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Application deadline (Midnight UTC+1 Time) : 25/08/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW
The mission of the Unit on the Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) is to ensure the effective implementation of the 2001 Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage, and its related programmes.
ASSIGNMENTS
In that framework, u nder the authority of the Director of the Culture and Emergencies Entity and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit, the incumbent shall be responsible for the following tasks:
- Act as a scientific focal point, as an underwater archaeology expert, for the 2001 Convention activities, and contribute to its visibility in the academic community, notably by participating in upcoming key international scientific conferences on underwater cultural heritage, such as the Asia Pacific Conference on Marine and Underwater Cultural Heritage in Bali, Indonesia (October 2026).
- Contribute to the implementation of activities carried out by the Secretariat of the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, with a special attention on the South Asia and East Asia regions in liaison with the concerned UNESCO Field Offices.
- Coordinate the implementation of a cooperation mechanism project for the protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea:
Long Description
- Assess and develop activities related to the International underwater archaeological mission on the Skerki Bank and in the Sicily Channel, taking stock of its results and lessons learnt.
Long Description
- Based on Recommendation 5 of the Meeting of States Parties (2025), coordinate the efforts of the Secretariat to better integrate marine and underwater cultural heritage into climate action and resilience strategies:
Long Description
- Support the Secretariat for the organization of 18th STAB meeting and 11th MSP meeting in 2027.
- Support the Secretariat for the organization and coordination of the events related to the 25th anniversary of the Convention as well as events and activities related to the celebrations of the International Day for Underwater Cultural Heritage (21 August).
TIMETABLE AND DELIVERABLES
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Monthly progress reports on the implementation of the tasks listed above.
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 .
EDUCATION
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in disciplines in the field of culture
WORK EXPERIENCE
- A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience acquired in the field of culture of which five (5) in cultural policies at the international level.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Good knowledge of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and UN System.
- Good knowledge of UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments and programmes in the field of culture, including of the 2001 Convention.
- Good knowledge and proven expertise in coordination of global consultations and multi-stakeholder management.
- Good knowledge and proven expertise in underwater archaeology and the protection of underwater cultural heritage.
- Good knowledge and proven expertise in coordination of multilateral cooperation projects.
- Good knowledge and proven expertise in event coordination and awareness raising material.
- Strong ability to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources and formulate research documents.
LANGUAGES
- Excellent knowledge of both English and French (speaking, reading and writing) and good knowledge of the other language.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Professional experience in the United Nations system.
- Proven experience in organising global multi-stakeholder consultations.
- Expert knowledge of UNESCO Culture Programmes.
- Proven experience in the study, protection, conservation and awareness-raising of underwater cultural heritage.
LANGUAGES
- Knowledge of another/other UN official language(s) (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Russian).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information.
To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
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:
A written proposal comprising:
An up-to-date CV;
- A brief technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology for the assignment in line with the terms of reference
- A competitive fee for the assignment quoted in EUR (or USD) and expressed on a monthly basis.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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.
- UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.