Head of Cultural Heritage Education

Pro Terra Sancta (PTS) is a non-governmental organization implementing international cooperation projects aimed at fostering social, cultural, and economic progress in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt. Established in 2002 to support archaeological activities and heritage conservation interventions carried out by the Custody of the Holy Land in Palestine, PTS now operates in three main fields: Conservation and Development, Education and Assistance, and Humanitarian Emergency. In Palestine, PTS has a longstanding partnership with the Mosaic Centre, collaborating on projects aimed at promoting and preserving local cultural heritage while strengthening Palestinian civil society, with the goal of contributing to the sustainable socio-economic development of communities.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We welcome applications from everyone who actively contributes to an inclusive and anti-racist organizational culture. PTS work environment ensures people feel valued and are treated equitably, valuing a diverse and inclusive team where mutual support and respect are fundamental.

The project “TSM: Heritage Education Hub for Palestinian Youth” (NDICI-GEONEAR/2024/455-228) aims to offer a comprehensive educational program focused on the museum’s collection targeting children, families, youths, and students, and promoting local history and cultural heritage as a tool to empower fragile communities and vulnerable people. To achieve these goals a network of schools, CBOs, and museums of East Jerusalem and surroundings will be established and involved in planning and implementing raising awareness activities. An educational hub will be equipped and promoted, and a wide range of activities involving Jerusalem’s arts and cultural sector will contribute to the valorization and preservation of the Palestinian character of the city. Moreover, on-the-job training for local young professionals will also be provided, both at local museums and abroad.

PTS has already implemented learning programs both within the TSM and outside to involve the Jerusalem community in preserving their local heritage and raising awareness regarding its importance. The goal is not only to protect the heritage but also to bring it closer to the local population for the heritage to become part of the political, social, and economic life of the community. The cultural heritage shall maintain an ongoing relationship with the local community as it might be a crucial resource for the local economy and sustainable development as well as a tool against poverty generating multiple and diversified sources of income and a dynamic element to mitigate social, ethnic, and religious tensions in places of conflict.

The TERRA SANCTA MUSEUM (TSM), located in the heart of the old city of Jerusalem, exhibits Christian archaeological and artistic heritage, which has been carefully preserved by the Franciscans for 800 years. Since its opening in 2016, thanks to PTS's collaboration with the Custody of the Holy Land, the TSM has made its precious collection accessible to both local communities and international visitors. Through archaeology, the TSM explores 4000 years of history and is expanding its collections and galleries, being the first of its kind in Jerusalem. It remains deeply rooted in the Palestinian community while incorporating expertise from renowned international museums.

Job Summary
The HoE - recruited in the framework of the EU-funded project “TSM: Heritage Education Hub for Palestinian Youth” – will have the responsibility of planning, developing, and implementing the projects’ educational programs. The museum’s collection and history will be the core of such learning programs, but other museum’s content and topic will be also explored. These programs will be directed to local communities, schools, and associations, and implemented both within the TSM itself and off-site.
The HoE will report directly to the Project Manager and to the Program Supervisor, a senior consultant who will orientate and support the HoE in understanding and translating the cultural heritage content into appropriate educational activities. Moreover s(he) will collaborate closely with senior museum experts, teachers, educators, and partner organizations, and will coordinate the educational activities with the project’s staff.

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Main Responsibilities and Skills

• Assist the PM and PS in strategic planning ofthe educational program, by setting long-term goals, short-term outcomes, and needed actions to achieve these goals.
• Design, plan, develop, and coordinate specific educational programs on cultural heritage.
• Identify different target groups (children, youths, women, families, local community) and assess their specific needs to design appropriate educational programs and learning tools for each one.
• Establish new partnerships within the Jerusalem art and cultural sector.
• Monitor and follow up on the ongoing educational programs (by keeping an updated database) and junior educators’ traineeship.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager in selecting and training the junior educators.
• Collaborate with the Program Supervisor regarding the creation of educational materials.
• Undertake any additional tasks as assigned by the PM.

Experience and Skills

• At least 3-4 years of experience working with culture and civil society organizations – in the field of cultural heritage, museums, archaeology, and/or art history.
• Record of effective experience in the educational field, developing and implementing educational and outreach programs.
• Fluent in Arabic and perfect command of English.
• Degree in a related field.
• Creative and artistic skills in order to translate core museum topics – as archeology, art history, local history, and traditions – into ad hoc educational activities.
• Logistic skills in order to plan and coordinate the project activities, in collaboration with the PM and the project’s team.
• Networking skills in order to implement and carry out educational programs with different partners and schools, in collaboration with the PM and project’s team.
• Leadership skills in order to assist the PM in the selection process and training of junior educators.
• Communication skills in order to assist the communication officer in developing outreach strategies.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to work independently, and manage work-load according to the project deadlines.
• Sensitive and respectful to the local cultures and religions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data managing according to internal procedures.

Desirable Requirements

• A driving license valid in Israel is preferred.
• Previous experience with international NGOs is an asset.

CV and a cover letter have to be sent to [email protected] and [email protected] - subject: PTS/TSM/HoE/2024.

Candidates should be able to reside in Jerusalem and/or daily commute from their residence to East Jerusalem. 
Due to time constraints, PTS reserves the right to start the selection process and make offers before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found.

*Please note that all applications should be submitted only in English. It is advisable to apply early to avoid any technical issues.
*This role may require regular domestic and possible international travel and some out of hours and/or evening work according to the project’s activities