OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Within the framework of UNESCO’s Communication and Information (CI) programme in 2022-2025, in particular its Outcome 6 on “promoting freedom of expression and the right to information” and Outcome 8 on “fostering knowledge sharing and skills development in the digital age”, UNESCO Bangkok requires an Individual Specialist to closely coordinate the smooth planning, implementation and reporting of the projects on building capacity for the monitoring and preservation of documentary heritage in the Asia-Pacific region, and fostering universal access to information and knowledge in the Mekong countries, with specific advocacy on gender mainstreaming.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (hereinafter called UNESCO 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 the Japanese Funds-in-Trust project “Glass Plate Photography Collections at Risk in Asia: Preservation and Digitization of Archaeological and Ethnographic Collections” in close consultation with partners and key stakeholders. These responsibilities include:

a. Organize and facilitate consultative meetings with stakeholders;

b. Prepare the first phase of project implementation plan on assessing the state of preservation of glass plate negatives collections;

c. Assist in the development of preservation plans and guidelines for each target institution;

d. Identify suitable digitization processes and resource persons for digitization;

e. Identify and engage with partners, experts, resource persons and beneficiary groups to ensure the smooth implementation of the project and achievement of targeted results;

f. Monitor project progress and ensure timely delivery of outputs;

g. Prepare regular progress reports;

h. Oversee the work of experts, consultants and contractors.

i. 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 and the coordination of the 2026 cycle of nominations to the MOWCAP Regional Register.

3. Support 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. 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.

6. Submit the following deliverables to UNESCO for its approval:

a. Monthly report detailing activities undertaken for each month period.

b. An implementation plan for the assessment of the glass plate negatives collection on 31 March 2025.

c. A progress report on J-FIT “P Glass Plate Photography Collections at Risk in Asia: Preservation and Digitization of Archaeological and Ethnographic Collections”” on 30 May 2025.

d. A report on the progress in the MOWCAP Regional Register 2026 cycle of nominations on 31 July 2025;

e. An assessment report on the state of preservation of the target glass plate negatives collections and preservations plans for each target institution by 31 October 2025;

f. A final report that includes achieved outcomes/outputs during the contract period by 31 December 2025.

Timeframe

Timeframe (tentative)

1 February 2025 – 31 December 2025 (11 months)

Payment Schedule

Payment of each installment will be made upon submission of the deliverable by the due date.

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:

• Knowledge of Asia-Pacific heritage archives and media and literacy issues
• Proven conceptual and analytical skills
• Effective planning and organizing ability
• 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
• 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.