Vacancies

The Blue Shield is a worldwide organisation, established under Dutch law, “committed to the protection of the world’s cultural property and concerned with the protection of cultural and natural heritage, tangible and intangible, in the event of armed conflict, natural- or human-made disaster.” It works to bring together the heritage, humanitarian, and uniformed sectors (e.g. armed forces, emergency responders) for the common goal of cultural property protection (CPP) in crisis, supporting affected communities worldwide.

The Blue Shield currently has 34 national committees (with more under development), an international Board, and a small central team (Blue Shield International*) that supports the national committees and carries out international advocacy and operational projects. As an “eminent professional organization” the Blue Shield is named in the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict as an advisory body to the Intergovernmental Committee of the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

The Blue Shield delivers projects protecting heritage in crisis zones, supports the implementation of international humanitarian law, and delivers training and advice. With new funding from the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Blue Shield is entering a significant development phase to strengthen its structures, expand its global reach and increase support to National Committees – particularly in Overseas Develop Aid (ODA)-recipient countries – while also advancing preparedness, policy development, emergency response, and post-crisis recovery.

*Currently significantly supported through the UNESCO Chair in Cultural Property Protection & Peace at Newcastle University (UK)

Since its founding in 1996, the Blue Shield has significantly broadened its role. Now, together with its 34 national committees, it is committed to working in partnership with the heritage, humanitarian, and uniformed, sectors as equal partners, encouraging them to see the relevance and importance of Cultural Property Protection (CPP) to their disparate agendas and together delivering more than the sum of their individual parts. Such a broadening of activity requires a major review of our governance and management structures and our processes and procedures.

Thanks to the generous support of the J M Kaplan Fund, the Blue Shield is undertaking the Fulfilling Potential Review (FPR) – a major strategic exercise designed to ensure the organisation is resilient, sustainable, and able to meet future challenges. The Review will provide a robust evaluation of the aspirations, vison, mission, governance, policies, activities, and working practices (including financial procedures) of the Blue Shield in the short (by the end of 2026), medium (by 2029), and long term. The Review will deliver a clear assessment with recommendations for consideration by the Board and 2026 General Assembly (an annual meeting of the Board, national committees, and founding organisations, expected Sept 2026).

A small, four-strong, sub-committee of the Board has been established to lead on the FPR. The sub-committee is supported by an independent governance advisor and FPR Project Manager who also attend sub-committee meetings. The Interim Director will play a central role in the Blue Shield’s transition, supporting the work of the FPR while maintaining and developing the Blue Shield’s operational activities. They will also join this sub-committee.

The Interim Director reports to the Board of the Blue Shield and liaises with the President (Chair) of the Board. The Director attends meetings of the Board.

We are looking for an individual who is highly organised, efficient, and self-motivated, with the ability to work to deadlines and meet targets, and with a strong commitment to the mission, values, and ideals of the Blue Shield.

The Interim Director will help develop the future direction of the Blue Shield organisation. They will oversee, maintain, and develop the Blue Shield’s current activities together with the Blue Shield Board and Secretariat, working across the heritage, humanitarian, and uniformed sectors. Key areas of activity will include implementation of 1954 Hague Convention and its Protocols, and supporting heritage protection before, during and after crisis. The second core area of work is to support the implementation of the Fulfilling Potential Review, developing the Blue Shield’s governance, capacity, and structure, together with the Blue Shield Board, the FPR Governance Review Manager, and the FPR sub-committee.

The Interim Director has no Line Management responsibilities but will work closely with the Head of Operations (Interim) and Secretariat.

The primary working language of the Blue Shield is English: you must be able to fluently communicate in verbally and in writing. Other languages (French / Spanish / Arabic) to a working standard are also desirable.

You will be joining the team in a busy and diverse role during a time of exciting changes.

• The role will be remunerated at £500 per day for a maximum of 180 days a year, pro rata from start date.
• Start on or after 3 November 2025 until 30 June 2026, with possible extension.
• There is no fixed pattern of working hours.
• The contractor will work remotely and there will be limited international travel as part of the duties of the role (travel and subsistence covered).

If you would like to discuss the role please contact Professor Peter G Stone, President of the Blue Shield, on peter.stone@blueshield-international.org. 

1. Please submit
   – a CV
   – a cover letter outlining relevant experience and how you meet the role description,
   – available start date / notice period, and
   – two referees, to

   Dr Emma Cunliffe, Head of Operations (Interim) at Emma.cunliffe@blueshield-international.org   

2. Applications deadline: Midnight (UTC+1), Sunday 12 October 2025.

3. Shortlisting will take place during the week of 13 October 2025.
4. Interviews will take place during the week of 20 October 2025 on Teams.
   • Ability to meet the criteria will be determined from CV and covering letter, and during interview.
   • Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide copies of their ID and relevant qualification certificates prior to interview.
5. Please contact Peter Stone (email above) to discuss alternative interview arrangements if required.

Blue Shield may contact referees prior to interview. Please let us know if you would prefer us to only contact them if you are the successful candidate.

Blue Shield may choose not to shortlist candidates from countries facing financial sanctions.

The contractor will be responsible for managing their own tax obligations and legal compliance in the country in which they are based.

The Blue Shield cannot provide visa sponsorship or relocation support.

Ideally the successful candidate will be available for an immediate start on or around w/c 03 November 2025.