Associate Project Officer

OVERVIEW
**Post Number**: 1ITCLT0002PA
**Grade**: P-2
**Parent Sector**: Field Office
**Duty Station**: Venice
**Job Family**: Culture
**Type of contract**: Project Appointment
**Duration of contract**: 1 year
**Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time)**: 10-NOV-2025
**UNESCO Core Values**: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under 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. S/he 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

**Responsibilities**:
Under the supervision of the Head of the Culture Unit, the incumbent will contribute 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 Support
- Contribute 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 Management
- Ensure 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 the 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. Long Description

Strategic and Intersectoral Support
- Support 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 logístical and organizational support for meetings, missions and events, and assist in documentation and communication with partners.

Cross-sectoral and Strategic Support
- Contribute 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 mobilization 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. Long Description COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Fra