Call for Application for Phase 4 of the UNESCO World Heritage Mentorship Programme for African World Heritage Professionals

Application Deadline: 10 September 2025 (Midnight Paris Time). 

Application materials: CV and Motivation letter to be sent to: WH-Africa@unesco.org with copy to Jessica Roland Williams j.roland-williams@unesco.org

The UNESCO Mentorship Programme for African Heritage Professionals contributes to expanding the roster of local experts through peer learning, knowledge exchange, and hands-on experience. Following the targets of the Strategy for World Heritage in Africa (2022–2029), adopted through Decision 45 COM 5C (Riyadh, 2023), the Programme aims to build a strong and  reliable community of professionals in natural and cultural heritage to support African States Parties in the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, in particular nomination process, management, conservation, and promotion of World Heritage sites.

The Mentorship Programme prepares the next generation of African professionals to lead site-level actions, engage in regional and global processes, and link heritage conservation to broader development goals. In support of long-term, sustainable capacity-building, UNESCO is also working with African States Parties, universities, and training institutions to integrate World Heritage into higher education curricula across the continent.

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre is looking for 20 mentees and 10 mentors to take part in Phase 4 of the Mentorship Programme.

Become a Mentee

Main Requirements:

1. Nationality – Be a national of one of the 54 States Parties located on the African continent.
2. Education – Hold an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent).
3. Professional Experience – Have at least four (4) years of relevant professional experience.
4. Motivation & Interest – Demonstrate a strong interest towards the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
5. Language Skills – Proficiency in either French or English (knowledge of both is an asset).

Desirable qualifications:

In addition to meeting the main requirements, candidates with the following qualifications will be given preference:

1. Representation – Being a national of one of the eight (8) African States Parties currently not represented in the Mentorship Programme; (Angola, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, the Gambia, Libya, Seychelles)
2. Experience with the 1972 Convention – Prior involvement in activities related to the implementation, conservation, or other processes related to the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

Download the Call for Applications here

Become a Mentor

Main Requirements:

1. At least 15 years of experience in the field of Natural or Cultural Heritage
2. At least 5 years of experience in implementing the World Heritage Convention in Africa
3. Previous experience in mentoring
4. Previous work experience with the World Heritage Centre or its Advisory Bodies will be an added value.

Download the Call for Applications here