The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) is inviting applications from qualified heritage professionals to serve as Grant Evaluators for the evaluation of the 2027/2028 Moses Mapesa Educational Research Grants and Conservation Grants.
This consultancy opportunity is designed for experts with experience in cultural and natural heritage, grant evaluation, conservation management, and research assessment. Selected consultants will play an important role in reviewing grant applications that support the protection, sustainability, and promotion of Africa’s World Heritage sites.
About the African World Heritage Fund
Established in 2006, the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) works to strengthen the conservation and protection of Africa’s cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value.
The organization was created to address challenges faced by African countries in implementing the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention, particularly the limited representation of African sites on the World Heritage List and the need for stronger conservation and management systems.
Through its grant programmes, AWHF supports African States Parties, heritage institutions, researchers, and conservation professionals working to preserve important heritage sites across the continent.
Grant Evaluator Consultancy Opportunity
AWHF is seeking independent experts to evaluate applications submitted under its:
- Conservation Grants Programme
- Moses Mapesa Educational Research Grants Programme
The selected consultants will assess applications based on established funding criteria and provide detailed technical evaluation reports to support decision-making by the AWHF Grants Evaluation Panel.
This opportunity is ideal for heritage specialists who want to contribute their expertise toward advancing conservation research and heritage protection in Africa.
Key Responsibilities of Grant Evaluators
Selected consultants will be responsible for:
- Reviewing and evaluating grant applications according to AWHF funding criteria.
- Completing project assessment sheets with important application details.
- Preparing draft technical evaluation reports following AWHF guidelines.
- Supporting the AWHF Grants Evaluation Panel process.
- Participating in virtual meetings related to grant evaluations.
- Revising evaluation reports based on discussions and recommendations from the panel.
- Providing final technical reports for submitted applications.
Expected Deliverables
Consultants will be expected to provide the following outputs:
Draft Evaluation Reports
- Completed project assessment sheets for all Conservation and Moses Mapesa Educational Research Grant applications.
- Draft technical evaluation reports submitted by 1 September 2026.
Evaluation Panel Support
- Participation in the AWHF Grants Evaluation Panel meeting scheduled for 30 September – 2 October 2026.
- Preparation of meeting minutes.
Final Technical Reports
- Revised and final technical evaluation reports submitted by 9 October 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
AWHF is looking for professionals with strong knowledge and experience in heritage conservation and grant assessment.
Required Skills
Applicants should have:
- Knowledge of the World Heritage Convention and related heritage conservation issues.
- Strong report writing and analytical skills.
- Ability to produce clear technical reports.
- Fluency in English or French.
- Ability to review and process a high volume of applications within a limited timeframe.
- Experience using Microsoft Excel and managing assessment data.
Required Experience
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- Experience evaluating grant projects.
- Ability to analyse, summarise, and assess project proposals.
- Knowledge of African heritage conservation and research practices.
- Familiarity with UNESCO African World Heritage Sites.
- Understanding of African Tentative Lists, State of Conservation reports, and World Heritage Committee decisions.
Preferred Education Background
Applicants with the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:
- Master’s degree in heritage studies, conservation, grant monitoring, evaluation, research, or related fields.
- Professional experience working in African World Heritage conservation.
Consultancy Timeline
The consultancy will follow this schedule:
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 14 August 2026 | Agreement of Terms of Reference and orientation meeting |
| 18–29 August 2026 | Evaluation of grant applications |
| 1 September 2026 | Submission of draft technical reports and assessment sheets |
| 30 September–2 October 2026 | Participation in Grants Evaluation Panel meeting |
| 9 October 2026 | Submission of final technical evaluation reports |
Contract Duration and Payment
The consultancy period will run from 17 August to 16 October 2026.
Selected consultants will receive a professional fee paid directly by the African World Heritage Fund.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Serving as an AWHF Grant Evaluator offers heritage professionals the opportunity to contribute directly to the preservation of Africa’s cultural and natural treasures.
Evaluators will help identify and support projects that strengthen conservation practices, encourage heritage research, and improve the management of World Heritage properties across Africa.
This consultancy provides valuable experience for professionals working in:
- Heritage conservation.
- Cultural and natural resource management.
- Grant evaluation.
- Research assessment.
- Sustainable development.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A cover letter.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
Applications must be submitted by 7 August 2026 through the official application link provided by AWHF.
For enquiries, contact:
Ms Lungelo Dube
AWHF Programmes Specialist
Email: lungelod@dbsa.org
Qualified heritage professionals are encouraged to apply and support efforts to protect Africa’s globally significant heritage for future generations.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
