Project Officer (Culture)

Organizational Context

UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, committed to promoting international cooperation in education, science, and culture. The organization values commitment, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism. This role operates within the Culture Sector in Brazil, contributing to UNESCO's mandate.

Job Purpose

The Project Officer (Culture) serves as a technical specialist for UNESCO's Culture programme in Brazil, focusing on tangible and intangible cultural heritage, cultural diversity, and the protection of museums and collections. The role involves managing technical cooperation and agency execution projects at national and international levels. Key responsibilities include contributing to cultural policy identification, preparing project proposals, seeking partnerships, and formalizing cooperation agreements. The incumbent will design, manage, and implement various programme activities, monitor project phases, and ensure compliance with UNESCO's regulations. This position requires close collaboration with Brazilian authorities, the private sector, and civil society to advance UNESCO's cultural objectives.

Responsibilities

Provide technical expertise on tangible and intangible cultural heritage, cultural diversity, and UNESCO's Culture programme, with an emphasis on museums and collections. Support the identification of cultural policy needs and the preparation of action proposals and project documents in collaboration with national stakeholders. Actively seek partnerships and develop technical documents for cooperation agreements to expand UNESCO's reach. Contribute to the design, management, and implementation of Regular Programme activities, extra-budgetary projects, and agency execution projects. This includes managing project lifecycles, from needs identification to financial and technical monitoring, and proposing corrective actions. Systematize evaluations and revise documents using project management tools. Offer technical support for consultant terms of reference and supervision, analyzing their deliverables. Participate in sector and inter-sector planning processes within UNESCO Brazil. Identify, evaluate, systematize, and disseminate best practices and project results in the cultural heritage field. Assist in organizing and participating in technical working groups, workshops, and seminars. Manage and review the work of Programme Assistants. Support communication with UNESCO Headquarters and Regional Offices and contribute to programmatic reporting tools. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Work Experience

A minimum of six years of professional experience is required, applying theoretical knowledge in the culture field. Experience in planning and implementing programs and projects with governmental or non-governmental institutions, particularly in cultural heritage or museums, is essential. Experience managing technical cooperation projects at national and international levels, preferably within multilateral agencies, is also necessary. Familiarity with international organizations, UNESCO, or the UN system is advantageous.

Skills

Strong analytical, negotiation, organizational, communication, and advocacy skills are essential. Proficiency in project management, planning, and resource mobilization is required. Excellent writing skills for technical and strategic reports are necessary. Knowledge of UNESCO's culture programs, managerial systems, and strong ethical judgment are important. Interpersonal and teamwork skills, adaptability to multicultural environments, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial. Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, are required. Proficiency in Portuguese and English is mandatory; working knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset.

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