Field Officer Culture & Education

Terms of Reference for the position

Title: Field Officer Culture & Education

Contract: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (1 year with a 3-month probation period - renewable based on positive performance evaluation)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (5 working days)

Reporting to: Project Manager and Program Supervisor

Duty station: East Jerusalem – Old City

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-GEO-NEAR/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 Field Officer Culture & Education is responsible for assisting in maintaining and expanding the existing networks of schools, CBOs, museums, universities, and other stakeholders in East Jerusalem through precise strategic planning and outreach activities to be approved by the Project Manager (PM) and in close coordination with the Social Media and Communication Officer and the Head of Culture Heritage Education (HoE). This includes ensuring the smooth operation and effectiveness of the network while integrating robust monitoring, evaluation, and logistical processes. The officer contributes to fulfilling donor requirements by collaborating on the preparation and submission of progress and annual reports, ensuring alignment with project objectives, and maintaining strict compliance with donor guidelines and expectations.

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.

Main Responsibilities and Skills

1.Networking

• Support the PM and the HoE in the coordination of the Network in a manner that supports and guides the project’s objectives as defined by the project document.
• Support in maintaining and expanding the existing networks of schools, CBOs, and museums in East Jerusalem.
• Organize and participate in regular visits to schools, CBOs, and museums to ensure active engagement and feedback collection in close coordination with the PM and the HoE.
• Work in close collaboration with the Social Media and Communication Officer to prepare and spread information material on the TSM educational activities/learning programs for students and local community.
• Involve the network of museums in East Jerusalem to be incorporated in the educational activities program for Palestinian Jerusalemite children, youth, and families, to improve coordination among museums in the Old City.
• Involve the network of CBOs in East Jerusalem to be engaged in the promotion of the TSM educational activities program for Palestinian Jerusalemite children, youth, and families.
• Keep the project activity calendar and schedule well organized.

2. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Support in the design and implementation of M&E frameworks to track the progress and impact of the project activities in coordination with the team members.
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of information provided by ongoing networks and surveys.
• Support the PM in filling in indicators at the program level and drafting activities reports, database creation and updates.
• Contribute to the production of comprehensive progress and annual implementation reports in accordance with donor requirements.
• Ensure all activities are documented in compliance with donor guidelines.

3. Logistical Support

• Assist in planning and organizing events, workshops, training sessions and in the implementation of educational activities when needed to ensure effective engagement.
• Assist with procurement processes in accordance with donor guidelines.
• Ensure smooth coordination of project activities, including scheduling and following up on activities in coordination with the PM and the HoE.
• Manage logistical arrangements for field visits, meetings, and other project-related activities in coordination with the team members.

4. Communication and Problem-Solving

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with stakeholders, partners, and team members.
• Address challenges proactively by identifying solutions that align with project goals.
• Facilitate clear and consistent communication between network members and project staff.
• Handle unforeseen logistical and operational issues with flexibility and efficiency in coordination with the project team.
• Execute other duties as requested by the Project Manager.

Experience and Skills

• A relevant bachelor’s degree or preferably a master’s in humanities studies, Social / Political Sciences, Management, or related fields.
• A combination of related qualifications and experience in the field of education and/or valorization of cultural heritage would be an added advantage.
• At least two years of demonstrated experience working with development partners in Palestine, preferably East Jerusalem.
• Proven experience in implementing M&E frameworks.
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills with significant experience in developing and building networks.
• Proven ability to work with a wide range of Network members and other local organizations as well as partners, government, beneficiaries, staff, opinion leaders and development partners.
• Gender sensitivity: being aware and have insight on gender issues, paying particular attention to formulate and implement measures that assist in dealing with gender-based discrimination as well as ability to mainstream gender.
• Advocacy skills: effective representation of the public and private face of pro Terra Sancta and proficiency in effective promotion of projects’ goals and values.
• Fluent in Arabic and perfect command of English (spoken and written).

Desirable Requirements

• A driving license valid in Jerusalem is preferred.
• Familiarity with cultural heritage or education-focused projects.
• Previous experience with international NGOs is an asset.

How to Apply

 Please submit your CV and cover letter to [email protected] and [email protected] with a subject line: Field Officer Culture & Education

Closing date: 10 February 2025 at 18:00.

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