Curator of the Emirates Soil Museum

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) is an international, not-for-profit agricultural research center headquartered in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. It was established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Government of the United Arab Emirates; the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB); the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund for International Development; and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD).

ICBA conducts applied research with a unique focus on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world.

ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to our staff through a competitive benefits package designed to help them cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.

Job Summary

This position reports to the Head of Knowledge Management and Communications. The curator manages collections of soils, exhibits and artefacts at the Museum and raises awareness about the importance of soils in the UAE and abroad.

The curator is responsible for acquisition, presentation, care and enhancement as necessary of all items with the aim of informing and educating visitors about the value of soils.

The curator is also in charge of arranging guided tours, temporary exhibitions, workshops and events to promote the Museum.

The curator also manages the Museum’s budget and ensures financial sustainability of the Museum through paid tours, educational programs, sponsorships and other means.

The curator also actively fundraises for the Museum to sustain its operations and make improvements to the Museum.

As the focal point, the curator builds relationships with a wide range of external partners and stakeholders to further the Museum’s mission and raise its profile in the UAE and outside.

Job Responsibilities
  • Collect, present, enhance as necessary and take care of soil samples, exhibits and artefacts;
  • Ensure all equipment and exhibits are maintained well;
  • Organize and manage tours and visits for a wide range of stakeholders, including schoolchildren and students;
  • Accompany high-level visitors during the tours of the Museum;
  • Ensure an up-to-date inventory of all equipment and exhibits at the Museum;
  • Ensure all information is presented in an easy-to-understand and engaging way;
  • Develop and deliver in-person and online educational programs for a variety of stakeholders, including schoolchildren and students;
  • Design self-paced online courses on Articulate 360;
  • Manage and facilitate workshops and other events for different audiences and age groups, both in person and online;
  • Actively fundraise for the Museum, generate revenue using different channels and seek sponsorships through a range of public and private entities;
  • Manage and provide content and updates for the Museum’s website and ICBA’s social media accounts;
  • Send regular newsletters and marketing emails to internal and external stakeholders;
  • Manage and update the Museum’s application;
  • Work with communications to develop marketing collateral, including brochures, flyers etc.;
  • Plan and organize temporary exhibitions, workshops and other events;
  • Build various partnerships to increase the Museum’s profile;
  • Ensure the Museum’s presence at relevant external events;
  • Handle enquiries from internal and external stakeholders, including schools, universities, government organizations and others;
  • Ensure continued growth of the number of visitors and beneficiaries of the Museum’s programs and activities;
  • Prepare workplans, business plans, as well as biannual and annual reports on the Museum’s activities;
  • Manage the Museum’s budget and financial reporting;
  • Manage and organize various activities as part of two Expo 2020 Dubai-funded projects, including the Halophytic Kitchen Lab workshops;
  • Provide any other support and do any other assignments as requested and required by the Head of Knowledge Management and Communications.
Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

  • A B.Sc. in soil or environmental sciences, sustainable development or a related field;
  • At least five years of experience in a similar capacity, preferably with a focus on developing and delivering educational programs;
  • Experience in raising funds and writing business plans;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and Adobe design software;
  • Excellent command of English and Arabic;
  • Excellent writing and communication skills;
  • Flexibility and ability to work under pressure.

Preferable:

  • Experience in collaborating with scientists and managing various projects with a scientific focus;
  • Experience in developing and delivering online educational programs for a variety of audiences.
Post Date
5 August 2021
Status
Closed
Vacancy Type
Full-time
Closing Date
19 August 2021
Location
Dubai, UAE
Report To
Head of Knowledge Management and Communications
Job Number
none
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