Heritage Services Lead at Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)

Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) - We are the Museum of West African Art. We are dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the expansion of knowledge and celebration of West African arts and culture. We are a catalyst for deepening connections between contemporary arts and culture and the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, and a centre of excellence creating opportunities for African and Diaspora artists and scholars. To do this, we provide exceptional infrastructure and programmes for the preservation, display, research, learning and exchange in arts and culture from a world-class campus in the heart of the historic district of Benin City, Nigeria.

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is an independent non-profit organisation in Nigeria set up to drive research and execute high-value cultural, arts and heritage initiatives in West Africa. Our multi-purpose campus integrates a research centre, conservation labs, exhibition spaces, and artist residencies, serving as a hub for scholarship, collaboration, and public engagement. A critical part of our mission is to conserve and make accessible a collection of antiquities, modern art and contemporary works – connecting West Africa’s ancient heritage to its thriving contemporary arts and culture.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Heritage Services Lead

Location: Benin City, Edo
Contract Duration: Two years, Renewable
Reporting Line: Interim Director of Heritage Management

Job Overview

• The Heritage Services Lead will play a key role in expanding MOWAA’s heritage research and conservation initiatives, with a focus on business development, project management, and strategic partnerships.
• As part of this, the role will include short-term support in aspects of lab coordination and development until a dedicated specialist is hired. However, the primary focus remains on heritage research and conservation project oversight, capacity building, and commercial service development.
• The successful candidate will work closely with advisory partners and stakeholders to ensure alignment with MOWAA’s broader institutional goals while strengthening MOWAA’s presence in the global heritage sector.

Key Responsibilities
Heritage Research & Conservation Project Management:

• Manage heritage research and conservation projects beyond MOWAA’s Archaeology project, ensuring alignment with broader heritage initiatives.
• Support the development of technical reports, conservation strategies, and research methodologies.
• Lead engagement with international research partners, universities, and institutions to strengthen MOWAA’s position in the sector.

Business Development & Strategic Planning:

• Identify funding opportunities and develop proposals for heritage conservation and research projects.
• Establish and expand MOWAA’s commercial service offerings in heritage conservation and research.
• Oversee the development of MOWAA’s professional training courses as relate to field archaeology, heritage science, and preservation practice, including a proposed annual field school
• Drive strategic partnerships with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and heritage institutions.
• Capacity Building & Team Supervision
• Develop and lead training programs to enhance the skills of conservation and heritage research teams.
• Mentor and supervise junior heritage researchers and conservation specialists.
• Facilitate international partnerships and exchange programs to strengthen local expertise in conservation and research.

Project Oversight & Professional Networks:

• Build and maintain a strong network of professionals and institutions within the heritage conservation and research community.
• Represent MOWAA at conferences, workshops, and industry events to promote heritage initiatives.
• Ensure timely project execution, adherence to budgets, and high-quality deliverables.

Key Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in Heritage Conservation, Archaeology, Material Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in heritage research, conservation, or lab management.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and managing conservation laboratories.
• Strong expertise in project management within heritage research and conservation.
• Experience in business development, grant writing, and proposal development.
• Prior experience in capacity building and team leadership.
• Familiarity with scientific conservation methods, heritage documentation techniques, and ethical considerations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop high- quality reports and presentations.

Compensation & Benefits
Highly Competitive, subject to credentials.

Application Closing Date
21st March, 2025.