Job Description
Position: Cultural Heritage Documentation Specialist
Company: Cambridge Archaeological Unit
Location: Kisoro, Uganda
Experience: 3-5 years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or Cultural Heritage Management
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Cultural Preservation and Heritage Management
Department: Cultural Documentation and Research
Salary: 3,500,000 – 4,500,000 SSP
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
The Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) is a globally recognized research organization specializing in cultural heritage preservation, archaeological documentation, and community-led heritage initiatives. With projects spanning East Africa, CAU collaborates with local communities to safeguard historical sites and intangible cultural practices. In Uganda, CAU focuses on documenting indigenous knowledge systems and protecting heritage sites near Mgahinga National Park. The organization is committed to ethical research, capacity building, and sustainable cultural tourism.
Job Overview
This role is part of a 3-year EU-funded initiative to digitize and preserve the cultural heritage of the Batwa Pygmies and Bakiga communities in Kisoro. The successful candidate will lead field documentation, oral history recording, and digital archiving of traditional practices, artifacts, and landscapes. The position offers opportunities to contribute to UNESCO-listed heritage projects and collaborate with local stakeholders on sustainable tourism strategies.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct ethnographic fieldwork to document oral histories, rituals, and traditional crafts
- Digitize and catalog artifacts, photographs, and audio-visual materials using archival standards
- Develop interactive digital maps of cultural landscapes and heritage sites
- Coordinate with local elders and community leaders to ensure ethical research practices
- Prepare technical reports and public-facing educational materials for heritage conservation
- Train local youth in digital documentation techniques and heritage preservation
Required Skills
- Proficiency in GIS mapping and digital archiving software (e.g., ArcGIS, Adobe Lightroom)
- Fluency in Runyankore and English
- Experience with audio-visual recording equipment and transcription tools
- Strong interpersonal skills for community engagement
- Knowledge of ICOMOS cultural heritage guidelines
- Ability to work independently in remote field locations
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or Cultural Heritage Management
- Master’s Degree preferred but not required
Experience
- 3-5 years in cultural documentation or heritage conservation projects
- Previous fieldwork experience in East Africa
- Demonstrated expertise in digital archiving systems
Salary
3,500,000 – 4,500,000 SSP per month, depending on experience
Benefits
- Health insurance covering local and regional medical facilities
- Fieldwork equipment and safety gear provided
- Annual professional development allowance (500,000 SSP)
- Accommodation in Kisoro during project duration
- Opportunities for international conference attendance
Training
- On-site induction in ethical research methodologies
- Workshops on advanced GIS mapping techniques
- Community engagement training modules
- Digital archiving certification program
Working Environment
The role involves split time between Kisoro field sites and CAU’s Kampala office. Fieldwork requires working in rural communities with limited infrastructure, including multi-day stays in local homesteads. Office work includes data analysis, report writing, and stakeholder coordination. The position demands flexibility to adapt to seasonal field conditions and community schedules.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, and three professional references to https://ugandajobssearch.com. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for virtual interviews followed by in-person assessments in Kisoro. Applications close on 2026-08-15.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Cambridge Archaeological Unit is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. Priority will be given to Ugandan citizens with relevant field experience in cultural heritage documentation.