Project Officer (Culture)

Serve as Desk Officer responsible for a cluster of States Parties in Europe and North America.

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UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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Application deadline 8 months ago: Monday 27 Oct 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Serve as Desk Officer responsible for a cluster of States Parties in Europe and North America.

You have:

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of culture, archaeology, architecture, history, cultural heritage, or a related field.
  • A minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in the field of culture, cultural heritage preservation or related fields, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at the international level.
  • Excellent knowledge of English or French (written and spoken) and good knowledge of the other.
  • Proven ability to establish, maintain and strengthen effective and professional working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental partners.
  • Familiarity with UNESCO’s rules, procedures and programmes, particularly the World Heritage Convention and its Operational Guidelines.

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 115,333 USD and 151,019 USD.

Salary for a P-3 contract in Paris

The international rate of 74,649 USD, with an additional 54.5% (post adjustment) at this the location, applies. Please note that depending on the location, a higher post adjustment might still result in a lower purchasing power.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

More about P-3 contracts and their salaries.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Post Number : CLT/PA 123 Grade : P-3 Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT) Duty Station: Paris Job Family: Culture Type of contract : Project Appointment Duration of contract : 1 year Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 27-OCT-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism ***Duration of contract: 1 year with the possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance*** **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture, the general supervision of the Director of World Heritage, and the direct supervision of the Head of the Europe and North America Unit, the Project Officer will serve as Desk Officer responsible for a cluster of States Parties within the Europe and North America region. The Unit supports Member States in strengthening capacities to identify, protect and manage tangible heritage, and in ensuring the safeguarding of the Outstanding Universal Value of World Heritage properties. In particular, the incumbent shall: - Monitor the state of conservation of World Heritage properties in a designated cluster of States Parties within Europe and North America by analysing relevant reports and information received from States Parties and third parties, including on projects that may impact the Outstanding Universal Value of properties; facilitate consultations with the Advisory Bodies to the World Heritage Committee; and ensure implementation of the *Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention*; - Prepare, backstop and participate in Reactive Monitoring and Advisory missions to World Heritage properties as representative of UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and coordinate and contribute to the preparation of resulting mission reports. - Contribute to the drafting of working documents for sessions of the World Heritage Committee, particularly state of conservation reports, and provide the necessary assistance and support to the Secretariat’s work in organising statutory meetings of the Convention’s governing bodies. - Support States Parties in the dissemination and implementation of the 2024-2031 Regional Action Plan for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention in Europe and North America, including through the use of existing Resource Manuals and other online tools. - Supervise and mentor interns assigned to the Unit, including through participation in their selection process, the definition of their tasks, and the providing regular guidance and feedback. **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- ***Education*** - Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of culture, archaeology, architecture, history, cultural heritage, or a related field. ***Work experience*** - A minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in the field of culture, cultural heritage preservation or related fields, of which preferably two (2) years acquired at the international level. Long Description ---------------- ***Skills/Competencies*** - Excellent analytical and drafting skills, with proven ability to prepare clear and concise reports and working documents. - Strong organisational and coordination skills, with attention to detail and adherence to deadlines. - Proven ability to establish, maintain and strengthen effective and professional working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental partners. - High level of discretion, tact and diplomacy, with demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information. - Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively both independently and within a multicultural team. - Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and standard office software. - Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff or interns. ***Languages*** - Excellent knowledge of English or French (written and spoken) and good knowledge of the other. **DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ---------------------------- ***Education*** - PhD in archaeology, architecture, history, cultural heritage, or a related field. ***Work experience*** - Experience in the field of heritage preservation at an international level. - Experience in developing or delivering training materials or capacity-building activities related cultural heritage. ***Skills/Competencies*** - Familiarity with UNESCO’s rules, procedures and programmes, particularly the World Heritage Convention and its Operational Guidelines. ***Languages*** - Knowledge of another/other official UNESCO language(s) (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish). **BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS** ----------------------------- UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 70 212 US $. For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our [Guide to Staff Benefits.](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/unesco-staff-compensation-booklet_en.pdf) **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [ UNESCO careers website.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. **Footer** ---------- *UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States ([last update here](https://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.* *UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.* Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you had to manage a complex project in cultural heritage? This question assesses your project management experience in the relevant field. Use specific examples to illustrate your planning, implementation, and outcome.
How do you ensure effective communication with diverse stakeholders? The interviewer wants to understand your approach to stakeholder management. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with heritage preservation at an international level. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach drafting clear and concise reports? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use for mentoring interns or junior staff? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you handled sensitive information in a professional setting? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you keep yourself updated with changes in cultural heritage policies? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What role does teamwork play in your approach to project implementation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 8 months ago - Updated 8 months ago - Source: careers.unesco.org