Coordination Associate of Genocide Education Initiatives

Mission and objectives

As the United Nations agency with a specific mandate to promote “the free flow of ideas by word and image”, UNESCO’s Communication and Information Sector works to promotes freedom of expression, media independence and pluralism, and the building of inclusive knowledge societies underpinned by universal access to information and the innovative use of digital technologies. As part of CI Sector’s work to address information challenges, UNESCO, through its Memory of the World Programme to promote the preservation of, and access to, documentary heritage, including in its digital form. Documentary heritage in archives, libraries and museums constitutes a major part of the memory of the peoples of the world and reflects the diversity of peoples, languages and cultures. Established in 1992, the vision of the Memory of the World Programme is that the world's documentary heritage belongs to all, should be fully preserved and protected for all and, with due recognition of cultural mores and practicalities, should be permanently accessible to all without hindrance. In this regard, UNESCO works to facilitate preservation, by the most appropriate techniques, of the world’s documentary heritage; assist universal access to documentary heritage; and increase awareness worldwide of the existence and significance of documentary heritage.

Context

The International Programme on Holocaust and Genocide Education (IPHGE), jointly implemented by UNESCO and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM), has been advancing education on violent pasts, fostering critical thinking, and promoting sustainable peace across diverse national contexts since 2015. In line with the 2023 Recommendation on Education and the objectives of IPHGE, UNESCO is supporting the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MoCFA) in strengthening history education about the Democratic Kampuchea period and related crimes. During the 2021-2025 IPHGE cycle, MoEYS successfully updated the history education textbooks for Grade 9 and 12 and started to expand teacher training in close cooperation with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (TSGM) under the MoCFA. In July 2025, UNESCO recognized the historical sites of the former M-13 prison, the former S-21 prison (today: Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum), and Choeung Ek Genocidal Center as UNESCO World Heritage. Their inscription on the World Heritage List signifies international recognition of these sites as possessing Outstanding Universal Value as places of conscience, bearing witness to crimes against humanity. Beyond affirming their historical importance, the designation opens new pathways to strengthen Cambodia’s efforts in education, remembrance, and reconciliation. While Cycle I of IPHGE in Cambodia laid a strong foundation for integrating genocide education into the national curriculum, the momentum must be sustained in order to support Cambodia in its commitment to building a sustainable, peaceful and more inclusive society. In support of this, UNESCO is launching Cycle II (2025-2027) of the “Strengthening Genocide Education in Cambodia: Advancing Curriculum Practice, Capacity Building, Promoting Peace and Reconciliation”.

Task Description

Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Representative to Cambodia and the direct supervision of the National Project Officer for the Communication and Information (CI) Unit, Coordination Associate of Genocide Education Initiatives shall support the implementation of the International Programme on Holocaust and Genocide Education (IPHGE) in Cambodia, while contributing to the broader activities of the Communication and Information (CI) Sector. Specifically, Coordination Associate of Genocide Education Initiatives will: • Support the implementation of IPHGE activities and assist in liaising with national consultants to facilitate the timely delivery of outputs in line with UNESCO standards and donor requirements. • Assist in maintaining communication and collaboration with relevant Ministries, national stakeholders, international partners, and UNESCO Headquarters in support of IPHGE implementation. • Support the monitoring of project activities, maintain project documentation, and contribute to progress reporting and visibility efforts. • Assist with programme management processes, including procurement, preparation of Terms of Reference, contract administration, and compliance with UNESCO administrative and financial procedures. • Contribute to the preparation and review of materials related to genocide education, Global Citizenship Education (GCED), and other CI thematic areas, including briefs, reports, and knowledge products. • Support the organization and implementation of activities related to peace education and youth engagement. • Facilitate communication and coordination among consultants, experts, and national counterparts, and assist in the preparation of reports and internal documentation. • Support the implementation of CI Programme activities in Cambodia, including the organization of meetings, workshops, consultations, and stakeholder engagement activities. • Assist with communication and outreach activities, including the preparation of visibility materials and support for media-related initiatives. • Carry out other duties as assigned by the UNESCO Representative, Associate Project Officer, and project team.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

• Phnom Penh is a relatively accessible and comfortable duty station compared to many field locations, though it retains characteristics typical of a developing-country context. • Cambodia is generally stable, with low rates of violent crime, though standard precautions against petty crime in urban areas are advised. • Cambodia has a tropical climate with distinct wet (May–October) and dry (November–April) seasons, and a moderate cost of living with a range of accommodation options. • Food, water, electricity, banking, and communications infrastructure are all generally reliable in Phnom Penh, while medical facilities cover routine care locally. • Cambodia is a Buddhist-majority country with conservative social norms; cultural sensitivity is particularly important given the country's recent history, including in relation to sites associated with the Khmer Rouge period. • Overall, Cambodia offers a rich and rewarding working environment You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.