Accessible Heritage Tourism Assistant

UNESCO ZWE organization mission TBD

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1945 as a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its mission is to build peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. UNESCO promotes
the free flow of ideas, fosters knowledge sharing, and supports the protection of cultural and natural heritage. UNESCO plays a key role in monitoring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas related to education, culture, science, and communication. It serves as the custodian agency for several indicators under SDG 4 (Quality Education), including those related to learning outcomes, teacher qualifications, and access to educational resources. UNESCO also leads on indicators related to education for sustainable development under SDG 13 (Climate Action).
In addition to its custodian role, UNESCO acts as a co-custodian for indicators under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), particularly those involving research and development, and cultural heritage preservation. These responsibilities reflect
UNESCO’s mandate to promote inclusive knowledge societies and safeguard cultural diversity.

UNESCO also contributes data and expertise to other SDGs, such as SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), especially in areas like gender parity in education and the safety of journalists. Through its Institute for Statistics (UIS) and global partnerships, UNESCO ensures that data collection and reporting are aligned with international standards and support evidence-based policymaking.

Under the supervision of the Culture Programme Specialist and in close coordination with the regular programme and project staff in the Culture Sector and the colleagues across Natural Sciences and Social and Human Sciences sectors, the UNV will undertake the following specific tasks, which will be adapted and updated based on the nature, type and extent of disability the UNV would have:
1. Supporting research and documentation on accessibility in heritage and museum contexts, including:
a. Focus on verbal or team-based research: the UNV can collaborate with colleagues to gather and discuss findings.
b. Use printed materials in large font or Braille, or rely on verbal briefings from team members.
c. Contribute to documentation through dictation to a colleague or note-taker, or by handwriting if typing is not feasible.

2. Assisting in the development of inclusive planning tools and communication materials, including:
a. Participate in content planning discussions and provide verbal or handwritten input.
b. Review drafts through team read-aloud sessions or printed materials.
c. Suggest improvements based on lived experience and inclusion principles.

3. Facilitating online consultations and knowledge exchanges with OPDs and other stakeholders, including:
a. Focus on verbal facilitation or co-facilitation with a colleague who manages the technical aspects.
b. Use accessible meeting formats (e.g., audio-only participation, simplified interfaces).
c. Contribute by preparing discussion points, summarizing feedback verbally, or leading inclusive dialogue.

4. Contributing to internal coordination across UNESCO sectors to promote disability inclusion, including:
a. Attend meetings in person or via accessible formats (e.g., audio conferencing).
b. Share updates through verbal briefings, recorded messages, or dictated notes.
c. Collaborate closely with a designated colleague for documentation and follow-up.

5. Assisting in monitoring and reporting on inclusive heritage-related activities, including:
a. Participate in verbal debriefs and team-based data reviews.
b. Contribute to reporting by dictating summaries, providing verbal analysis, or annotating printed reports.
c. Use manual tracking tools (e.g., tactile charts or large-print logs) if digital tools are inaccessible.

6. Supporting awareness-raising efforts through digital platforms and UNESCO networks, including:
a. Provide content ideas and messaging verbally or in writing.
b. Collaborate with communications staff to translate ideas into digital content.
c. Participate in audio-recorded interviews, spoken-word contributions (or similar activities), or community storytelling.