Call for Applications – AWHF Consultants

by | Jan 7, 2025 | News

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Deadline: 22 January 2025

Consultants to Support the Implementation of the Action Plan and Strategy for World Heritage in Africa

 The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) is an intergovernmental organization created in 2006 by the African Union and UNESCO to support the effective conservation and protection of cultural and natural heritage of Outstanding Universal Value in Africa. The main objective of the AWHF is to address the challenges faced by African States Parties in the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, specifically, the underrepresentation of African sites on the World Heritage List and the insufficient conservation and management of these sites. The Fund became a Category II Centre under the auspices of UNESCO in 2010 hence, an official and privileged partner of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies of the World Heritage Committee (ICOMOS, ICCROM and IUCN). The Fund is hosted by the Government of the Republic of South Africa on behalf of the African continent.

As a Category II Centre under the auspices of UNESCO, the African World Heritage Fund is a unique centre of excellence with a specific mandate to support the implementation of the World Heritage Convention in Africa contributing in a meaningful way to achievement of the targets outlined in the Regional Action Plan for World Heritage in Africa 2021-2027 (adopted by the World Heritage Committee at its 44th Session in 2021) and the Strategy for World Heritage in Africa of the Flagship Programme 3 of the Operational Strategy for Priority Africa 2022-2029 (endorsed by the World Heritage Committee in its extended 45th session in 2023), through capacity-building, technical and financial assistance to all Member States of the Africa Union. The AWHF Strategic Plan (2022-2027) implements both the Regional Action Plan and the Strategy for World Heritage in Africa through its annual activities.

The AWHF maintains a close relationship with the African Union, fostering significant synergies between UNESCO’s Priority Africa and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. This is achieved by providing targeted support to African States Parties, with the aim of strengthening the implementation of the World Heritage Convention:

  1. Contributing to increasing the number of African properties on the World Heritage List.
  2. Providing technical and financial support to enhance the conservation and management of World Heritage properties in Africa, which also includes the removal of properties from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
  3. Strengthening capabilities of heritage professionals and institutions by consistently implementing capacity-building processes and initiatives.
  4. Assist in increasing sustainable growth for local communities at and around World Heritage properties.

Since its inception in 2006, the Fund has made substantial contributions to the execution of the World Heritage Convention in Africa, through capacity building, nomination development, and heritage conservation and sustainable development initiatives. Notwithstanding the advancements made by African Member States, considerable efforts remain necessary, especially in particularly in improving the representation of African heritage on the World Heritage List, prioritising the listing of sites in countries without inscribed sites on the list, removing sites from the List of World Heritage in Danger, and promoting sustainable management and conservation of World Heritage sites. The AWHF aims to employ consultants to assist in executing its capacity-building programs in four primary areas as part of its Strategic Plan for 2025.

  1. World Heritage Nomination Process (including Tentative Listing).
  2. Conservation and management of World Heritage, including risk preparedness.
  3. World Heritage and Sustainable Development (including tourism and entrepreneurship).
  4. Partnership for financing World Heritage (including stakeholders’ engagement).

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the African World Heritage Fund, the Consultant shall support the implementation of the Fund’s activities by discharging the following responsibilities:

  • Project planning and implementation: Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, heritage organizations, and local communities.
  • Resource management: Manage project resources effectively, including human resources, materials, and finances.
  • Documentation: Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation related to project progress.
  • Public outreach: Engage with the public and promote heritage awareness through educational programs and events.
  • Monitoring and evaluation: Regularly assess project performance and make necessary adjustments to achieve project goals. 

Required Experience and Qualifications

Interested consultants must demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Strong project management skills, including budgeting, resource allocation, project monitoring, and reporting.
  • Relevant Postgraduate university degree in cultural or natural heritage, social sciences, conservation and environmental sciences, communication sciences, business management, economics or other related fields.
  • Proven experience (minimum of 5 years) in the field of World Heritage in Africa.
  • In-depth knowledge of the World Heritage Convention and its implementation in Africa.
  • Familiarity with African World Heritage Fund’s mandate.
  • Experience in the organization and implementation of international capacity-building projects in the field of heritage.
  • Strong technical writing skills to produce high-quality and comprehensive reports.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and meet tight deadlines.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Fluent in English and/or French. Working knowledge of other African Union languages (Arabic and Portuguese), is an added advantage.

Application Requirements

Interested consultants must submit the following:

  1. A detailed CV highlighting relevant expertise and experience including contact details for three professional references
  2. An Expression of Interest letter, indicating the specific Area(s) of Expertise (from 4 listed above) being applied for.
  3. A portfolio of past work (e.g., reports, publications, or project deliverables).

 Submission Deadline

All applications must be submitted by Wednesday 22 January 2025 through this link:  Click here to APPLY. 

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed based on qualifications, experience, and relevance to AWHF’s strategic objectives and programmes for 2025. Selected consultants will be included in AWHF’s consultancy panel and contacted for assignments between January and December 2025.

For inquiries or further information, please contact the Head of Partnerships at AWHF, Ms. Veronica Maduna at VeronicaM@dbsa.org

 

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