Project Officer (Culture)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 5QACLT0005TA

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Doha

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Temporary Appointment

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 19-JAN-2026

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

Initial duration of contract until 31 May 2026, with possibility of renewal subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance

CONTEXT

In June 2022, the European Union (EU) and UNESCO launched the project “Youth Employment through Heritage and Culture in Yemen” (YECHY), which seeks to enhance livelihood opportunities for women and youth through employment in cultural heritage rehabilitation and the cultural and creative industries (CCI). The project contributes to stabilisation and early recovery efforts in Yemen by:

• Providing economic relief through Cash for Work (CfW) schemes focused on the rehabilitation of historic urban centres.
• Strengthening cultural entrepreneurship and the institutional capacities of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), enabling young cultural practitioners and creative actors to generate sustainable income within the CCI sector.
• Raising awareness of the role of youth in heritage safeguarding and culture-based employment, thereby supporting peacebuilding, social cohesion, and community resilience.

The project integrates activities in heritage safeguarding, skills development, job creation, communications, visibility and community engagement, and is implemented in close collaboration with local authorities, CSOs, cultural institutions and youth groups.

To support the effective implementation of this initiative, the UNESCO Doha Office is seeking to engage a Project Officer who will assist the Project Manager in coordinating project activities, ensuring compliance with UNESCO standards and donor requirements, leading on communication and visibility actions, and strengthening partnerships with CSOs and stakeholders active in the cultural and creative industries (CCIs).

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Doha Office, the guidance of the Programme Specialist for Culture, and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Officer will contribute to the effective implementation of activities related to:

• Cultural heritage rehabilitation and cultural development.
• Youth employability through heritage and CCIs.
• Visibility, communications, and advocacy.
• Capacity development and support to CSOs and small and medium entreprises (SMEs) in the culture sector.

The incumbent will also assist in planning, coordination, monitoring, reporting, and partnership engagement, ensuring high-quality delivery in line with UNESCO rules and regulations and EU visibility requirements.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Programme implementation and support to coordination:

• Support the Project Manager in the planning, coordination, and implementation of all project activities in line with approved workplans and budgets.
• Follow up on activities related to heritage rehabilitation, cultural development, and CCI support, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.
• Contribute to monitoring field activities conducted by implementing partners and CSOs, including data collection for reporting and assessment of results.
• Assist in preparing technical documents, briefs, mission reports, and inputs to donor reports.

II. Communication, visibility and advocacy:

• Lead the development and implementation of the project’s communication and visibility plan in compliance with EU and UNESCO guidelines.
• Supervise the production of communication materials, including stories, videos, press releases, social media content, and visibility assets.
• Maintain regular communication with stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the public through online and offline channels.
• Support documentation of project achievements, success stories, case studies and lessons learned.

III.Support to CSOs and the CCI:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of capacity-building programmes for CSOs, SMEs, and youth-led cultural initiatives.
• Support the coordination of grants, training workshops, cultural events and entrepreneurship activities.
• Support the monitoring of CSO and SME performance against agreed deliverables, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements.

IV. Partnerships and stakeholder engagement:

• Facilitate cooperation between UNESCO, authorities, donors, Implementing Partners (IPs), CSOs, cultural actors, youth groups and community stakeholders.
• Contribute to maintaining and strengthening UNESCO’s partnerships with Yemeni cultural institutions and international development partners.
• Support high-level missions, events, and coordination meetings as needed.

V. Administrative and contractual support:

• Assist in drafting terms of reference, contractual documents, and procurement requests in line with UNESCO rules.
• Support the monitoring of contracts for consultants, contractors, and implementing partners.
• Support the financial and administrative processes in respect of UNESCO's standards and donor requirements.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in cultural management, communications, international development, international relations, social sciences or related fields, or:
• Bachelor’s degree combined with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in cultural development, heritage safeguarding, communications and support to project management.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in cultural development, heritage safeguarding, communications and support to project management.
• Experience in supporting resource mobilization efforts.
• Experience in engagement with international development partners in fields related to UNESCO’s mandate.
• Proven experience in conflict-affected or post-crisis contexts, ideally in the Arab region.

Skills and competencies:

• Proven experience in project coordination and partnership management.
• Ability to draft high-quality reports, briefs and communication products.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Integrity, discretion and ability to work in multicultural environments.
• Good knowledge of results-based management and monitoring tools.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills, including capacity to prepare digital content.
• Strong IT skills, including MS Office and social media management tools.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English  (written and spoken).
• Excellent knowledge of Arabic (written and spoken).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience:

• Experience working with CSOs, cultural industries or youth-focused programmes.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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