National Project Officer

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 5IQCLT0001PA

Grade : NO-C

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station : Iraq, Erbil

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year 

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 26-Nov-2025

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

Only nationals of Iraq may apply to this position

Duration of contract 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

UNESCO’s role in protecting Iraq’s cultural heritage is longstanding and has covered activities that range from urgent safeguarding interventions to technical assistance for ensuring the sustainable management of its cultural treasures.
In line with UNESCO’s vision which is founded on culture as a source of identity and a tool in reinforcing social cohesion, UNESCO has been supporting cultural heritage conservation and management at several significant sites in Kurdistan and in Iraq, with the overall goal of promoting respect for cultural diversity and heritage and its recognition as a factor of socio-economic development.

In 2007 a major intervention was launched for the first phase of the Erbil Citadel Revitalization Project with funding from the Kurdistan Regional Government. The project was executed in cooperation with the High Commission for Erbil Citadel Revitalization (HCECR) with the objective of implementing a series of conservation and management measures in accordance with best practices while enhancing national capacities, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the citadel and its unique cultural assets. 
Phase II of the project was launched in 2010 and was accompanied by a management plan for the buffer zone of the Citadel aimed at establishing clear guidelines and regulations for managing the historic city centre of Erbil. 

As a follow up on their collaboration with the HCECR, UNESCO and KAR are now proposing a long- term public-private partnership to carry out interventions at the Citadel of Erbil that will extend efforts to preserve and revitalize this unique World Heritage site, and articulated around four Outputs: 
1: Conservation and Rehabilitation. 
2: Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) - Economic Development and Job Creation.
3: Capacity Building and Training.
4: Promotion, Visibility and Public Engagement.

Within the general framework set out by the Sustainable Development Goals approved in 2015 by the UN member states in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the specific objective (Outcome) of the Project “Public-Private Partnership for the Revitalization of the Citadel of Erbil” will participate of SDG 11.4: Strengthened efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

Within the framework of the REVIVING THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE OF ERBIL CITADEL (hereafter the Project), and under the overall authority of the Director of the Office and the direct supervision of the Head of Culture Unit, the National Project Officer shall manage, coordinate and implement all aspects of the documentation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the site, be responsible for the technical oversight in the design and management of interventions in the historic buildings, and contribute to the Project’s outputs with the goal to improve the community resilience and livelihood in the urban areas of Mosul. 

Long Description

More specifically, the incumbent shall: 

• Manage all activities related to the Project, in close cooperation and coordination with the UNESCO Culture team in Iraq, and in liaison with relevant services and entities at Headquarters.
• Identify the technical team members required to carry out the design and implementation of the Project and actively lead the recruitment process.
• Supervise a team of project staff assigned to carry out the design, implementation and monitoring of conservation and reconstruction interventions at the Project.
• Supervise the formulation of Project workplans and schedules.
• Undertake the preparation of standardized documentation and drawing formats, and develop an information management system for the project.
• Prepare and assist the team in the production of detailed designs and construction drawings for the construction related components of the Project.
• Undertake the preparation of bills of quantities, detailed specifications, cost estimates and tender documents for all the conservation components of the Project.
• Provide comprehensive construction management services for the Project, including supervision of construction contracts signed between UNESCO and Contractors. 

• Supervise the establishment, management and monitoring of contracts and relationships with multiple Consultants/Contractors covering the range of expertise required to successfully implement the activities.
• Anticipate difficulties and bottlenecks in the construction process and address these situations proactively to minimize their effect on the timetable and cost of the works; keep appraised the supervisor and in their absence the UNESCO management of challenges or threats to the Project objectives so that mitigating measures can be taken in time.
• Liaise with and facilitate consultation between the relevant local authorities in Iraq, NGOs, suppliers and local community stakeholders.
• Organize stakeholder meetings concerning the Project implementation, management and possible integration with development processes.
• Facilitate information sharing amongst stakeholders, including with local authorities and communities, and NGOs, and organize events to enhance awareness raising and Project visibility both inside and outside Iraq, and support Project visibility.
• Undertake missions as necessary and requested for Project implementation in Iraq and elsewhere.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

-

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in architecture, architectural conservation, engineering, or a related field.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in architectural conservation, cultural heritage or related fields.

Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, plans, and specifications. 
• Broad knowledge of historical and traditional building materials and constructional methods used in the Middle East context and an ability to obtain quickly an up-to-date understanding and appreciation of specialist techniques and ‘best practice’ methods for maintaining, conserving and repairing historic structures, including the correct and effective use of materials and products.
• Integrity, reliability and sense of commitment in the execution of duties. 
• Excellent coordination and organizational 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 with tact and sensitivity to diversity. 
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships. 
• Ability to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail and quality of work. 
• Sensitivity to the local context. 

Languages

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Languages

• Working knowledge of Kurdish language.
   

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Footer