Consultant - World Heritage Africa

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Paris

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 22/02/2025

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

I. Context

In the framework of UNESCO’s Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022-2029), particularly its Flagship Programme 3 (Fostering Heritage and Capacity Development) and in line with the Strategy for World Heritage in Africa (2022-2029), with close collaboration with its partners (Advisory Bodies, Category 2 centres, etc), the World Heritage Centre will work with Universities, heritage institutions, and UNESCO Chairs in Africa to develop capacity building programmes to sustain conservation, identification, safeguarding and promotion of heritage in Africa, by enhancing a holistic approach taking into account the linkage between nature and culture, the synergy between tangible and intangible heritage, the central role of communities, especially women, youth and Indigenous people, and the context of adverse risks and challenges in conserving and managing World Heritage in Africa.

Long Description

This project aims to support African universities and institutions by enhancing their programmes and curricula related to the World Heritage system. It focuses on improving quality, increasing relevance, and boosting the visibility of World Heritage education in Africa while advocating a comprehensive, multisectoral approach that integrates World Heritage into broader academic, professional, and economic spheres.

To accomplish this, the project will undertake pilot work in five universities located in Cameroon, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania. It will also support the strategic development of two leading heritage institutions, the Centre for Heritage Development in Africa (CHDA) and the Ecole du Patrimoine Africain (EPA). In addition, the project will assist in creating a network of African universities, including UNESCO Chairs, and engage academics, experts, professionals and civil society in building robust, locally tailored World Heritage curricula in Africa. It will further establish dialogue with partner universities and institutions in Korea, Germany, and China.

Long Description

Beyond enhancing heritage education in Africa, the project seeks to foster an innovative programme that incorporates sustainability, entrepreneurship, and business-oriented elements aligned with broader educational and professional priorities. By doing so, it will strengthen the role of African Universities, heritage institutions, and UNESCO Chairs in Africa in supporting the region’s ability to identify, nominate, manage, conserve, and promote cultural and natural heritage for socio-economic transformation throughout Africa.

II. Objectives of the Project

II. Objectives of the Project

Under this Call for Proposals, UNESCO invites two experts to contribute to the following overarching outputs:

• Output 1: The two heritage institutions Ecole de Fauna de Garoua – EFG (Cameroon) and the College of African Wildlife Management – MWEKA (Tanzania), along with universities in Cameroon, Senegal, and South Africa, are empowered to become centres of expertise for World Heritage-related processes in Africa.
• Output 2: The Centre for Heritage Development in Africa (CHDA) and the Ecole du Patrimoine africain (EPA) are supported to reinvigorate and strengthen their role as centres of expertise for World Heritage capacity-building in Africa.
• Output 3: Model curricula for natural and cultural heritage conservation, management, and promotion are developed with partner universities and heritage experts from Korea and Africa.
• Output 4: Capacities are built for the development of nomination dossiers with the UNESCO supported University centres in Cameroun, Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania developed under the project with partner universities and heritage experts from Korea and Africa

III. Scope of Work

The selected experts will work under the overall supervision of the Director of World Heritage and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Africa Unit of the World Heritage Centre, in collaboration with the responsible project officer and in close cooperation with pilot universities, CHDA, EPA, and other relevant partners and stakeholders. The scope of work includes:

1. Review and Assessment

• Gather and evaluate current research on curricula development for heritage, the Recommendations of the 20218 and 2019 Workshop on World Heritage and Institutional of Higher Learning in Africa, and the Mapping exercises in 2020 by the World Heritage Centre.
• Identify current gaps, strengths, and potential opportunities within the pilot institutions and heritage bodies.

2. Curriculum Consultation and Design

• Develop or refine curriculum frameworks focused on World Heritage principles and practical skills.
• Align designed materials with national accreditation requirements and international best practices.

3. Capacity-Building Interventions

• Coordinate and conduct targeted workshops and brainstorming sessions with partner universities, ICOMOS, ICCROM, UNESCO Chairs, and heritage professionals in order to incorporate lessons learned and best practices from partners universities, including but not limited to universities in China, Korea and Germany.

Short Description

4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with a network of heritage professionals, UNESCO Chairs, and partner institutions to share best practices.
• Facilitate collaboration among African universities and heritage institutions in view of developing a network of African universities teaching World Heritage.

5. Monitoring and Reporting

• Document best practices and lessons learnt for replication and upscaling in other African contexts.
• Prepare concise status updates and final reports.

IV. Key Deliverables

All key deliverables shall be completed by 30 November 2025, as follows:

1. Report on the online workshops and brainstorming sessions.
2. Mission reports for the needs assessments with pilot universities and institutions in Benin, Cameroun, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania.
3. The final concept note of the high-level advisory group of international, regional, and local experts, including the mandate of the advisory group, the list of experts, and their responsibilities.
4. Comprehensive Guidelines outlining core principles and standards for World Heritage education in Africa, including a finalised set of core curriculum elements and guidelines.
5. A Strategy, foundational Curriculum Template, and Time Framework adaptable to diverse African academic environments.
6. A Final report of the entire activity, including recommendations on the way forward.

V. Methodology

The selected contractor shall propose an outline and a methodology that includes:

1. Examining outcomes of the World Heritage and African higher education institutions’ workshops conducted in 2018 and 2019.
2. Coordinating and conducting online workshops and brainstorming sessions with experienced universities, ICOMOS, ICCROM, UNESCO Chairs, and heritage professionals to incorporate lessons from successful heritage education updates (involving partners from China, Korea, and Germany).
3. Coordinating and conducting missions for in-depth assessment with pilot universities and institutions in Benin, Cameroon, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania, in order to evaluate their resources, pedagogy, faculty expertise, and support structures through meetings and workshops.
4. Coordinating the establishment of a high-level advisory group of international, regional, and local experts to define 21st-century core principles, best practices, and priorities in heritage management and protection aimed at inspiring World Heritage education in Africa.
5. Coordinating the production of comprehensive Guidelines outlining core principles and standards for heritage education in Africa.
6. Engaging pilot universities individually once consensus on standards and frameworks is reached.
7. Preparing a comprehensive report of the entire activity, including recommendations on follow-up activities to be undertaken.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Academic Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field such as Heritage Studies, Archaeology, History, Cultural Management, Architecture, or equivalent.

2. Professional Experience

• At least seven years’ experience in heritage management, curriculum development, capacity-building, or a related domain.
• Demonstrated track record of working with academic or cultural institutions in Africa or comparable contexts.

3. Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to deliver educational and professional development programmes.
• Familiarity with UNESCO’s norms, conventions, and World Heritage-related guidelines.
• Excellent knowledge of English and French (written and spoken).

4. Other Requirements

• Ability to travel for missions if necessary.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should complete the on-line application, download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information:

1. A work plan with timelines and deliverables.
2. A budget proposal with a clear breakdown of costs.

Proposals should be submitted in English or French

Submissions will be assessed based on the following:

1. Technical Expertise (50%)
   • Relevance of academic background and professional experience in heritage conservation, curriculum design, or capacity-building.
2. Methodological Approach (40%)
   • Clarity, feasibility, and depth of the proposed plan.
3. Language and Communication Skills (10%)
   • Proficiency in English and French, clarity of proposal, and ability to work in multilingual environments.

Deadline for Submission: Proposals must be submitted by 22nd February 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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