Back Consultant - World Heritage Africa

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station: Paris

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Culture

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 22/02/2025

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

I. Context

In the framework of UNESCO’s Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022-2029), particularly its Flagship Programme 3 (Fostering Heritage and Capacity Development) and in line with the Strategy for World Heritage in Africa (2022-2029), with close collaboration with its partners (Advisory Bodies, Category 2 centres, etc), the World Heritage Centre will work with Universities, heritage institutions, and UNESCO Chairs in Africa to develop capacity building programmes to sustain conservation, identification, safeguarding and promotion of heritage in Africa, by enhancing a holistic approach taking into account the linkage between nature and culture, the synergy between tangible and intangible heritage, the central role of communities, especially women, youth and Indigenous people, and the context of adverse risks and challenges in conserving and managing World Heritage in Africa.

Long Description

This project aims to support African universities and institutions by enhancing their programmes and curricula related to the World Heritage system. It focuses on improving quality, increasing relevance, and boosting the visibility of World Heritage education in Africa while advocating a comprehensive, multisectoral approach that integrates World Heritage into broader academic, professional, and economic spheres.

To accomplish this, the project will undertake pilot work in five universities located in Cameroon, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania. It will also support the strategic development of two leading heritage institutions, the Centre for Heritage Development in Africa (CHDA) and the Ecole du Patrimoine Africain (EPA). In addition, the project will assist in creating a network of African universities, including UNESCO Chairs, and engage academics, experts, professionals and civil society in building robust, locally tailored World Heritage curricula in Africa. It will further establish dialogue with partner universities and institutions in Korea, Germany, and China.

Long Description

Beyond enhancing heritage education in Africa, the project seeks to foster an innovative programme that incorporates sustainability, entrepreneurship, and business-oriented elements aligned with broader educational and professional priorities. By doing so, it will strengthen the role of African Universities, heritage institutions, and UNESCO Chairs in Africa in supporting the region’s ability to identify, nominate, manage, conserve, and promote cultural and natural heritage for socio-economic transformation throughout Africa.

II. Objectives of the Project

II. Objectives of the Project

Under this Call for Proposals, UNESCO invites two experts to contribute to the following overarching outputs:

• Output 1: The two heritage institutions Ecole de Fauna de Garoua – EFG (Cameroon) and the College of African Wildlife Management – MWEKA (Tanzania), along with universities in Cameroon, Senegal, and South Africa, are empowered to become centres of expertise for World Heritage-related processes in Africa.
• Output 2: The Centre for Heritage Development in Africa (CHDA) and the Ecole du Patrimoine africain (EPA) are supported to reinvigorate and strengthen their role as centres of expertise for World Heritage capacity-building in Africa.
• Output 3: Model curricula for natural and cultural heritage conservation, management, and promotion are developed with partner universities and heritage experts from Korea and Africa.
• Output 4: Capacities are built for the development of nomination dossiers with the UNESCO supported University centres in Cameroun, Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania developed under the project with partner universities and heritage experts from Korea and Africa

  III. Scope of Work

  The selected experts will work under the overall supervision of the Director of World Heritage and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Africa Unit of the World Heritage Centre, in collaboration with the responsible project officer and in close cooperation with pilot universities, CHDA, EPA, and other relevant partners and stakeholders. The scope of work includes:

  1. Review and Assessment

  • Gather and evaluate current research on curricula development for heritage, the Recommendations of the 20218 and 2019 Workshop on World Heritage and Institutional of Higher Learning in Africa, and the Mapping exercises in 2020 by the World Heritage Centre.
  • Identify current gaps, strengths, and potential opportunities within the pilot institutions and heritage bodies.

    2. Curriculum Consultation and Design

    • Develop or refine curriculum frameworks focused on World Heritage principles and practical skills.
    • Align designed materials with national accreditation requirements and international best practices.