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Project Coordinator/ Architect restorer - Part Time Service Contract

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  10

Hiring Unit : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station : Beirut

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 25/03/2026

 

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

In the aftermath of the devastating 4 August Port explosions in Beirut, the Director-General of UNESCO launched the LiBeirut initiative, placing education, culture, and heritage at the heart of the city’s recovery. This initiative marked a firm commitment by UNESCO to uphold the highest internationally recognized professional standards in the rehabilitation of Beirut’s cultural assets, honouring the city's layered history while supporting its dynamic and resilient creative spirit. As part of the broader UN assistance to Lebanon, LiBeirut laid the foundation for a series of interventions aimed at safeguarding Beirut’s identity through culture.

Building on the outcomes of the initial LiBeirut projects, UNESCO has developed a dedicated initiative focused on the restoration and reactivation of Le Grand Théâtre de Beyrouth. This iconic venue, located in the heart of downtown, is envisioned not only as a restored architectural landmark but as a vibrant and sustainably managed cultural hub, a space that brings together people, ideas, and communities. The project represents a bold step forward in reclaiming Beirut’s cultural identity through the revival of the Grand Théâtre as an epicentre of culture and creativity.

 

Once operational, the theatre is expected to generate long-term employment opportunities across the cultural value chain, from programming and performance to technical support and management. It will help rejuvenate the surrounding urban economy by attracting residents and visitors to nearby cafés, restaurants, and shops. The theatre’s programming will prioritize diversity and inclusion, offering a platform for underrepresented voices, particularly those of women, youth, and marginalized communities,and promoting dialogue in a context marked by social and political fragmentation. 

The overall objective of the project is to restore and reactivate Le Grand Théâtre de Beyrouth as a sustainably run, multipurpose cultural landmark that catalyses downtown Beirut’s social and economic revival while advancing heritage preservation, job creation, youth empowerment, gender equality, and inclusive civic dialogue across Lebanon.

The project consists of two distinct phases:i- an 18‑month preparatory phase, and,ii- a subsequent implementation phase of 3–4 years, which will be initiated subject to the fulfillment of predefined conditions.

Long Description

The core activities of this first phase include:

    1. Comprehensive Technical Diagnosis: Detailed assessment of the theatre’s current condition and structural stability. This includes architectural documentation, structural analysis, laser scanning, materials sampling, and historical research. 
    2. Costed and Phased Restoration Masterplan: Based on the diagnostic findings, the project team will identify viable future uses and adaptive reuse scenarios. These will be translated into a sequenced work plan with detailed cost estimates, implementation timelines, and risk mitigation strategies.
    3. Urgent Interventions and Cleaning: As part of “Phase 1 Works,” the site will undergo initial stabilization. This includes debris removal, installation of temporary roof coverings, reinforcement of weakened floors and balconies, and cleaning of surfaces to reveal original finishes for further analysis.
    4. Governance and Partnership Framework: Establishing a clear institutional framework with the Ministry of Culture for the Theatre including the roles of key stakeholders and modalities for engaging prospective private partners. This framework will define ownership, oversight responsibilities, and operational models—an essential precondition for securing large-scale donor support.
    5. Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Terms of Reference (TORs), and related procurement documents for specialized multidisciplinary cultural, architectural, and engineering consultancy firms, prepared  in compliance with UNESCO procurement rules.
    6. Community and Donor Mobilization: The project will include an extensive communication and outreach campaign to raise awareness and attract support.
  1.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the authority of the Director of UNESCO Beirut Office and under the direct supervision of the Senior National Professional Officer for Culture, and in close coordination with the Ministry of Culture, the project coordinator / Architect- Restorer shall support the preparation, coordination, and implementation of the “Revival of the Grand Théâtre de Beyrouth” project, ensuring compliance with UNESCO standards and international best practices .

 

In particular, the Project coordinator shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following tasks:

  • Prepare and coordinate the drafting of all project-related documents required for the preparation and implementation phases, in accordance with project objectives and contextual requirements.
  • Organize and oversee the preliminary phases of the project, including the initial cleaning and securing of the “Grand Théâtre de Beyrouth,” the establishment of a Steering Committee, and the definition of an institutional and governance framework bringing together all relevant stakeholders as well as preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Terms of Reference (TORs), and related procurement documents for specialized multidisciplinary cultural, architectural, and engineering consultancy firms, in compliance with UNESCO procurement rules.
  • Supervise and coordinate the preparation of design studies, technical documentation, and tender documents by the selected consultancy firm; review and validate these documents to ensure that technical specifications conform to international standards and best practices in the conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of modern architectural heritage.
  • Review site supervision and implementation documentation submitted by the consulting firm and ensure that works are executed in full compliance with the approved detailed designs, technical specifications, conservation principles, and the original architectural intentions of the project.
  • Monitor project implementation progress and prepare periodic (quarterly) technical and progress reports, as well as the final project implementation report, in accordance with UNESCO reporting requirements.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

  • Your application should comprise:

(a) an up-to-date curriculum vitae,

(b) a list of similar references  

 

LEVEL OF EFFORT, TIMELINE AND DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

  • This is a part time position, requiring attendance of 3 days per week at the UNESCO Beirut Offices.
  • The duration of the assignment is up to 11 months with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

  • Accountability (C)
  • Planning and organizing (C)
  • Communication (C)
  • Results focus (C)
  • Teamwork (C)
  • Professionalism (C)
  • Making quality decisions (M)
  • Strategic thinking (M)

  • For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

  •  University degree in Architecture, with a master’s degree in architectural Conservation from a reputable university combined with a minimum of 15 years of professional experience after the master’s degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum of 15 years of professional experience after the master’s degree in cultural development, heritage safeguarding and project management of cultural heritage conservation and rehabilitation projects
  • Proven experience in site supervision and in the management and coordination of implementation activities.
  • Strong project management experience, including coordination of multidisciplinary teams and multiple stakeholders.
  • Professional experience within the United Nations system and/or UNESCO is required.
  • Professional experience with donors -funded programs/projects in Lebanon

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Excellent project management skills, ability to coordinate complex and multiple projects and to take quality decisions.
  • Excellent coordination and communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Proven ability to work with diverse team members, partners and stakeholders and build partnerships.
  • Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, to think strategically, to prioritize and manage multiple and complex tasks within tight deadlines and to deliver time-sensitive quality work.
  • Proven ability to draft high quality, clear, concise documents and reports.
  • Ability to build partnerships, work with diverse team members, partners and stakeholders.
  • Strong IT skills, including MS Office, MS Project, AutoCAD, and other project management and coordination software.

LANGUAGES

  • Excellent knowledge of written and spoken of Arabic, English, and French

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel 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.
  • lndividuals 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.
  • The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
  • UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.

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