Iraq: Project Officer

Post Title: Project Officer
Project:

1. Preventive Conservation of Iraq’s Museum Collections and Cultural Heritage Sites at Imminent Risk
2. Enhancing Capacities in the Documentation & Conservation of Historical Religious buildings & in the Refurbishment of Contemporary Mosques in Historic Contexts

Domain: Culture Sector (CLT)
Grade: P-3
Organizational Unit: UNESCO Iraq Office
Primary Location: Erbil, Iraq
Type of Contract: Project Appointment
Post Number: 5IQCLT0006PA
Deadline: 08 April 2016
Annual Salary: 82 200 dollars approx.
Duration: One Year
Application to be sent to: rio@unesco.org

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
I. Background
Iraq is rich in its cultural heritage and hosts a number of museums and repositories of cultural objects. With the current crisis in country that has led to a severe deterioration of the humanitarian and security situations, the protection and safeguarding of Iraq’s cultural heritage has become of increasing concern.
The UNESCO Office for Iraq is implementing several projects in the country aiming at enhancing the protection, conservation and management of cultural heritage sites and collections. Of these, is the project for "Preventive Conservation of Iraq’s Museum Collections and Cultural Heritage Sites at Imminent Risk", and the project for "Enhancing Capacities in the Documentation and Conservation of Historical Religious Buildings and in the Refurbishment of Contemporary Mosques in Historic Contexts".
II. Duties and requirements
Under the overall supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Office for Iraq and UNESCO Representative to Iraq, the candidate will be responsible for managing the implementation of the project "Preventive Conservation of Iraq’s Museum Collections and Cultural Heritage Sites at Imminent Risk", and contribute in the implementation of the project for "Enhancing Capacities in the Documentation and Conservation of Historical Religious Buildings and in the Refurbishment of Contemporary Mosques in Historic Contexts"
In particular, the candidate will carry out the following tasks:

Managing the implementation of ongoing activities while ensuring achievement of their expected results by:
o Preparing detailed work plans;
o Preparing plans for the procurement of goods and services;
o Drafting terms of reference for the implementation of project activities and works;
o Participating in the identification and selection of consultants and contractors;
o Following–up on the implementation of contracts, providing technical input and review, assessing the quality of services provided, and requesting disbursement of funds;
o Maintaining regular contact with the representatives of relevant government authorities and with representatives of the donor;
o Participating in coordination meetings and maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders.
 Ensuring the monitoring and evaluation of project implementation and the reporting on project activities by:
o Contributing to monitor and evaluate project activities and suggesting updates of the project log frames;
o Regularly monitoring the financial status of the projects and prepare budget revisions as necessary;
o Regularly conducting meetings of the project steering and technical committees, preparing minutes of meetings and action plans with clear responsibility and timeframe;
o Conducting periodic project reviews with government counterparts and other partners recording the results of the review meetings in minutes and action plans;
o Preparing reports on project activities for UNESCO, the donor and partners;
o Providing content on major achievements for UNESCO's public information services to increase the visibility of UNESCO and the donor.
 Contributing to the planning and implementation of other projects and activities by:
o Analyzing on-going developments concerning the situation of cultural heritage in Iraq;
o Providing input to the preparation of concept notes and project proposals;
o Making suggestions for the mobilization of funds;
o Assisting in project planning while ensuring compliance with specific assigned objectives and outputs of the projects;
o Providing input to monitoring and evaluation of project implementation and in the reporting on project activities.
 Carrying out other activities as requested by his/her supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
 A first level University degree in a field related to cultural heritage, e.g architecture, archaeology, conservation of historical buildings, or related field of specialty.
 A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
WORK EXPERIENCE
 A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience of which at least 2 years acquired at international level;
 Proven experience in designing and implementing cultural heritage programmes, preferably in a conflict/post-conflict setting.
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
 Excellent knowledge of project planning and management tools;
 Strong analytical, problem solving and organizational skills;
 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbally and in writing);
 High proficiency in writing;
 Ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with ministries, as well as institutions and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations;
 Strong managerial skills, capable of leading a team of professionals;
 Capable of making technically sound decisions on all aspects of project implementation;
 Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the Organization;
 Good knowledge of standard office software (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.).
LANGUAGES
 Excellent command of the English language.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
 Advanced University degree (Master or equivalent) in a field related to cultural heritage e.g. architecture, archaeology, conservation of historical buildings, or related field of specialty.
 Relevant professional training in the field of conservation of cultural heritage at risk.
WORK EXPERIENCE
 Working experience in the Arab region is an asset.
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES
 Familiarity with the political and cultural context of the region and particularly Iraq;
 Knowledge of programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation, in particular in the UN;
 Office management skills and knowledge of accountancy principles to maintain financial records.
LANGUAGES
 Proficiency of the Arabic language is an asset.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars and exempt from income tax. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates.
Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. More details on the ICSC Web site.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking organization.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should complete the attached United Nations Personal History form (P.11) with their updated CV and a cover letter in English explaining their interest in the position and send it electronically to the following e-mail address: rio@unesco.org.
Please indicate the post and vacancy number you are applying for. Incomplete P.11s will not be processed.
Applications can also be received via fax only if internet access is not available to apply online. A completed official UNESCO CV form (available from the UNESCO home page) should be sent to fax number: + (009626) 590 2350. Interested and suitable candidates should ensure that their application is submitted on or before 08/04/2016. The appointment is contingent on the availability of funding.
Due to the large number of applications received, only applicants short-listed for interview will be contacted.