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NationalMuseum of Qatar (NMoQ) Oral History and Intangible Cultural Heritage/Manager

NationalMuseum of Qatar (NMoQ)
Oral History and Intangible Cultural Heritage/Manager


The Qatar Museums Authority (http://www.qma.com.qa) unites and focuses the efforts of all museums in the State of Qatar for the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of collections and monuments held in trust for the Qatari people, and shared with the world at large.  The Qatar Museums Authority provides the leadership and accountability necessary for the development of a strong and growing system of 21st century national museums, and an effective system for protecting, preserving and interpreting historic sites and monuments.

The new National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), currently under development, will represent the history, heritage, and culture of Qatar, enhancing and “emitting” understanding through exhibitions, education, cultural site visits, and technology-based programming for the nation, the region and the world.  The institutional vision is realized by:

  • Presenting the highest quality visitor experiences through exhibitions and programs.
  • Collecting, preserving and conserving the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Qatar.
  • Enabling and supporting collections-based and other research topics of importance, to broaden the scope and knowledge of Qatar’s cultural heritage.
  • Developing and offering educational programming, publications, films, and online learning opportunities that “emit” knowledge to visitors to provoke further exploration and study in Qatar.
  • Facilitating visitor travel to important cultural sites throughout Qatar while promoting sustainable cultural tourism through the “Emitting” Program.

The Manager, Oral History & Intangible Cultural Heritage (MOHICH) will work closely with the Deputy Director Programs (DDP) to oversee the design and implementation of the NMoQ’s oral history and intangible cultural heritage program. The MOHICH will formalize guidelines establishing processes and systems for oral history and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) collection management. The MOHICH will be responsible for drafting the research and collections strategy for the NMoQ’s inventory of oral history and ICH, and will work collaboratively with other departments to identify and design an appropriate database management system. In alignment with the museum’s strategic plan, the position will investigate, plan, coordinate, and prepare appropriate research and project directives for NMoQ’s oral history and ICH program.

Primary MOHICH responsibilities include program development, management and coordination of Oral History and Intangible Cultural Heritage projects to inform the Museum’s core exhibition (scheduled to open in 2014), temporary exhibitions, and programs. The position will process, record, and abstract conducted interviews and heritage traditions in accordance with professional best practices, and conduct research as needed. Additionally, the MOHICH will coordinate an oral history team of visiting and staff field researchers initially focused on collecting content for core exhibitions and programs. Working closely with the Museum’s Programs and Curatorial & Collections Management departments, the MOHICH will provide or organize research efforts that align with content for exhibitions or programs that draw upon, support, or include oral history and ICH initiatives, such as the pilot project designed to support the NMoQ’s December 2011 announcement exhibition. The MOHICH will also provide support as needed to an International Advisory Committee as it may relate to oral history or intangible cultural heritage. In conjunction with key projects, the MOHICH will facilitate meetings and training for oral history staff and volunteers as needed. The position is expected to stay abreast of complementary oral history and ICH initiatives within the Qatar and Gulf region. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS   

  • PhD in Anthropology, Oral History, and/or Cultural Heritage with related college or advanced coursework in anthropology, cultural heritage, oral history methods, or Arabic oral literature. Candidate should have 5+years experience comprised of fieldwork, primary research, and administration. MA degree with equivalent experience will be considered.
  • Fluency in Arabic and English.
  • Proven experience with ethnographic methods and qualitative research
  • Strong knowledge of intangible cultural heritage discourse
  • Experience managing research databases
  • Proven ability and aptitude in program planning, management and administration
  • Experience working in the Middle East in a museum or heritage environment

For additional information and application procedures contact Heather Ferrell at hferrell@qma.org.qa or at (+974) 4452-5947. Review of applications will begin January 14, 2011 and continue until the position is filled.