Consultant (Culture - Underwater Heritage)

JOB DETAILS Type of contract : [[TypeOfPost]] Level : [[PositionGrade]] Hiring Unit : [[ParentsSector]] Duty Station : [[filter5]] Work location : [[WorkLocation]] Duration of contract : [[DurationContract]] Hiring open to : [[RecruitmentOpen]] Application deadline (Midnight [[custTimezone]] Time) : [[ClosingDate1]] UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism OVERVIEW The mission of the Unit on the Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) is to ensure the effective implementation of the 2001 Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, and its related programmes. ASSIGNMENTS In that framework, u nder the authority of the Director of the Culture and Emergencies Entity and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, the incumbent shall be responsible for the following tasks: Act as a scientific focal point, as an underwater archaeology expert, for the 2001 Convention activities, and contribute to its visibility in the academic community, notably by participating in upcoming key international scientific conferences on underwater cultural heritage, such as the Asia Pacific Conference on Marine and Underwater Cultural Heritage in Bali, Indonesia (October 2026). Contribute to the implementation of activities carried out by the Secretariat of the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, with a special attention on the South Asia and East Asia regions in liaison with the concerned UNESCO Field Offices. Coordinate the implementation of a cooperation mechanism project for the protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea: Long Description Organize the formal and informal meetings of a potential multilateral cooperation project in the Baltic Sea and lead consultations among the various interested stakeholders, notably the States Parties; Contribute to the drafting of a global project for the protection of vulnerable UCH in the Baltic Sea (scientific study, protection, education, capacity building and communication); Participate in identifying fundraising partners and drafting an estimated budget; Participate in identifying communication partners and initiatives to promote the project and ensure UNESCO’s visibility; Develop the educational component, in liaison with the Education Sector, and the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet), the UNESCO Baltic Sea Project (BSP). Assess and develop activities related to the International underwater archaeological mission on the Skerki Bank and in the Sicily Channel, taking stock of its results and lessons learnt. Long Description Based on Recommendation 5 of the Meeting of States Parties (2025), coordinate the efforts of the Secretariat to better integrate marine and underwater cultural heritage into climate action and resilience strategies : Foster awareness, synergies among Culture Conventions, interdisciplinary dialogue, and concrete pilot projects; Assess the state of research, identifying the interesting institutions, experts and heritage sites related to the protection of underwater and coastal heritage facing the threats of climate change; Support drafting of documents, strategies, reports and blue papers on underwater cultural heritage and climate change; Support the implementation of the four-strand approach of the White Paper “Underwater cultural heritage, climate change: adaptation and mitigation” and potential roadmap towards the protection of marine and underwater cultural heritage; Develop and implement tangible projects on climate change impacts on underwater and coastal heritage; Support the implementation and organisation of workshops, meetings and conferences on this topic; Participate in identifying fundraising partners; Promote marine and underwater cultural heritage into ocean framework and ocean policy, notably within the UN Oceans working group, as well as upcoming key international fora such as Asia Pacific Ocean Week (October 2026), COP31 (November 2026), etc. Long Description Support the Secretariat for the organization of 18 th STAB meeting and 11 th MSP meeting in 2027. Support the Secretariat for the organization and coordination of the events related to the 25 th anniversary of the Convention as well as events and activities related to the celebrations of the International Day for Underwater Cultural Heritage (21 August). CONTRACT DURATION TIMETABLE AND DELIVERABLES Bottom of Form Monthly progress reports on the implementation of the tasks listed above. Work Location – Home based Expected duration – 11 months Long Description COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework . REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in disciplines in the field of culture WORK EXPERIENCE A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience acquired in the field of culture of which five (5) in cultural policies at the international level. Long Description SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES Good knowledge of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and UN System. Good knowledge of UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments and programmes in the field of culture, including of the 2001 Convention. Good knowledge and proven expertise in coordination of global consultations and multi-stakeholder management. Good knowledge and proven expertise in underwater archaeology and the protection of underwater cultural heritage. Good knowledge and proven expertise in coordination of multilateral cooperation projects. Good knowledge and proven expertise in event coordination and awareness raising material. Strong ability to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources and formulate research documents. Long Description Strong ability to collect and handle geographic information system (GIS) data and heritage inventories. Ability to interact efficiently with a wide range of partners and stakeholders within and outside the Organization. Ability to work both independently and in a multicultural and multilingual environment. Strong IT skills. LANGUAGES Excellent knowledge of both English and French (speaking, reading and writing) and good knowledge of the other language. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS WORK EXPERIENCE Professional experience in the United Nations system. Proven experience in organising global multi-stakeholder consultations. Expert knowledge of UNESCO Culture Programmes. Proven experience in the study, protection, conservation and awareness-raising of underwater cultural heritage. LANGUAGES Knowledge of another/other UN official language(s) (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Russian). APPLICATION 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. No modifications can be made to the application submitted. Interested candidates should complete the on-line application, download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information: A written proposal comprising: An up-to-date CV; A brief technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology for the assignment in line with the terms of