Project Officer- Cultural and Creative Industries (re-advertisement) (Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia) contract

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Saudi Arabia

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Non Staff

Level : Level 4

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 05/10/2024

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

In July 2023, the Royal Commission for AlUla and UNESCO signed a project agreement “Heritage and creativity for AlUla’s sustainable development”, which aims to leverage the rich heritage of AlUla in all its forms, to enhance the understanding of its significance, and to contribute to its safeguarding through the transmission of AlUla’s history and culture by narrating its story and empowering the bearer communities. By doing so, the project will aim at enhancing sustainable tourism through the promotion of culture, thereby directly benefitting local stakeholders. The project intends to provide technical assistance and capacity building, develop international networks and enhance visibility for cultural heritage and creativity in view of the sustainable development of AlUla. More specifically, it will address the role that heritage and creativity can play in building sustainable cities and promoting a culture-engaged, people-centred development model for AlUla. 

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, general supervision of the Head of the Culture Unit at the Office, and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the incumbent will serve as Project Officer, providing technical expertise and coordination to support the activities in the field of cultural and creative industries (CCI). In particular, s/he will be expected to perform the following responsibilities:

•    Ensure planning, implementation, and monitoring of activities foreseen under Output 3 of the Project aimed at strengthening capacities of local stakeholders including youth and other relevant CCI actors in the field of creative economy, as well as promoting exchanges of good practices through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) under the guidance of the Project Coordinator and in collaboration with the Executive Office of the Culture Sector and UNESCO Communication, Cities and Events Unit;
•    Establish, manage, and monitor contracts and relationships with consultants and implementing partners covering the range of expertise in the field of cultural and creative industries, in compliance with the Creative Cities Network (UCCN) program and the Cities, Culture, and Creativity Framework; 
•    Contribute to the planning and coordination of an international thematic conference in AlUla on cities and cultural policies for sustainable urban development; 
•    Organize stakeholder meetings, in-person capacity-building sessions, knowledge-sharing activities, and awareness-raising events in the field of cultural and creative industries with a focus on youth ;
•    Support networking activities within the framework of the project;
•    Develop relevant project monitoring and evaluation tools and resources to support the implementation of Output 3 and related activities;
•    Liaise and facilitate consultations with dedicated entities at the Royal Commission for AlUla, relevant government authorities, partners, suppliers, individual experts, and local communities as required.
•    Assist the Project Coordinator in planning and coordinating all activities relating to the implementation of the project, according to the established work plan.
•    Contribute to the preparation of reports of the project as needed;
•    Facilitate information sharing amongst stakeholders and partners, and prepare briefings, reports, communication, and other relevant documents and materials.

Education
An advance University Degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in the field of culture, cultural management, cultural and creative industries, social and human sciences, journalism, or a related field.

Work experience
•    Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in the field of cultural and creative industries or a related field, of which at least 1 year acquired in the region and/or international level would be an advantage.
•    Experience in working on cultural projects in Saudi Arabia or in the region is preferable.
•    Knowledge and experience with UNESCO Culture programme or relevant programmes carried out by other UN entities would be an advantage.

Other Skills/Competencies
•    Integrity, reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties. 
•    Excellent coordination and organizational skills. 
•    Good analytical and problem solving skills. 
•    Good knowledge of results-based and budget management tools. 
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to draft clearly and concisely. 
•    Ability to work effectively in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment. 
•    Ability to build and maintain partnerships. 
•    Ability to work under pressure, manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work. 
•    Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software. 
•    Sensitivity to the local context.
•    Knowledge of UNESCOs mission and action in the field of culture will be an asset.   
Languages
•    Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English. 
•    Knowledge of writing and speaking Arabic would be an asset.

UNESCO Salaries in Saudi Arabia are paid in Saudi Riyals; the annual remuneration for the post is SAR. 331239. UNESCO Service Contract benefits include 30 days of annual leave and a contribution to the pension scheme and health insurance upon proof of inscription.