Afghanistan: Associate Project Manager

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 Associate Project Manager who will provide direct assistance to the Project Manager for the activities UNESCO will be carrying out within the Project's framework.

Scope

Under the general supervision of the head of Culture Unit and direct supervision of the Project Manager, the incumbent will assist in the management and implementation of the project, including: supporting the procurement processes for multiple contractors, assisting in the monitoring and management of those contracts and relationships, assisting in the required coordination with all relevant government and non-government stakeholders, as well as the organization of events, meetings and capacity development initiatives throughout the course of the project.

Main Responsibilities

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

· Assist the project manager in establishing, managing and monitoring contracts and relationships with multiple implementing partners covering the range of expertise required to successfully implement the project and in respect of the rules and regulations of the Organization;

· Assist the project manager in planning and monitoring the activities relating to the implementation of the project according to the established work plan;

· Assist the project manager in organizing stakeholder meetings and capacity-building initiatives, as well as events to enhance awareness raising and project visibility;

· Assist the project manager in facilitating consultation between the relevant government authorities in Kabul and in provinces, NGOs, private companies and local community stakeholders as required and necessary;

· Prepare donors progress reports, quarterly reports and final report as required to ensure a proper reporting of project's implementation progress and comprehensive inclusion of technical outputs;

· Assist in facilitating information sharing amongst relevant stakeholders in the course of the project, as and when instructed;

· Undertake missions as necessary and requested for project implementation;

• Assist the Project's team in liaising with existing and potential donors when instructed.

Qualifications and requirements

The candidates to the position of Associate Project Manager will be evaluated according to the following competencies and qualifications:

Academic qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in a heritage related field which may include archaeology, anthropology, museums, heritage management, and conservation architecture. A BA degree shall be complemented with an additional two years of relevant experience.

Years of Work Experience:

• At least two to four years’ work experience in the heritage sector or related fields, preferably with at least one-two years’ previous experience in a post-conflict/post-disaster contexts. Previous experience on/with a UNESCO culture project in a relevant context will be an asset.

Competencies:

• Core: Integrity, Commitment, Building and maintaining partnerships, Teamwork, Communication, Creativity and Innovation, Results Based Management and Results Based Budgeting;

• Managerial: Knowledge of UNESCO's mission, ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team, prioritize and take responsibility for follow-up on instructions / decisions taken and expected project outcomes according to the program document. Familiarity with the diverse operational and technical phases of conservation projects for tangible heritage.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in both written and oral English is a requirement. Knowledge of French and/or 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 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/10/2017/10.

a. A cover letterssss

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.
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