All Things Urban

United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) represents and defends the interests of local governments on the world stage, regardless of the size of the communities they serve. Headquartered in Barcelona, the organisation’s stated mission is: To be the united voice and world advocate of democratic local self-government, promoting its values, objectives and interests, through cooperation between local governments, and within the wider international community.

The Committee on culture of UCLG gathers together cities, associations and networks that foster the relation between local cultural policies and sustainable development. The Agenda 21 for culture is the first worldwide document establishing an undertaking by cities and local governments for cultural development.

The mission of the Committee is “To promote culture as the fourth pillar of sustainable development through the international dissemination and the local implementation of Agenda 21 for culture”. The Committee has been instrumental in putting Culture at the heart of UCLG policy, promoting the implementation of Culture initiatives at the local level and placing culture at the heart of key international processes.

With over 100 active members in all continents, the Committee has become the leading global platform on culture and sustainable development for local and regional governments and has situated UCLG as the leading network in this area.

The Committee facilitates the organization of the biennial International Award “UCLG – Mexico City – Culture 21”, coordinates the most complete database of good practices on "culture in sustainable cities", and organises, also every two years, the UCLG Global Summit on Culture. It runs programmes to support the elaboration and implementation of cultural policies (10 Leading Cities, 24 Pilot Cities and 3 Culture 21 Lab) and it takes part in international advocacy campaigns, advocating alongside others for culture in the UN Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

• Coordinating the programs of Learning and Capacity Building activities of the Committee. The Learning and Capacity Building activities are the programs of Leading Cities, Pilot Cities, Culture 21 LAB and the Seven Keys.
• Coordinating the Committee’s lobby and advocacy strategy. This task is implemented in coordination with the UCLG World Secretariat and in close contact with the UCLG sections. Liaise and network with UCLG partners, including members of the #culture2030goal campaign, UNESCO and the European Institutions.
• Contributing to the design and content coordination of the biennial UCLG Culture Summit and other relevant policy-related events.
• Drafting, co-ordinating, consulting with members and editing policy content produced by the Committee (position papers, policy briefings, manifestos, surveys, producing policy news items, campaign and other Learning, CapacityBuilding or Advocacy material, etc).
• Contributing to the Committee on Culture’s bi-monthly newsletter. Provide policy content for website and other communication outlets, and contribute to the management of the A21c twitter account concerning policy.
• Representing the Committee on policy topics in events, conferences, working groups, and active participation in other relevant working groups and alliances.
• Supporting the members of the Committee in policy related topics.
• In addition, the candidate will undertake other admin tasks including the participation in the selection of policy interns, logistic arrangements of missions, etc.

EDUCATION

• University degree that we deem as relevant.
• Master’s degree or PhD in the relevant area would be a plus.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• At least 4 years work experience including 2 years in position involving policy and advocacy tasks.
• Proven record of proposals, reports or articles writing, text editing skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the global debate on the place of culture in sustainable development. Excellent communication and representation skills;
• Show autonomy in the delivery of the foreseen activities under the framework of the project;
• Good drafting skills;
• Oral fluency and demonstrated drafting ability in English is required. French and Spanish would be highly appreciated;
• Good team player, including in an international and intercultural environment;
• Flexibility to adapt to a moving environment;
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and support partners in the delivery of their activities;
• Strong networking, interpersonal and communication skills including social media;
• A good understanding of the main role of regional and local governments in national and international policies and development cooperation (particularly cityto-city, association-to-association);
• Excellent analytical and communication skills (oral and written), including the ability to synthesize complex material, making it intelligible to non-experts;
• Awareness of the constraints and importance of good management of public funding.
• Ability to relate well to a diverse range of cultures, and to work effectively as part of an international team.
• Ability to adapt to different working-cultures. Committed to equal opportunities

• This is a full time position with 3 months’ probationary period.
• Remuneration according to qualifications and experience.
• Private health insurance.
• Daily food allowance.
• Accident insurance.
• 23 days of annual leave.
• Place of work: Barcelona (Spain).
• The position requires frequent international travels which might imply periodic weekend work.

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.