Individual Consultant- Intangible Cultural Heritage Expert (Amman, Jordan) contract Temporary

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Amman

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 14-01-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

1    BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVES AND JUSTIFICATION

Under the direct supervision of the Culture Unit Project Officer the assigned Consultant shall fulfil the role of Intangible Cultural Heritage Expert. 

In 2021, Al-Salt city achieved the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, naming it “The Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality”. Its unique architecture and urban fabric have established a profound historical significance, with public spaces serving as a link between homes, religions, and cultures and have preserved the culture of hospitality and tolerance in a melting pot. Over time, these public spaces have fostered social cohesion, bridged diverse communities, and nurtured traditions, acting as catalysts for shared experiences and relationships. The network of open spaces, alleyways, and staircases across the city aided in building strong relationships within and across communities and enhancing the social cohesion between neighbours and maintaining diversity. The socio-cultural architectural and urban attributes of the city make it a unique example of a living heritage with a strong link between intangible attributes (tolerance and cohabitation; urban hospitality and urban social welfare; unique craftsmanship) and tangible attributes (significant architecture, built heritage, and the urban setting). However, the city contends with contemporary challenges driven by an influx of refugees, escalating unemployment, and the consequences of climate change, spotlighting the pivotal role of public spaces in upholding the city’s structural integrity and social fabric. The surge in tourism since its World Heritage designation has presented both opportunities and strains, which the city’s urban spaces can help alleviate, concurrently fostering local economic development through the valorisation of living heritage.
The joint UNHABITAT-UNESCO project “Green Al-Salt: Public Spaces and Living heritage for Socio-Economic Development” aims to enhance the socio-economic well-being and preserve the integrity of Al-Salt City through the revitalization of public spaces and the valorisation of living heritage assets. 
 

2.    PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT 

Within the framework of the Project, and under the direct supervision of the Project Officer in the Culture Unit of UNESCO Jordan Office, the Consultant will provide specialized expertise under the following main project objectives:
–    To conduct a city-wide inventory of intangible cultural heritage within the city of Al-Salt, focusing on local traditions, practices, crafts, traditional construction techniques and all aspects related to the Intangible Heritage of the city’s historic core and public spaces (this inventory will complete a targeted inventory which was carried out in late 2023). 
–    To build capacity of local community members through the organization and delivery of a workshop on methodologies of inventorying intangible cultural heritage and integrate the participants in the inventorying process.   
–    To build capacity of local authorities through a training workshop on inventorying and managing living heritage assets. 

Within this framework, the contractor will implement the following tasks: 

(a) Develop and deliver a training on methodologies of inventorying intangible cultural heritage for 15 participants of the local communities on inventorying ICH
(b) Lead the process of implementation of the inventory of intangible cultural heritage, and develop a final inventory for ICH for Al-Salt
(c) Design and deliver 1-week capacity building workshops for local authorities on inventorying and managing living heritage assets for local authorities 
 

3.    DUTIES/TASKS AND EXPECTED OUTPUT:

In order to achieve the objective of this assignment, activities include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following tasks:

a.    Design a 10-day training for 15 participants from As-Salt local community who will support in conducting the inventory. To this effect the consultant shall:
i.    Prepare the agenda and materials for participants based on UNESCO tools and practices
ii.    Advise UNESCO in the selection of the appropriate participants for the training
iii.    Finalize the agenda of the training including the necessary materials required for the training, following coordination and approval from UNESCO

b.    Deliver the training in Arabic, while ensuring to include the following:
i.    Introduction to the community-based inventorying in the context of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
ii.    Participatory methodologies and data collection mechanisms for community-based inventorying
iii.    Identification of intangible cultural heritage elements in Al-Salt and their social functions and cultural meanings
iv.    Sample questionnaire for inventorying, other relevant guidelines, and issues of ethics and responsibilities.

c.    Submit a report in English on the results of the training. The report should include the following:
i.    Description of all the activities carried out under this assignment: the detailed program of the training, the teaching material for each module
ii.    Evaluation forms completed by participants.

d.     Lead the inventory actions of intangible cultural heritage (estimated duration 20 days), mentoring and training participants:
i.    Provide support and advice to the participants during the inventory process
ii.    Process the data collected during the inventory.

e.    Deliver the final inventory report in English for Intangible Cultural Heritage in As-Salt:
iii.    Conduct additional surveys if necessary and compile all data within a comprehensive and structured format for the inventory
iv.    Present the methodologies used for community-based inventorying
v.    Present challenges and lessons learned from the inventorying process 
vi.    Address key issues related to the sustainability and safeguarding of ICH in Al-Salt

f.    Design 1-week capacity building workshop with local authorities on inventorying living heritage assets and management of ICH inventory. To this effect the consultant shall:
i.    Prepare the agenda and materials for participants based on UNESCO tools and practices
ii.    Advise UNESCO in the selection of the appropriate participants (at least 30) for the training amongst the Greater As-Salt Municipality, national authorities, and other relevant stakeholders
iii.    Finalize the agenda of the training, including the necessary materials required for the workshop, upon approval from UNESCO

g.    Deliver the capacity building workshops in Arabic, while ensuring to include the following:
i.    Introduction to the community-based inventorying in the context of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
ii.    Participatory methodologies and data collection mechanisms for community-based inventorying
iii.    Safeguarding plans, periodic reporting, result-based monitoring, their indicators and evaluation factors
iv.    Exchange sessions on the existing frameworks for intangible cultural heritage safeguarding in Al-Salt

h.    Submit a report on the results of the workshop. The report should include the following:
i.    Description of all the activities carried out under this assignment: the detailed program of the training, the teaching material for each module
ii.    Evaluation forms completed by participants
iii.    Recommendations for the future and further capacity building along with an optimal implementation timeframe.

i.    Submit a duly signed and dated original payment claim.
 

4.    TIMETABLE AND DELIVERABLES

The total duration of this assignment is 5 months, from (1st February 2025 to 30th June 2025). The list of reports below presents the main deliverables/milestones related to the work assignment to be carried out under the contract. The consultant shall submit to the UNESCO Jordan Office the following reports in English:

Education 

•  Master’s degree in Heritage Conservation, Heritage Resource Management, Cultural Management, or similar fields, 
•  A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience maybe accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Work Experience 

•    Minimum of 6 years of experience (and additional 2 years in lieu of master’s degree) in relevant subject areas covered in the Terms of Reference and more specifically concerning intangible cultural heritage, community-based inventory (mandatory)
•    Knowledge and application in preserving and maintaining intangible cultural heritage and community-based inventory, as well as presenting them to the public
•    Proper understanding of 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and knowledge of various policies and legal requirements as well
•    Previous experience in designing and delivering capacity building workshop for local authorities and community-based inventory
•    Proven record and demonstration of experience in similar assignments through concrete examples
•    Experience working in a multicultural environment, preferably in Arab countries
•    Familiarity with the UN common system, knowledge of UN financial rules and regulations.
•    Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Languages

•    Fluency in Arabic is mandatory
•    Excellent writing and reporting skills in English mandatory.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, then download and complete the Employment History Form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information in English: 

* Upon completing the Word file with all the requested information above, upload the file at the “My Employment History Form / My Documents” section of the online application form. 
Only applications with the above requested information will be considered.

I. A statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment.

II. A Technical and Financial Written Proposal (4 Pages Maximum) consisting of:

•    A description of your proposed approach and methodology for undertaking the assignment
•    A work plan with detailed milestones and key deliverables/activities as per the terms of reference
•    Up-to-date CV/Resume
•    Comments on the Terms of Reference, if any (in brief)
•    The amount to be charged for the assignment following the below Price Schedule:

A lump-sum amount to be charged for the assignment (excluding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs), which should be quoted in US Dollars 
Please design your payment scheme against clear and specific set of deliverables and milestones as reflected in your work plan.
– Please indicate your proposed Monthly rate (without travel cost) and design your payment scheme against clear and specific set of deliverables and milestones as reflected in your work plan.
* In case of Travel required, indicate estimated cost for travel cost* (round airplane ticket ATK–on economy class only…etc.) indicating travelling from, to and cost.
  NB: Daily substance allowance (DSA) and terminal fair will be according to UNESCO rates applicable to the destination country. DSA will be calculated based on the effective number of travel nights spent away from the duty station if required.