Requirements for Project Officer at UNESCO - only for the brave hearted!

SO here is the question: What do you need so you can work for UNESCO?

The bars are set high. One has to work for several years at professional places before applying and needs to know fluent French...For those who still haven't lost their courage to do this, here is the whole page of requirements. 

Heads up everyone!

PROJECT OFFICER -World Heritage Centre -Culture Sector -Primary Location: PARIS, France

(Application to be sent to: wh-recruit@unesco.org)

OVERVIEW OFTHE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre (WHC) and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Policy and Statutory Meetings Section at UNESCO Headquarters, the incumbent shall manage the WHC online State of Conservation Information System, prepare working documents for the sessions of the World Heritage Committee/General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, coordinate and finalize the state of conservation reports and supervise the decision-making process in French during the statutory meetings. In particular, the incumbent shall:

1) Further develop, manage and coordinate the WHC online State of Conservation Information System;

2) Identify further areas of conceptual improvement for the State of Conservation Information System,

including by cooperating with other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and relevant international conservation agreements or programmes, as well as the Advisory Bodies to the World Heritage Committee (IUCN, ICOMOS and ICCROM), and ensure their implementation;

3) Coordinate with the WHC units and the Advisory Bodies to the World Heritage Committee the drafting of the reports on the state of conservation of properties inscribed on the World Heritage List and on the List of World Heritage in Danger, analyze these reports, make recommendations to finalize them and the draft decisions, as well as conduct regular analyses of the trends of the threats to the World Heritage properties for inclusion in the World Heritage Committee documents;

4) Ensure an efficient and timely management of the documentation on state of conservation for the sessions of the World Heritage Committee, its Bureau and the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention in order to allow an easy retrieval of and access to the information;

5) Initiate and develop information and promotional materials related to the State of Conservation Information System for States Parties to the World Heritage Convention and other relevant stakeholders;

6) Supervise, in close cooperation with the Rapporteur of the World Heritage Committee/General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention and the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, or his representative, the decision-making process in French during the sessions of the Governing Bodies of the World Heritage Convention and their Consultative Bodies, and ensure the accuracy of the content of the final Decisions report in light of the debates, in view of the Rapporteur’s approval and transmission to all States Parties and timely integration in the Decisions database;

7) Plan, develop and negotiate with potential partners future extrabudgetary project proposals and ensure their implementation;

8) Represent WHC and UNESCO to workshops, meetings and other events related to the state of conservation of World Heritage properties and/or statutory processes of the World Heritage Convention, upon request, report to WHC and prepare the statutory documents relating to these meetings, whenever appropriate.

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a field related to natural and/or cultural heritage conservation, or to international law applied to the preservation of nature and/or culture or other related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Four to seven years of relevant professional experience of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level. Excellent knowledge of the World Heritage Convention and its processes. Work experience in an intergovernmental framework in conservation or natural/cultural resource management would be an asset.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

Excellent knowledge of ICTs. Familiarity with the work of cooperating bodies such as IUCN, ICOMOS, ICCROM, MEAs and relevant international conservation agreements or programmes. Excellent communication, organization and interpersonal skills, team-player. Ability for networking and public relations with tact and diplomacy in a multicultural environment.

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge of French and very good working knowledge of English. Good drafting skills in both French and English.

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.

All in all, this is not too bad, right? I am honeslty just trying to encourage myself...I can do this!! 

Start learning French, everyone!