Explore an exciting opportunity to work with UNESCO in Paris as an Associate Project Officer (Culture). This P-2 level international position is ideal for early- to mid-career professionals passionate about cultural heritage, emergency preparedness, and international project coordination. Join the global effort to safeguard culture in times of crisis and contribute to UNESCO’s worldwide mission of protecting humanity’s shared heritage.
Background & Job Description
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) stands as a beacon of global cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. Within its multifaceted operations, UNESCO’s Culture Sector (CLT) plays a vital role in safeguarding cultural heritage, promoting diversity, and supporting communities affected by crises.
Among its innovative initiatives is the Emergency Operations and Programmes Unit (EOP) within the Culture and Emergencies Entity (CEM). This unit spearheads rapid response efforts in crisis contexts—conflict zones, disaster-stricken regions, or areas under cultural threat. Their work includes deploying experts, restoring damaged heritage, and strengthening emergency preparedness capacities.
The Associate Project Officer (Culture) position is located at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters and offers a one-year Project Appointment, renewable based on performance and funding. This role is part of the broader mission to implement the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF)—a global initiative supporting countries in urgent need of cultural preservation and recovery.
As an Associate Project Officer, you’ll be at the intersection of cultural diplomacy, emergency relief, and project management—contributing to activities that range from expert roster management and donor reporting to global communication campaigns.
Launch Your Global Cultural Career: Associate Project Officer Role at UNESCO Paris Now Open
Tasks
The Associate Project Officer will work under the supervision of the Head of the EOP Unit and coordinate with key departments such as UNESCO Field Offices, Culture Convention Secretariats, the Bureau of Strategic Planning, and the Executive Office.
Key responsibilities include:
🗂️ Fund Management & Allocation
-
Oversee the daily operational management of the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF).
-
Facilitate the allocation and disbursement of funds in accordance with UNESCO’s financial rules.
-
Work closely with administrative and strategic planning teams to ensure efficient fund deployment.
-
Assist UNESCO Field Offices in executing activities financed by the HEF.
📊 Reporting & Monitoring
-
Draft timely and high-quality donor reports, ensuring transparency and impact measurement.
-
Compile the HEF Annual Report, summarizing key results, expenditures, and milestones.
-
Support monitoring and evaluation activities in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
-
Organize the Donors’ Advisory Group meeting and other visibility events.
📣 Communication & Visibility
-
Support the implementation of a Communication and Visibility Plan for HEF and EOP initiatives.
-
Draft engaging and informative web content, leaflets, social media posts, and reports.
-
Collaborate with the Communication and Global Monitoring Unit to amplify outreach.
-
Promote UNESCO’s work on culture and emergencies through strategic storytelling and media.
👥 Expert Roster Coordination
-
Manage the Rapid Response Mechanism’s (RRM) Roster of Experts.
-
Maintain and update the online platform of registered experts.
-
Ensure the quality and accessibility of online training courses for roster members.
-
Coordinate expert deployments and technical missions in response to field requests.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must meet specific educational and experiential requirements tailored to international work in cultural preservation and crisis response.
🎓 Education & Certification
Required:
-
A Master’s degree or equivalent in any of the following fields:
-
Culture
-
International Relations
-
Emergency Preparedness & Response
-
Or a related area aligned with UNESCO’s core mandate.
-
Desirable:
-
Coursework or specialized training in cultural heritage protection, UN systems, or project management.
-
Familiarity with the 2015 UNESCO Recommendation on Museums and Collections is a plus.
🧠 Professional Experience
Minimum Requirements:
-
At least 2 years of relevant professional experience, ideally in the cultural or international development sectors.
-
Experience with project management in post-conflict or post-disaster settings is highly desirable.
Preferred:
-
Experience working with UNESCO, another UN agency, or a major international NGO.
-
Demonstrated knowledge of culture in emergencies, rapid response strategies, and global donor engagement.
Additional Information
🧩 Skills & Competencies
To succeed in this role, you should bring a blend of technical project skills and cultural sensitivity. Required competencies include:
-
Excellent organizational skills – Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
-
Communication excellence – Proven ability to write compelling reports and speak effectively in multicultural settings.
-
Interpersonal aptitude – Comfortable working in diverse teams and across international boundaries.
-
Creative thinking – Ability to anticipate challenges and propose innovative solutions.
-
Digital literacy – Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with web-based platforms.
🌐 Language Proficiency
Required:
-
Excellent command of English or French, both spoken and written.
Desirable:
-
Proficiency in a second official UNESCO language—Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish—will strengthen your application.
💼 Contract Details
-
Contract Type: Project Appointment (P-2 Grade)
-
Duration: Initial 1-year contract, renewable based on performance and funding availability
-
Duty Station: UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
-
Salary: Approximately $86,274 USD/year (subject to UN compensation structure and benefits)
🎁 Benefits & Entitlements
UNESCO offers an attractive employment package to international staff, including:
-
30 days annual leave
-
Family allowances, where applicable
-
Medical insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents
-
Pension plan participation
-
Access to training, professional development, and mentorship programmes
-
A diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment
📅 Application Process & Deadline
Interested applicants must submit their applications online via the UNESCO Careers Portal.
-
Deadline to apply: 9 July 2025 (Midnight Paris Time)
-
Post Number: CLT/PA 122
-
Only applications submitted online will be considered.
-
Candidates may be subject to written tests, interviews, and reference checks.
-
Only those under serious consideration will be contacted.
🔗 Apply via the UNESCO Careers Website
Why Work for UNESCO?
Choosing UNESCO is more than a career decision—it’s a commitment to global heritage, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Here’s what makes this position special:
-
Global Mission: Be part of UNESCO’s critical mission to preserve culture in times of crisis—from war zones to disaster-stricken cities.
-
International Exposure: Collaborate with governments, NGOs, and professionals from all over the world.
-
Career Advancement: Develop cross-cutting skills in project management, communications, and emergency coordination.
-
Cultural Impact: Shape the future of cultural resilience, protection, and innovation on an international scale.
Disclaimer
This blog post is independently curated for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by UNESCO. For official details, updates, and application procedures, please visit the official UNESCO Careers Portal.
Google Discover Headline
UNESCO Is Hiring in Paris: Apply Now for the Associate Project Officer (Culture) Role in 2025!
Suggested SEO Keywords
UNESCO careers 2025, Associate Project Officer UNESCO, culture jobs in Paris, UNESCO culture sector vacancies, emergency preparedness UNESCO, international jobs Paris UNESCO, UN jobs in culture, heritage emergency fund UNESCO, project management UNESCO jobs, UNESCO P-2 vacancies, UNESCO contract jobs, culture in crisis response