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Program Director, Archaeological & Historic Preservation Program

Posted: June 22, 2009

International Relief & Development

Iraq

Type: Full Time, Experienced

Required Degree: Master's

Preferred Degree: PhD

Description:
Cultural Heritage Project (CHP) in Iraq, being implemented by International Relief and Development (IRD), is designed to focus US and international resources and expertise on rebuilding the professional capabilities of Iraq's museum, heritage and archaeology organizations, and antiquities preservation and management.

This is a two-year project funded by a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and administered by International Relief and Development.

CHP is a high profile project which will implement three key program areas that have definable, tangible, measureable results:
a) the establishment of a new conservation and historic preservation Institute in Erbil to serve preservation and training needs throughout Iraq;
b) the establishment of a professional environment within the Iraq Museum to support its core objectives of preservation and promotion of scholarship; and
c) professional development and capacity building of Iraq's museum and antiquities staff.

Responsibilities:
The Program Director will be stationed in historic Erbil, located in northern Iraq, and will lead the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Program at the newly established National Training Institute for the Preservation of Iraqi Cultural Heritage. This Institute is designed to focus US and international resources and expertise on rebuilding the professional capabilities of Iraq's museum, heritage, and archaeological organizations. The Institute's primary areas of focus are:
• to serve preservation and training needs throughout Iraq;
• to assist with the re-establishment and expansion of the professional environment within the Iraq Museum in Baghdad and to support its core objectives of preservation and scholarship; and
• to identify and facilitate opportunities for professional development and capacity building of Iraq's museum and heritage staff.

The Institute comprised of two programs: Archaeological and Historic Preservation Program and Collections Conservation and Management. The Collections Conservation and Management Program will be developed by the Walters Art Museum, Winterthur Museum and Country Estate, the University of Delaware Art Conservation Department, and the Iraq State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) as a custom-designed curriculum formulated to meet the short- and long-term preservation needs of Iraqi collections and cultural institutions. It will have its own Program Director who will be responsible for implementing that program.

The Archaeological and Historic Preservation Program will be developed by the U.S. National Park Service in consultation with the Iraq SBAH. Coursework will encompass the philosophy, ethics, practice, and scholarship of archaeological and historic preservation theory, method, resource management, planning, security, public involvement, and heritage interpretation. The development of critical thinking, professionalism, advocacy skills, and practical solutions will be emphasized.

The Program Director of the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Program will work in consultation with the program's partners on all aspects of the program, including curriculum development, delivery, and assessment, faculty selection and supervision, admissions, student mentoring, and overall program evaluation. The Program Director is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the courses in archaeology and historic preservation delivered at and by the Institute. Working with administrative support for education, the Program Director ensures effective and efficient use of space, equipment, and other Institute resources. The Program Director provides instruction and individual courses, as appropriate, and assists faculty and students in developing educational projects required as part of the program.

The Program Director of the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Program will also work with the resident Erbil Project Coordinator, who is appointed by IRD and is responsible for logistical oversight and planning, financial administration and compliance, infrastructure, and coordination with IRD, the US Embassy/Baghdad, the Department of State, and other related programs.

The Program Director of the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Program will also coordinate courses, educational projects, and preservation and research projects with the Program Director of the Collections Conservation and Management Program.

Education/Experience:
At least 7 years of professional experience
• Project management and supervisory experience involving initiatives with multiple partners
• Significant teaching experience and record of research and scholarship
• Experience working with people of diverse cultures

Skills:
Senior professional in archaeological and historic preservation with a graduate degree, Ph.D. preferred, or equivalent education and training
• Knowledge of archaeological and historic preservation issues
• Expertise in developing and /or implementing emergency preparedness plans
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• High degree of flexibility and collaborative abilities• High degree of flexibility and collaborative abilities
• Knowledge of Middle Eastern cultural heritage
• Strong written and verbal skills in English
• Arabic language proficiency preferred but not required

Application Instructions:
Please apply online through our website at www.ird.org.

You may also apply online through this link:

LINK TO APPLY