Afghanistan: Archaeologist

Background

Afghanistan is believed to possess a significant amount of minerals which might substantially contribute to its future economic development. However, there is also risk involved, as the experience of other countries has shown.

In Afghanistan, around 25 mining areas of interest have been identified throughout the country, some of which require strategic or large-scale mining projects: this significant number of sites, scattered throughout the country, spreads the possible social and physical impacts of the extractive industries sector nationwide, thus confirming the necessity of considering the governance of this process as a priority to achieve sustainability in all its diverse interconnected factors, including the protection of natural and cultural heritage resources.

In 2014 UNESCO started a specific program aimed at providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Information and Culture (MoIC) in undertaking archaeological surveys in and around main mining sites in Afghanistan, and in preparing heritage management plans to ensure protection and preservation of cultural heritage.

Initially conceived as a two-year project (2014-2016), the first phase has shown the relevance of continuing the activated process for safeguarding the exceptionally rich heritage of the country within large-scale development initiatives and UNESCO has recently commenced a II Phase which will enhance cooperation between the Afghan Ministry of Information & Culture and Ministry of Mines & Petroleum in order to improve the governance mechanisms to effectively consolidate a process of simultaneously developing the mining sector and protecting the rich heritage of Afghanistan.

UNESCO is looking for a committed Archaeologist who will provide technical assistance to the archaeological activities UNESCO will be carrying out within the Project's framework.

Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Culture Unit and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating archaeological surveys and documentation, including the enhancement of the database study/analysis of cultural heritage in Afghanistan. The incumbent shall be also responsible for data compilation with specific regard to the archaeological site of Mes Aynak. Preparing heritage management plans for the selected sites 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 scientific knowledge of cultural heritage in Afghanistan.

Main Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the head of Culture Unit and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Archaeologist shall:

· Conduct research and desk-based assessments of cultural heritage sites in Afghanistan using a variety of methods, including geophysical surveys and aerial photography;

· Plan and direct fieldworks as required, including the Mes Aynak site;

· Coordinate the record of sites using drawings, detailed notes and photography and using geographical information systems (GIS) to record and interpret finds, sites and landscapes;

· Coordinate documentation and mapping of already discovered/known archaeological sites, including the Mes Aynak site;

· Enrich the database of selected heritage sites in Afghanistan as prepared in the first phase, including archaeological and historical sites and with specific regard to the Mes Aynak archaeological units;

· Draft reports of the surveys, data collection and database creation as required;

· Incorporate suggested/requested changes into a final report;

· Prepare technical reports, including assisting in drafting management plans as required;

· Draft publicity materials and articles about research, site interpretations or surveys as required and including explanatory materials for exhibitions when instructed;

· Coordinate training for the Ministry of Information & Culture staff and/or Afghan students/professionals on archaeological survey/documentation and database preparation;

· Coordinate the production of written material aimed at a wider audience as required;

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

Qualifications and requirements

The candidates to the position of Archaeologist will be evaluated according to the following competencies and qualifications:

Academic qualifications:

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

Years of Work 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, including writing, drawing and photography skills, ability to collect and analyze data, presentation skills, and good IT skills;

• Managerial: Supervising the survey/documentation team from the Afghan Ministry of Culture and/or third party/UNESCO contractor.

Language requirements:

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

Working period and work conditions

Working period

6-month contract with a 3-month probationary period; extendable to additional 12 months, with a possibility of a PA contract, subject to satisfactory performance and project validity.

Work conditions

The position is based in Kabul. UNESCO will provide cell phone, office space and access to office equipment as required to perform tasks. The incumbent might be requested to be deployed at the relevant Ministries when required.

The interested candidates should send the following documents to k.human-resource@unesco.org before 31^st October 2017 (by midnight, Kabul time), with subject KAB/CLT/10/2017/11.

a. A cover letter

b. An up to date curriculum vitae

Please note that applications received after October 31, 2017 (midnight Kabul time) will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates whose application responds to the above criteria will be contacted for interview. UNESCO regrets its inability to reply individually or attend to telephone queries on the advertised posts. lture