Iraq: Project Officer (Architecture – Urban recovery)

Overview of the functions of the position

In February 2019, UNESCO and the European Union signed the project “Reviving Mosul and Basra Old Cities”, recognizing the power of culture as a driver of social and economic development. This project aims to support urban recovery and reconstruction through a participatory approach to skills development and job creation to foster social cohesion and community reconciliation through restoration and critical reconstruction of Mosul’s historic urban landscape and urban conservation in Basra.
In the framework of this project, and under the overall authority of the Director of the Office and the direct supervision of the Culture Programme Specialist, the Project Officer (Architecture – Urban recovery) shall manage, coordinate and implement all aspects of the documentation, conservation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of heritage buildings, be responsible for the technical oversight in the design and management of conservation interventions in historic buildings, and contribute to the project outputs in view to improve the community resilience and livelihood in the urban areas of Mosul and Basra. This includes the following functions, but not limited to:
• Manage conservation and reconstruction activities related to the safeguarding of cultural heritage in Mosul and Basra, in close cooperation and coordination with the UNESCO Culture team in Iraq, and in liaison with relevant services and entities at Headquarters, such as the World Heritage Centre and the Secretariats of the Culture Conventions;
• Plan and coordinate all activities relating to the implementation of the building rehabilitation component of the project with an emphasis on urban recovery and reconstruction in the historic town of Mosul, as well as conservation and rehabilitation activities in the historic town of Basra.
• Supervise a team of conservation experts in Mosul and Basra in designing, implementing and monitoring conservation and reconstruction interventions in historic buildings and cultural heritage properties in Mosul and Basra;
• Supervise the establishment, management and monitoring of contracts and relationships with multiple implementing partners/consultants/contractors covering the range of expertise required to successfully implement the activities, in compliance with the rules and regulations of UNESCO;
• Liaise with and facilitate consultation between the relevant local authorities in Iraq, NGOs, suppliers and local community stakeholders as required and necessary;
• Advise the Iraqi authorities on the preparation of recovery and reconstruction plans for the historic centers Mosul and Basra, as well as for monumental complexes and archaeological sites;
• Organize stakeholder meetings and capacity-building workshops concerning heritage preservation, management and possible integration with development processes;
• Facilitate information sharing amongst stakeholders, including with local authorities and communities, and NGOs, and organize events to enhance awareness raising and project visibility both inside and outside Iraq;
• Undertake missions as necessary and requested for project implementation in Iraq and elsewhere.

How to apply

Interested candidates should complete the UNESCO CV with a covering letter in English explaining their interest in the position and forward it electronically to the following e-mail address: recruitment.bag@unesco.org
Please indicate the position title and number you are applying for. Incomplete UNESCO CV will not be processed.
Applications can also be received via fax only if internet access is not available to apply online. A completed UNESCO CV (available from the UNESCO home page) and the covering letter should be sent to the following fax number: +962-6-5928456. Interested and suitable candidates should ensure that their application is submitted on or before 02 May 2019 (midnight, Baghdad time).
Due to the large number of applications, only applicants short‐listed for interview will be contacted.