Project Officer (Culture)

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level : SC8

Hiring Unit : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station : Brasilia

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 12 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−3 Time) : 25/06/2026

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Director and Representative of UNESCO in Brazil and the direct supervision and the technical guidance of the Coordinator of the Culture Section, the project officer serves as a technical specialist in charge of actions and projects of UNESCO’s Culture programme in Brazil, including the management of technical cooperation projects, at the international or national level, in the field of cultural heritage and/or in museums and collections, as well as agency execution projects. The incumbent participates in technical and managerial tasks of the sector as well as in the procedures and control functions, to achieve compliance with UNESCO's Rules and Regulations. To this end, the successful candidate shall:

MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES

• Provides technical input on issues concerning tangible and intangible cultural heritage, cultural diversity, and all areas covered by the Culture programme of UNESCO, with special focus on the protection and promotion of museums and collections, as well as contributes to an integrated approach among other UNESCO mandate areas;
• Participates in the process of identifying cultural policy needs, by supporting the preparation of action proposals and project documents in the field of culture, in close collaboration with the Brazilian authorities, private sector and civil society;
• Acts in seeking partnerships and the preparation of technical documents to formalize technical cooperation agreements, extending the range and performance of UNESCO;
• Contributes in the design, management and implementation of Regular Programme activities as well as extra-budgetary cooperation projects and agency execution projects, comprising, among others, meetings and contacts with technical staff of government, private sector, civil society and research centers, following-up projects implementation in all its phases: identifying needs, proposing actions, evaluating and monitoring technical and financial aspects, ascertaining problems and proposing corrective actions;
• Systematizes evaluations and prepares document revisions using project management tools;
• Provides technical support for drawing terms of reference and for the supervision of other consultants hired through the projects; analyses and evaluates their activities, reports and deliverables to subsidize the decisions of the Coordinator;
• Participates in the sector and inter-sector planning processes of UNESCO in Brazil;
• Finds out, supports the evaluation, systematizes and contributes to disseminating good practices and results in the field of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, cultural diversity and all other themes within the Culture programme of UNESCO, with special focus on the protection and promotion of museums and collections;
• Participates and assists technical working groups, workshops, seminars and other events, forwarding materials and information when necessary;
• Organizes meetings, workshops, conferences and other events linked to the projects’ implementation;
• Orients, manages and reviews the completion of duties conducted by Programme Assistants related to the themes and projects under his/her responsibility;
• Supports the Culture unit with all communications with Headquarters and Regional Offices, as well as with feeding the programmatic reporting tools, such as Core Manager, with the pertinent information;
• Performs other duties as required by the supervisor.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C) For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced University degree (equivalent to Masters or Post-graduate studies) in human or social sciences, international relations, management or culture related fields or equivalent. Desirable pos-graduation or research in the field of culture.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 6 years of experience in applying theoretical knowledge in the specific area related to this job description. Previous experience in planning and implementation of programme and projects with governmental and/or non-governmental institutions in the field of culture, preferably, in cultural heritage and/or museums and collections. Experience in managing technical cooperation projects’ activities and expenditures, at national and international level, preferably at multilateral agencies.

Experience in international organization as well as knowledge of UNESCO or UN will be an asset.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of UNESCO’s programme in the field of culture;

Strong analytical, negotiating, organizational, communication and advocacy skills;

Management and planning skills; Fund-raising/resource mobilization skills;

Proven ability to manage and coordinate large scale projects/programmes;

Excellent writing skills: ability to produce reports and papers on technical and strategic issues;

Knowledge of managerial and administrative systems;

Strong sense of ethics, integrity, initiative, accountability, discretion and maturity of judgement;

Capacity to deal with sensitive topics; Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills;

Capacity to work in, and adapt to, multicultural environments;

Capacity to work under stress and to maintain deadlines;

Availability to travel;

Good IT skills (Microsoft package), including experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.). Experience in handling web-based management systems.

LANGUAGES

Proficiency in Portuguese and English. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish will be an asset.

ASSESSMENT

An assessment exercise may be used in the evaluation of candidates.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Specialized training or courses in the fields related to this position.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Previous experience in procurement processes within the UN System or other international cooperation organizations will be highly valued.

Broad and up-to-date knowledge of specific themes within UNESCO’mandate for culture.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of SAP or similar ERP system.

LANGUAGES

Working knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (French or Spanish).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This assignment is of full-time nature (Monday to Thursday: 8h30 to 12h30 / 14h to 18h; Friday: 8h30 to 14h). For this position, the monthly remuneration, which will be paid in local currency, will be BRL 16.368,99.

The initial contract is intended until the end of 2026 and shall be linked to a project-funding source, which is expected to be renewed. Any contract renewal shall be dependent upon budgetary availability and satisfactory services. Further information regarding contractual modality as well as the applicable benefits package will be provided for short-listed candidates only.

Long Description

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.