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1. TITLE                                                           

Consultant

2. DURATION OF CONTRACT

Three months, starting as soon as possible

3. CONTEXT

In 1992, with the increasing risk of losing valuable information that attests to the knowledge of the world, and the identity, history and values of different peoples, UNESCO established the Memory of the World Programme, to increase the awareness of governments, concerned institutions and the general public on the importance of preserving the documentary heritage, which has world significance as a property to all.

Much significant documentary heritage, such as manuscripts, books and bureaucratic documents, which embodies the memory of local communities as it does that of humanity, has been dispersed and damaged because of inevitable natural disasters, conflicts. In Lebanon, and in particular, following the 4th of August explosion, many libraries, museums, universities and related institutions have been totally or partial damaged both physically and through its documentary heritage collections. However, given the nature of documentary heritage, its damaged cases and potential risk circumstances may not be as visible as those surrounding immovable cultural properties or artistic masterpieces. Documentary heritage thus needs all the assist to increase awareness and knowledge regarding possible risks as well as appropriate measure of preventive strategies to conserve it.

UNESCO Beirut office in partnership with the Lebanon National Commission for UNESCO launched the project entitled ‘Preservation of Documentary Heritage’, with the objective of reviewing and strengthening preservation plans and strategies of memory institutions by specifically integrating disaster risk reduction and management within their overall preservation systems.

The project started with a national conference that brought together all stakeholders from all related institutions. Now, we are working on a key activity that aims at feeding into this project, that is the mapping of documentary heritage available and whether endangered or at risk. This activity will consist of surveying the current situation of documentary heritage as well as the related memory institutions at risk in terms of a multi-hazard risk assessment, in order to identify needs and priorities at national levels as well as specify the areas to which a strategy of disaster risk reduction should be urgently applied. The result will be a fundamental dataset, utilised in the upcoming activities of the project as well as in future activities under the Memory of the World (MoW) Programme.

In this context, the consultant will undertake the national mapping exercise, as specified below.

For more information:

4. ASSIGNMENT

Under the authority of the Director of UNESCO Beirut Office, and the direct supervision of the National Project officer, and within the framework of the Memory of the World Programme, the consultant shall perform the following assignments:

1. Developing a risk assessment system/survey for documentary heritage and related memory institutions;
2. Implementing an online survey in order to map documentary heritage in at least 20 memory institutions with a focus on endangered or the ones at risk (e.g. natural disasters, conflict, etc.), in close collaboration with UNESCO Beirut office and the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM);
3. Where and when possible, coordinate on-site examination of documentary heritage and the related memory institutions in collaboration with the relevant parties;
4. Ensuring UNESCO and Lebanese NATCOM visibility through all the material, document and forms throughout the implementation of this activity;
5. Producing a comprehensive dataset and preparing a report based on the results of the mapping exercise for UNESCO and for possible presentation of new files for the MoW programme;
6. Conceiving effective plan of the mapping for future in capacity-building workshops and general action plans of the project.
7. Presenting the final reports and dataset to UNESCO in electronic copies

5. PROFILE REQUIRED

Education

Advanced University degree in Archival Science, Library Science, Museology, Conservation Science, Cultural Resources Management, Disaster Risk Reduction or related field (Master’s degree or above)

Experience

At least 7 years relevant professional experience including at least 3 years of work experience as an expert in the above mentioned fields, preferably with international experience in post-disaster situations and countries in transition.

  Competencies

• Understanding of documentary heritage such as manuscripts, historical documents, books, bureaucratic documents and audio-visual items as well as the related memory institutions such as archives, library and museum;
• Understanding of disaster risk reduction and management strategies for documentary heritage as well as the related institutions;
• Ability to develop creative and motivating strategic plan and measures for implementation in different areas, well considering sensitivity to different backgrounds;
• Capacity to ensure coordination of activities across diverse academic fields;
• Keen understanding of the challenges regarding documentary heritage and the related institutions in developing countries, resource restraints, and other unique circumstances;
• Capacity to work combining good teamwork spirit along with strong ability to maintain effective working relationship with people of different cultural backgrounds;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken English and Arabic. A good knowledge of French will be highly considered highly;
• Good computer and IT skills and experience in the usage of office software packages.

6. TO APPLY

If you are interested in this assignment, please send a written proposal in English to Beirut@unesco.org mentioning “MoW consultant” before 25 September 2020 at 4:00PM Beirut time.

Your written application should comprise:

• • An up-to-date curriculum vita, including at least two references from previous employers or supervisors,
  • A proposal for an appropriate methodological approach for the assignment including fee

Any additional information you may request will be sent to you as soon as possible. However, any delay in providing such information will not be considered a reason for extending the date for submission of your proposal.

Kindly note as well that until the selection of contractor is made and the contract is formally signed by UNESCO, the Organization has not undertaken any commitment, whether oral or written, to you or other prospective contractors.

Women candidates are encouraged to apply as well as persons with disabilities.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in this UNESCO assignment, and we look forward to receiving your proposal.