Project Officer – Culture

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO  Nairobi office and the Head of the Kampala Antennae, with direct supervision from the Regional Advisor for Culture, and in close coordination with national partners, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the effective implementation of the culture project, including coordination and reporting, advancing key outputs such as interpretation frameworks, visitor management strategies, and cultural mapping and community-based tourism initiatives, while ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical reports, knowledge and visibility products, and strengthened stakeholder coordination in line with UNESCO standards. In particular, the incumbent will undertake the following:

A. Programme Implementation and Technical Support 

• Coordinate and support day-to-day implementation of the WHF-funded Rwenzori project, ensuring delivery of the following outputs:

  Output 1: Interpretation Framework developed and operationalized

  Output 2: Visitor Management Strategy (including VMAST application) developed and implemented

  Output 3: Cultural mapping and story banks established

  Output 4: Community interpreters trained and certified

  Output 5: Interpretive tourism products and trails developed

• Under the direct supervision of, and reporting to the Project Manager support the implementation of the “Support to Sustainable Tourism Value Chain in Uganda” project, contributing to UNESCO’s engagement in the EU-funded programme and ensuring coherence across interventions.
• In close consultation with the UNESCO Nairobi Office, support implementation of the project “Resilience and Sustainable Recovery of the Tombs of the Buganda Kings at Kasubi,” including coordination with national authorities and Buganda Kingdom representatives, follow-up on conservation and site management activities, and integration of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and resilience approaches in line with World Heritage standards.
• Ensure application of UNESCO standards and methodologies, including VMAST tools for visitor management in coordination with UNESCO technical teams (Nairobi and Headquarters), ensuring quality assurance of outputs.
• Ensure ethical documentation and use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and cultural heritage, including application of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles and safeguards against misappropriation.

2. Coordination and Partnership Development 
   • Facilitate coordination among key stakeholders and partners, including: The Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities; Uganda Wildlife Authority; Cultural institutions and traditional authorities; Development partners
   • Support organization of: Technical meetings, workshops, and consultations; Field missions and stakeholder engagements; Capacity-building activities.
   • Ensure operational coordination between the WHF project and the EU-funded tourism programme, under the supervision of the Project Manager and Enabel implementing partners, with clear delineation of roles and responsibilities. Support the strengthening of partnerships to promote integrated approaches linking culture, biodiversity, tourism and sustainable development.
3. Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Management 
   • Tracking progress against the Results Framework (outputs, outcomes, indicators);
   • Collecting and analyzing disaggregated data (sex, age, Indigenous groups, etc); Monitoring visitor data, experience metrics, and community livelihood outcomes;
   • Supporting preparation of narrative and financial reports.
4. Communication and Visibility 
   • Support development of communication materials, including Briefing notes, concept notes, and presentations; Web and social media content; Donor visibility materials.
   • Ensure visibility of UNESCO’s work in Uganda in line with donor and organizational requirements.
   • Promote community-based storytelling and ensure representation of women, youth, and Indigenous voices.
5. Administrative and Operational Support 
   • Support: Work planning, budgeting, and logistical arrangements for missions, workshops, and events, in close consultation with UNESCO administrative and finance teams.
   • Support procurement processes in line with UNESCO rules, including preparation of Terms of Reference, technical specifications, and inputs to evaluate consultants and service providers.
6. Other Duties 
   • Monitor key project risks and proactively support mitigation measures, particularly regarding stakeholder coordination, community participation, and uptake of project outputs.
   • Support and contribute to resource mobilization efforts for culture-related programmes in Uganda to strengthen programme implementation and sustainability.
   • Perform other related tasks as required to support UNESCO’s Culture Programme in Uganda.

The incumbent is expected to work with a high degree of autonomy in coordinating and implementing project activities, while operating under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Nairobi Office and the Head of the UNESCO Uganda Antenna Office. Direct technical supervision will be provided by the Project Manager and Regional Advisor for Culture, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa (Nairobi)

The assignment will involve regular interaction with UNESCO colleagues in Nairobi, Kampala, and Headquarters, as well as government counterparts, cultural institutions, traditional authorities, local communities, consultants, and development partners including Enabel and the European Union.

Duration of contract

• The Service Contract assignment is for 24 months, tentatively from 15 July 2026 to 15 July 2028 including an initial six-month probation period. Continuation beyond the probation period will be subject to satisfactory performance.
• At the discretion of the Field Office, SCs may be extended, based on operational needs, satisfactory performance and availability of sufficient funds, for periods of up to and including 12 (twelve) months at a time. The overall cumulative duration of Service Contracts at Headquarters awarded to the same individual shall not exceed 24 months in an uninterrupted period of 36 months.

The expected results of the assignment include 

• Effective implementation and coordination of UNESCO culture and heritage projects in Uganda.
• Delivery of key outputs under the Rwenzori project, The Enabel Project and project of the Buganda Tombs at Kasubi.
• Strengthened stakeholder partnerships and national capacity for heritage management and sustainable tourism.
• Timely production of quality reports, knowledge products, and enhanced visibility and impact of UNESCO’s culture programme in Uganda.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education 

   Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Cultural Heritage Management, Ecotourism and nature-based Tourism, Archaeology, Anthropology, Development Studies, or related field.

2. Experience  

   Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in: Cultural heritage management, Project implementation and coordination, Sustainable tourism or community-based development.

   Proven experience working with Government institutions and community stakeholders, international organizations or development programmes (UN experience desirable).

3. Skills and competencies

• Strong knowledge of: UNESCO cultural conventions, particularly the 1972 World Heritage Convention; Heritage conservation, risk preparedness, and sustainable tourism approaches.
• Knowledge of heritage interpretation planning and visitor management approaches is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNESCO tools is an asset.
• Experience with participatory approaches and engagement with Indigenous communities.
• Understanding of safeguards related to intangible cultural heritage and TEK.
• Excellent: Drafting, reporting, and analytical skills; Coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in multicultural and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong IT, digital and data management skills.

   

Languages

• Excellent command of English (written and spoken);Knowledge of local languages is an asset.

Core Values

• The incumbent is expected to uphold Professionalism, Integrity, Respect for diversity and Commitment to UNESCO’s mandate and values

How to apply – Send your application to nairobi.recruitment@unesco.org 

Your application should be received by 19^th June 2026.

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