Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

To manage and establish strategies, plans and objectives for ICH Interpretation & Public Engagement Section, aiming to illustrate interrelationships and connections between ICH practices. The Section Head role will manage the overall planning and execution of ICH public engagement programmes, aiding to increase awareness and to extend outreach to targeted audiences.

Also, the Section Head role will manage and monitor all aspects of developing innovative and creative ICH content and interpretations in line with defined projects' objectives and specifications. Also, the role will manage ICH activations and operations, ensuring that all activations are delivered in line with ICH Activations Calendar and in accordance to defined budgets and expected standards.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Plans and Partnerships Establish the strategy, plans and objectives for ICH Interpretation & Public Engagement section, aiming to illustrate interrelationships and connections between ICH practices. Ensure that continuous research is conducted on public engagement, interpretations, and activations to identify best practices and to develop creative ideas for various ICH elements.

Public Engagement Programmes Manage and guide the development of ICH public engagement platforms and projects, ensuring diverse and targeted outreach with the aim of raising awareness and building dialogue. Review marketing briefs and monitor marketing content delivery, ensuring that all content raise awareness and promote ICH elements in liaison with Culture Sector Marketing Department. Provide direction and guidance on the design of ICH outreach activations, events and participations detailed strategy plan that aims at engaging younger generations locally and foreign audience groups internationally. Manage the planning and delivery of ICH content and initiatives to embedded in schools in liaison with Education & Outreach Department. Work as a focal point to provide expertise and direction on designs and on developing aesthetic language across all the section's projects, ensuring creative and user-friendly qualities to all outputs.

ICH Interpretation Monitor and manage the development and execution of interpretation plans for ICH elements, including crafts, traditional performing arts, culinary heritage and other practices and expressions. Manage and direct the planning and delivery of innovative ICH interpretation schemes and designs, ensuring that developed interpretive productions and materials meet creative standards and experience expectations. Strengthen and enhance partnership with Culture Festivals & Platforms Department to ensure that key ICH platforms are incubated through content development. Oversee and manage the overall selection, production, and evaluation of content per project, while ensuring alignment of content with project's objectives and needs. Direct the section on the sensitive nature of ICH and potential challenges and ensure that deliverables take account of the sensitive nature when working with heritage practices. Proactively monitor the representation of ICH elements, including history and current social practice in order to ensure their accurate representation. Foster relationships with subject-matter experts and approve profiles of subject-matter experts and specialised heritage interpretation professionals, ensuring their alignment with required expertise and heritage interpretation demands. Review and approve all the section's deliverables, ensuring they are accurate, representative, and accessible to target audiences

ICH Activations and Operations Oversee operational and financial aspects of activations and public engagement programmes, while ensuring alignment with defined timelines, budgets and objectives. Direct and manage the planning and execution of ICH activations and operations, while ensuring that all activations are delivered in line with ICH Activations Calendar.

Policies, Processes and Procedures Develop policies, processes and procedures pertaining to the section in coordination with the corporate excellence and manage their implementation to ensure adherence and all relevant requirements are fulfilled.

Collaboration Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on matters related to the section to in order to facilitate flow of information and also to build awareness in those areas.

Day-to-Day Operations Manage the day-to-day operations of the section providing some guidance in the related area, encouraging teamwork and facilitating related professional work processes in order to achieve high performance standards and ensure that employee activities are performed in timely, efficient, and effective manner. Report on a regular basis to the Line Manager on the operational activities of the section, challenges and issues faced, mitigations taken, etc. as required to keep the Line Manager informed and updated on the section's activities.

Budget Contribute to the preparation of the ICH Department budget, and monitor the financial performance of a given area of activity versus set budget to ensure alignment with set budget guidelines.

People Management Manage the effective achievement of the section's objectives by setting individual targets, developing and motivating staff, conducting and reviewing performance appraisals for direct and indirect reports, assisting in recruitment, providing formal and informal feedback in order to maximise subordinates and section's performance. Contribute to the achievement of Emiratisation requirements within the section through recruitment, development and retention of UAE nationals and in line with DCT's Emiratisation initiatives.

EHS (Environment, Health and Safety) Ensure all relevant environment, health and safety policies, procedures and controls are adhered to so that employee safety, legislative compliance, and a responsible environmental attitude can be guaranteed. Comply with all relevant EHS guidelines, policies and procedures, report incidents and hazards on a timely manner, and reduce consumption of natural resources to support in protecting the environment and ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal External

Culture Sector Digital Transformation Office Strategic Affair Sector Support Services Sector

Experts in ICH and Other Related Fields Key Vendors/Suppliers Government & Education Institutions ICH Communities of Practice Artisans/Community Representatives NGOs

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, COMPETENCIES

Qualification (e.g. Academic Qualification, Certifications, Licenses)

Bachelor's degree in Art Management, Cultural Studies, Heritage Studies, Emirati Studies, Business Administration, or Equivalent. Master's degree (preferred) in Art Management, Cultural Studies, Heritage Studies, Emirati Studies, Business Administration, or Equivalent.

Experience

At least 6 to 8 years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role within heritage, cultural and/or traditional crafts field. Preferably, an experience in content development / interpretations, as well as a prior experience in planning and delivering cultural/heritage programs. Additionally, strong knowledge and understanding about UAE heritage and traditional crafts.

Key Skills

Strong strategic decision making: ability to make timely decisions, and explain decisions to ensure commitment and execution Excellent communication skills: ability to prepare written documents and reports, as well as prepare oral presentations. Analytical and problem-solving skills: ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, anticipate consequences, and provide recommendations. Building relationships and collaboration skills: ability to proactively build and strengthen positive personal and organizational relationships, as well as ability to work with variety of groups and ages. Effective organizing and planning skills: ability to create and keep deadlines, set and meet goals, manage schedules, and think strategically. Critical thinking skills: ability to analyze situations, understand connections between ideas and make informed decisions. Strong technical and IT skills: ability to gather and interpret data, ability to utilise computer technology, and ability to use applications and software. Adaptability and flexibility: ability to cope with changing circumstances and environments. Advanced subject-matter expertise.