Consultant for Memory of the World and Indigenous Language project

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, and the direct supervision of the CI Regional Adviser for Communication and Information, the Individual Specialist shall undertake the following assignments:

1.    Oversee the implementation of “Supporting the Post-Disaster Recovery of the Bagan Archaeological Area and Monuments through the Preservation and Digitization of the Bagan Photographic Archive” in close consultation with partners and key stakeholders. These responsibilities include:
a.    Organize a sub-regional training activity on digitizing photographic collections, specifically glass plate negatives, and on archive development using web-based open-source archival description software in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
b.    Identify and engage with partners, experts, resource persons and beneficiary groups to ensure the smooth implementation of the project and achievement of targeted results;
c.    Monitor the work of junior consultant(s) and intern(s) supporting project implementation;
d.    Promote the visibility of the project and report on project implementation.

2.    Oversee the implementation of activities under the UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) programme in Asia & the Pacific in close consultation with the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP), national committees for the MoW, National Commissions for UNESCO, memory institutions from Southeast Asia and UNESCO field offices. These responsibilities will include:

a.    Contributing directly to the work of MOWCAP Secretariat, including organizing statutory meetings, specifically the MOWCAP Bureau Meeting in PR China in February 2023, and the MOWCAP General Meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in May 2024.
b.    Ensuring the engagement of stakeholders of Asia and the Pacific with the Memory of the World programme, including Member States, custodians memory institutions, through consultation meetings and capacity-building activities, including one joint Thailand-Laos activity.

3.    Coordinate initiatives in the Mekong Region related to the International Decade on Indigenous Languages (IDIL):
a.    Plan for programme-related activities, including national and regional initiatives on localizing the Global Action Plan for IDIL 2022-2032 in the Mekong sub-region.

4.    Identify and explore new partnerships for CI programme related to Item 1. and 2. in coordination with:
a.    Engage with J-FIT, K-FIT and other potential partners on future funding and collaboration opportunities.

5.    Develop programme and financial plans and periodic reports for the above projects to Headquarters, donors, Member States, and other stakeholders for the biennium 2024-2025.
6.    Undertake mission as necessary and approved by the Supervisor.

a.    the training on digitizing glass plate negatives and archive development in Chiang Mai, Thailand in March 2024.
b.    MOWCAP Bureau Meeting in PR China in February 2024
c.    MOWCAP General Meeting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in May 2024.

7.    Undertake other tasks as and when assigned by the supervisor and the Director:
a.    Assist in planning and coordinating publications and other communication materials in close coordination with the Public Information and Outreach unit.
b.    Assist the CI unit in drafting speeches, PowerPoints, meeting reports, etc.

In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the Individual Specialist is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.

Deliverables

Deliverables

1.    Monthly report detailing activities undertaken for each month period.
2.    A progress report on K-FIT “Supporting the Post-Disaster Recovery of the Bagan Archaeological Area and Monuments through the Preservation and Digitization of the Bagan Photographic Archive” on 31 March 2024.
3.    A final report on K-FIT “Supporting the Post-Disaster Recovery of the Bagan Archaeological Area and Monuments through the Preservation and Digitization of the Bagan Photographic Archive” by 31 May 2024.
4.    A report on the MOWCAP General Meeting on 30 June 2024.
5.    A final report that includes achieved outcomes/outputs during the contract period by 31 July 2024.

Time frame and Payment schedule

Timeframe  

31st January – 31st December 2024

Payment Schedule 

Upon submission of relevant materials, deliverables and reports, not later than the end of the month.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent and above) in the field of history, archaeology, humanities, social sciences or related areas.

Professional Work experience: 

Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the field of heritage documentary, of which at least five years were acquired at the regional/international level.

Skills and Competencies: 

1. Knowledge of Asia-Pacific heritage archives and media and literacy issues Proven conceptual and analytical skills

2. Effective planning and organizing ability

3. Capacity to follow up and coordinate independently with minimal supervision Proven ability to work efficiently in a dynamic and multicultural team environment Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills

4. Proven capacity to build and maintain effective partnerships inside and outside the organization Ability to work under pressure.

Languages:  

Excellent knowledge of English; knowledge of other UNESCO official languages is an asset.