Afghanistan: Project Officer

Background

UNESCO is the specialized agency of the United Nations with a mandate in education, science, culture, communication and access to information. It is the only UN agency assisting the Government of Afghanistan in safeguarding cultural heritage in the country.

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Head of Culture Unit and direct guidance of the Project Manager, the successful candidate will enhance the database study/analysis of cultural heritage in Afghanistan, as part of the 'Afghanistan Heritage & Extractive Industries Development Initiative' aimed at providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Information and Culture (MoIC) whilst undertaking archaeological surveys in and around designated mining sites in Afghanistan and in enhancing its institutional capacity of establishing cooperative approaches with development ministries (Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Public Works). The incumbent shall be responsible for data compilation with specific regard to the archaeological site of Mes Aynak. The data collection will include (but not limited to): archaeological surveys and documentations, identification of artifacts, sites descriptions, photographs and mapping. Assisting in the completion of the management plan for the Mes Aynak site under the direction of the Project Manager, may also be required. The candidate must possess the technical knowledge in the field of archaeological survey, documentation and research skills to enrich the database for cultural heritage in Afghanistan with specific regard to the Mes Aynak site.

Main duties & responsibilities

• Conduct research and desk-based assessments of Mes Aynak site;

• Conduct documentation and mapping of already discovered archaeological units;

• Prepare a database of selected ruins locations within the site, including archaeological and historical information;

• Draft reports of the data collection and database creation;

• Incorporate suggested/requested changes into a final report;

• Draft publicity materials and articles about research, site interpretations or surveys as required;

• Train the Ministry of Information & Culture staff on database preparation;

• Undertake missions to Logar province as necessary and requested for project implementation.

Job Requirements

• Academic qualifications: Master’s Degree or higher in archaeology or closely related fields.

• Years of relevant working experience: at least 2-4 years of full-time experience in all aspects of archaeological survey & documentation, with at least 1-2 years previous experience at international level, preferably in Afghanistan and specifically on Buddhist period in the country. Candidates must have experience in identifying archaeological and historic resources, researching and collecting data, organizing and compiling a database for cultural heritage. Familiarity with software used for creating open source database systems and GIS for archaeology.

Competencies

• Core: written communication and research skills, accurate recording and reporting skills, ability to collect and analyze data, presentation skills, good IT skills.

• Language requirements: Fluency in English and good commend of French is a requirement (both written and oral). Knowledge of Dari would be an asset.

Assignment duration: 2 months, renewable with possibility of becoming a PA contract, subject to satisfactory performance and project validity with one-month probationary period.

The candidates should submit to ki.consultant@unesco.org in writing:

1) Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae;

2) A statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment;

3) An indication of the approach he/she would adopt to carry out the assignment (including methodology).

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Q