Project Officer (Islamabad, Pakistan) contract

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  4

Hiring Unit : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station : Islamabad

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−5 Time) : 26/03/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Under the overall authority of the Head of the UNESCO Office in Islamabad, and the direct supervision and guidance of the National Professional Officer (Culture) the Project Officer will be responsible for the management, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the Japan Funds-in-Trust (J-FiT) project entitled “Conservation of the Archaeological Ruins of Moenjodaro (Pakistan) and Reinforcement of the Disaster Risk Reduction Mechanism.” 

The Service Contract holder will work under the overall authority of the Head of the UNESCO Office in Pakistan and the direct supervision and guidance of the National Professional Officer (Culture), in close coordination with the International Expert on Culture and Heritage. 

The Service Contract holder will operate with a moderate level of autonomy in implementing project activities, exercising full autonomy in managing day-to-day coordination, follow-up of activities, and the preparation of technical and administrative outputs as per project document, however strategic decisions, key technical directions, financial commitments, and matters with policy implications will be taken in close consultation with the direct supervisor and the Head of Office, in accordance with UNESCO rules and procedures. 

The Contract holder is expected to independently plan and organize routine tasks, prioritize activities in line with the approved work plan, proactively coordinate with partners and experts, and ensure timely delivery of assigned outputs. All major deliverables will be reviewed and validated by the direct supervisor and international expert on culture and heritage, prior to finalization.

b. Internal and external contacts

The assignment will involve regular internal coordination with colleagues from the Culture Unit, Administration Unit, and Communications Unit of the UNESCO Office in Pakistan, as well as with relevant technical officers at UNESCO Headquarters, including the World Heritage Centre and related entities.

Externally, the Service Contract holder will maintain close and continuous working relationships with the Department of Culture, Government of Sindh; the Directorate of Antiquities and Archaeology, Sindh; site management staff at the Moenjodaro World Heritage Site; national and international conservation experts and consultants; implementing partners; academic and research institutions; and donor representatives, including the Japan Funds-in-Trust focal points.

The assignment will also require coordination, as appropriate, with other United Nations agencies and relevant national stakeholders, particularly in areas related to disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and heritage conservation, to ensure coherence, complementarity, and effective implementation of project activities.

The Project Officer will undertake the following tasks:

• Manage and provide technical and administrative support for the implementation of project activities, including the inception phase, in accordance with the approved project document, and coordinate implementation in close collaboration with the Directorate of Antiquities and Archaeology, Government of Sindh; the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Islamabad; the World Heritage Centre; and other implementing partners, stakeholders, and the donor.
• Learn and effectively use UNESCO’s online management platforms (including DUO) for reporting, contract management, travel arrangements, and related processes to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.
• Review and analyze reports from past reactive monitoring missions, completed and ongoing projects, State of Conservation reports, World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations, and other relevant documentation to strengthen understanding of conservation and management challenges, as well as the short and long-term needs of the Archaeological Ruins of Moenjodaro.

• Coordinate with the Directorate General of Antiquities and Archaeology, Government of Sindh, and other relevant stakeholders to establish a Project Steering Committee with clear terms of reference, roles, and responsibilities.
• Manage the project budget in compliance with UNESCO’s financial rules and regulations, monitor budget utilization, regularly update the supervisor on the financial status of project implementation, and proactively flag any risks or irregularities while proposing appropriate mitigation measures.
• Prepare Terms of Reference (TORs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and lead the evaluation and contractual processes for engaging partners, consultants, and vendors required for the implementation of project activities.
• Manage and monitor contracts awarded under the project, review deliverables and technical reports, submitted by contractors/partners, and ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of project outputs.

• Undertake monitoring missions to the World Heritage Site and participate in relevant meetings, both in person and online, to ensure effective oversight and timely implementation of project activities.
• Liaise closely with the National Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer, apply the M&E framework throughout the project lifecycle, and ensure timely exchange of data and information.
• Coordinate the timely submission of reports by local implementing partners and prepare synthesized periodic and consolidated technical reports and progress briefs for submission to the World Heritage Centre, Government, UN Resident Coordination Office (UNRC) and the donor.
• Contribute to the preparation and organization of training workshops, coordination meetings, and other project-related events foreseen under the project.
• Prepare, or contribute to, concept notes for resource mobilization, as well as briefings, analytical notes, reports, presentations, and inputs to publications related to the project.
• Develop and disseminate communication and visibility materials, including social media posts, web news, and articles, highlighting key activities and milestones of the project, in order to enhance awareness and visibility through UNESCO online tools, websites, newsletters (UNIC and UNESCO), and social media platforms.
• Facilitate timely and effective information-sharing among programme colleagues, participating stakeholders, and local implementing partners to support coordinated project implementation.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Director of the Office and/or the National Professional Officer (Culture).

• Effective and Timely Project Implementation
  The J-FiT project on the conservation of the Archaeological Ruins of Moenjodaro is implemented efficiently and in accordance with approved workplans, timelines, and UNESCO procedures, with strong coordination established among federal and provincial authorities, implementing partners, and the donor.
• Strengthened Governance and Coordination Mechanisms
  A functional Project Steering Committee is established and operational, with clear terms of reference, ensuring coordinated decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with World Heritage Committee recommendations and national priorities.
• Effective Financial and Contractual Management
  Project funds are managed transparently and in full compliance with UNESCO financial rules, with contracts effectively administered, deliverables reviewed for quality and timeliness, and potential risks identified and mitigated in a timely manner.
• Enhanced Technical Knowledge and Application for Moenjodaro
  Project implementation is informed by a solid understanding of past reactive monitoring missions, state of conservation reports, and World Heritage Committee decisions, contributing to improved conservation practices and strengthened disaster risk reduction mechanisms at the Moenjodaro World Heritage Site.

• Improved Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability
  Monitoring and evaluation frameworks are consistently applied, and high-quality periodic and consolidated reports are submitted on time to the World Heritage Centre and the donor, ensuring accountability, evidence-based decision-making, and adaptive project management.
• Technically Sound Conservation and Research Interventions Implemented
  Research and conservation activities at Moenjodaro are implemented within a comprehensive operational framework, applying appropriate technical expertise and conservation methodologies tailored to the site’s specific characteristics and fully aligned with the recommendations of the 2022–2023 emergency assistance missions, the 2024 WHC/ICOMOS reactive monitoring missions, and the decisions of the World Heritage Committee.
• Strengthened and Harmonized Site Management Framework
  The management framework for the Moenjodaro World Heritage Site is strengthened and harmonized through the integration of effective management tools, improved coordination mechanisms, and enhanced stakeholder engagement at federal, provincial, and site levels.
• Increased Capacity, Visibility, and Public Awareness
  Capacity-building activities, training workshops, and coordination meetings are effectively organized, while targeted communication and visibility efforts enhance awareness among stakeholders, youth, and the general public on the protection of Moenjodaro and the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage.

The Service Contract assignment is for eleven months.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

   

  For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Archaeology, Conservation, Architecture, Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies, or any other relevant discipline from a recognized institution.

WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience in the development sector, preferably in the field of culture or heritage.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Skills and Competencies

1. Strong organizational and coordination skills.
2. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
3. Proven ability to work effectively, set priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
4. Demonstrated ability to draft high-quality, clear, and concise documents and reports.
5. Ability to build, maintain, and manage effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
6. Excellent presentation and communication skills.
7. Strong interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in office productivity software and online collaboration tools.

LANGUAGES

Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and good working knowledge of Urdu.

Proficiency in the Sindhi language will be considered an asset

EDUCATION

Master’s degree in Archaeology, Conservation Architecture, Heritage Management with specialization in Disaster Risk Reduction, Earthen Architecture Conservation, Climate Change Adaptation.

WORK EXPERIENCE

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

LANGUAGES

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.