Consultant (Documentary Heritage Unit) JFIT

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level : Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 10 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+1 Time) : 23/03/2026

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

OVERVIEW

The Communication and Information Sector’s mission is to promote freedom of expression, media development and media literate societies, and to build knowledge societies through fostering universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development and the preservation of documentary heritage. (The role of this vacant position does not include responsibility for UNESCO's wider external communications, which is managed by the Division for Communications and Public Engagement.)

The UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) Programme is implementing a 42-month extrabudgetary project “UNESCO Memory of the World Initiative to Safeguard Documentary Heritage at Risk” (hereafter referred to as “project”) supported by Japanese Funds-in-Trust (JFIT), which aims to:

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Follow up and further promote policy advocacy and awareness-raising on disaster risk reduction and management for the preservation of documentary heritage through global partnerships in support of policy makers and memory institutions in their efforts to develop policies and strategies on preservation, access and awareness.
2. Contributing towards the strengthening or building of the capacities of memory institutions especially in LDCs, SIDS, Africa and Asia and the Pacific to enhance knowledge of and techniques about sustainable preservation of, and access to documentary heritage, with a specific focus on disaster risk reduction and management.
   1. Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, and the direct supervision of the Head of the Unit for Documentary Heritage, the consultant shall, in close cooperation and collaboration with the Documentary Heritage Unit and the Junior Professional Officer concerned, provide implementation and global communication support for the project. In particular, the consultant shall:
3. I. Manage contracts between UNESCO and the selected applicant entities including more specifically by:
   1. Assisting entities facing challenges in finalization and readiness for signature, in line with UNESCO rules and procedures.
   2. Liaising with applicant entities and with other divisions in UNESCO for internal processing of the contracts if necessary.
4. Ⅱ． Monitor and facilitate the implementation of the selected proposals in accordance with the proposed schedule, work plan and related project documents:
   1. Progress reports on the implementation of each project to monitor the achievement of the objectives, including data on the preserved documentary heritage and implementation challenges.
   2. A final report including the above data and overall conclusions on successes and challenges.
   3. Finalize all of the expected or planned payment procedures regarding the ongoing IPA or corresponding contracts negotiated and signed as part of this project.
5. III. With the reporting above, draft a narrative progress report for the donor in English by March 2026 according to a designated UNESCO template to be presented at the next annual donor review meeting. It will include:
   1. Proposing a structure for the report, a method for its elaboration including identifying possible contributors, identifying images and creating tables and charts to insert in the report, a timeline from planning until dissemination of the report. Propose as well a communication plan for its eventual dissemination.
   2. Liaising with UNESCO colleagues in charge of implementation of the activities, production, design and printing of the report, web edition, translation in French and Spanish if applicable, and external communication for dissemination of the report.
6. IV. Finalize and follow up on the action steps outlined in the annual project report for all stakeholders and the wider public, drawing on the narrative progress report mentioned in item III. At the same time, draft the final project report of this whole project by January 2027.
7. V. Provide strategic support for communications and visibility efforts, including the development of news articles or success stories for the project hub’s website, social media content, and other communication materials as needed.
8. VI. Assist in supporting the implementation of the activities planned in the project document within the MoWJFIT framework in cooperation with other staff/consultants in the Unit for Documentary Heritage.

DELIVERABLES

• Monthly report on the activities undertaken and progress of the work carried out as part of the contract.
• Draft of an annual narrative progress report of the project for the donor to be submitted by May 2026 (Item III).
• Final project report submitted by 8 January 2027 (Item IV).

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication
• Accountability
• Innovation
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
• Planning and organizing
• Results focus
• Teamwork

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of information, communication, archival science, records management, or related discipline including history, archaeology, sociology, heritage studies.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 5 years relevant professional work experience in project implementation in the field of cultural heritage, archives or library science, of which preferably at least 2 year at the international level.
• Experience in compilation and drafting high-quality analytical and project progress reports.
• Experience in developing and implementing communication outreach strategies for the wider dissemination of project outcomes and organizational visibility at international level.
• Experience focused on communication and information in project implementation in the field of cultural heritage, archives or library science, or communication and information sector in other organizations.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent organizational, coordination and interpersonal skills.
• Very good analytical, drafting and editing skills in English with the ability to produce quality reports, news items etc. for international organizations.
• Excellent skills to disseminate the achievements of the project worldwide.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural environment.
• Proven ability to communicate, advocate, and exchange with colleagues, staff and stakeholders within and outside the Organization.
• Excellent IT skills. Knowledge of graphic design software (Canva, InDesign, etc.).

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English and good knowledge of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience with the United Nations System or in an international development cooperation.
• Relevant professional experience in UNESCO’s programmes and/or normative tools in the field of communication and information.
• Experience in documentary heritage preservation projects.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with the Memory of the World Programme, including the 2015 Recommendations concerning the Preservation of, and Access to, Documentary Heritage Including in Digital Form.

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:

• Part 1: Technical Proposal
• Part 2: Financial Proposal

The rest of the information will include: up-to-date CV, methodology and workplan, publications, and a financial proposal with a monthly fee (maximum of 3250 EUR) and total lump-sum costs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The selected candidate will basically work remotely. No travel will be supported.
• This Consultant Contract is for a period of 10 months.
• Estimated contract dates from April 2026 to January 2027.
• Application should be submitted in one file with all required documents (pdf) to be uploaded in the application section.
• 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.
• Individuals 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.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information by the 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).