Service Contract-National Officer-ARCHITECT RESTORER
Organizational Context
Syria's cultural heritage has been severely impacted by conflict and recent earthquakes, threatening historic buildings, archaeological sites, and museums. Despite these challenges, cultural heritage is vital for recovery, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Safeguarding efforts require emergency protection, sound conservation, capacity building, and skill transmission. Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has suffered extensive damage, necessitating urgent stabilization and rehabilitation, alongside local skill development. UNESCO also supports heritage institutions, focusing on improved documentation, preventive conservation, and risk reduction for collections.
Job Purpose
This role provides essential technical support to UNESCO's cultural heritage program across Syria, with a primary focus on Aleppo. The Architect Restorer will act as a national technical focal point, coordinating closely with national and local authorities, institutions, and partners. The purpose is to translate UNESCO's project objectives and conservation principles into practical field actions, ensuring alignment with national regulations and international standards. This includes assessing damage, preparing technical documentation for conservation and restoration, and supervising works. The role also involves providing technical input for procurement, monitoring project progress, and reporting on activities. Ultimately, the job aims to contribute to the safeguarding and recovery of Syria's cultural heritage, supporting its role in sustainable development and social cohesion.
Responsibilities
Serve as the national technical focal point for architectural conservation and restoration activities in Syria, primarily in Aleppo, with regular missions to other priority locations. Coordinate closely with the Ministry of Culture, DGAM, local authorities, museums, contractors, and other partners. Translate project objectives and conservation principles into practical field actions, ensuring compliance with national regulations and UNESCO standards. Conduct and coordinate architectural condition surveys, damage assessments, and technical investigations for priority heritage sites. Prepare and review technical documentation for conservation and restoration, including drawings, specifications, and cost estimates. Provide continuous technical supervision and quality assurance for all conservation and restoration works, ensuring adherence to sound conservation principles and respect for cultural significance. Support technical assessments of museums and cultural institutions, focusing on conditions for preventive conservation and collection safeguarding. Contribute technical expertise to UNESCO's procurement processes for heritage activities. Monitor the technical progress of activities, identify risks, and report on findings. Prepare high-quality technical reports, mission reports, and contributions to donor reporting. Undertake additional duties as required to ensure the effective implementation and sustainability of UNESCO's cultural heritage program in Syria.
Work Experience
A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in architectural conservation and restoration. This includes field-based assessment, preparation of technical documentation, and supervision of works on historic buildings or sites. Demonstrated experience in the conservation, stabilization, rehabilitation, or restoration of traditional masonry and historic structures is required.
Skills
Sound knowledge of architectural conservation theory and practice, with the ability to apply principles to emergency stabilization, repair, restoration, and adaptive rehabilitation. Proficiency in preparing and reviewing architectural surveys, condition assessments, technical specifications, and cost estimates. Strong field supervision and quality control skills. Good organizational, planning, monitoring, and reporting abilities. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including technical writing. Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and undertake regular field missions within Syria.