliverables and ensuring quality and timely outputs.Assist in the organization of relevant steering committee meetings, coordination events and missions; prepare background documentation, minutes and follow-up actions.Monitor project timelines and financial expenditures in collaboration with the Administrative and Finance Unit ensuring coherence between substantive and financial reporting.Contribute to risk monitoring and the identification of implementation challenges proposing corrective measures to ensure efficient delivery of project outputs.Support the visibility and communication of project activities through coordination with the Bureau’s communication team, partners and relevant EU visibility requirements.Strategic and Intersectoral SupportSupport coordination among project partners, experts and institutional stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of planned activities.Contribute to project monitoring, reporting and follow-up in close collaboration with the administrative and finance teams.Provide logistical and organizational support for meetings, missions and events and assist in documentation and communication with partners.Cross-sectoral and Strategic SupportContribute to the development and implementation of the Bureau’s intersectoral programme including analysis of trends in the culture and creative sectors, identification of synergies with education, science and communication initiatives and recommendations for programme development.Assist in partner liaison, communication and resource mobilisation efforts including preparation of presentations, briefs and visibility materials.Draft and review correspondence, concept notes and technical inputs related to the Bureau’s activities in the field of culture.Perform any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)Communication (C)Accountability (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Professionalism (C)REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEducationAdvanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Cultural Heritage Management, Cultural Policy, International Cultural Cooperation or related fields of Humanities or Social Sciences.ExperienceAt least 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of culture with a focus on heritage safeguarding, cultural policy development or cultural and creative industries.Proven experience in managing or coordinating international and/or EU-funded cultural projects preferably in South-East Europe or the Mediterranean region.Experience in organizing and implementing capacity-building and training activities for cultural professionals, institutions or communities.Experience in liaising with governmental counterparts, cultural institutions and international organizations.Skills and CompetenciesSound knowledge of cultural heritage protection systems, UNESCO conventions in the field of culture and related EU policies and programmes in South-East Europe.Strong leadership, coordination and project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multi-stakeholder projects involving diverse partners including government institutions, civil society and academia.Ability to plan, implement and monitor cultural projects including administrative and financial aspects in line with donor requirements and UNESCO rules and procedures.Proven capacity to produce clear, concise and quality written outputs such as reports, concept notes and communication materials.Demonstrated capacity to coordinate multidisciplinary teams, ensure quality outputs and meet deadlines under pressure.Strong analytical, drafting, presentation and reporting skills with proven ability to produce high-quality written outputs (reports, concept notes, visibility materials).Familiarity with cultural cooperation dynamics and regional priorities in the Western Balkans and South-East Europe including heritage preservation, creative economy and cultural policy reform.Knowledge of international frameworks relevant to culture and development including UNESCO Cultural Conventions, EU Creative Europe programme and UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.Demonstrated experience in project design and resource mobilisation including preparation of project proposals, budgets and logical frameworks.Excellent communication and networking abilities with capacity to build and sustain partnerships across institutional, disciplinary and cultural boundaries.Proficiency in the use of standard IT tools (word processing, spreadsheets, visual presentation tools, virtual conferencing platforms, etc.).Cultural sensitivity, integrity, negotiation and teamwork skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.Understanding of UNESCO’s mandate, programme and operational modalities particularly in the field of culture and heritage.LanguagesExcellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONSEducationPost-graduate specialization in Cultural Heritage Management, Cultural Policy, International Cultural Cooperation or related fields of Humanities or Social Sciences.LanguagesKnowledge of French and other official UN languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian).BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTSUNESCO’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.The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 72,815 US$.SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESSPlease 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 an 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.FooterUNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero‑tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non‑ and under-represented Member States are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.Please note that UNESCO is a non‑smoking Organization.#J-18808-Ljbffr