Paper/Photograph Conservator / World-Class Art Destination

BLR WORLD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in Abu Dhabi seeks a Conservator to lead the conservation efforts for the museum's paper and photograph-based collections. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Conservation, 5-7 years of experience, and proficiency in English. Responsibilities include managing conservation operations and collaborating with diverse teams to ensure the preservation and accessibility of the collection. Knowledge of Arabic will be an advantage.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of professional experience as a conservator in a museum or cultural institution.
• Proven expertise in conservation principles and best practices.
• Demonstrated track record of conservation research and contributions to publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of conservation for collections.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the conservation facilities.
• Supervise and review the work of external conservation specialists.

Skills

Proficiency in English

Strategic thinking

Excellent documentation skills

Strong organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Conservation or related field

Job description

About the Client

Our client is a landmark cultural institution located in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art from across the world, with a special focus on narratives from West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia. Designed to be a global platform for artistic dialogue, it brings together visionary architecture, ambitious curatorial programming, and community engagement to inspire new ways of thinking. This institution is part of Abu Dhabi's broader mission to cultivate a dynamic cultural landscape and strengthen the emirates role as a leading hub for arts and creativity.

Job Purpose

Lead the research, development, and delivery of preventive and ongoing conservation for the paperand photograph-based collections, ensuring appropriate documentation of all activities. Manage theday-to-day operations of the Museums conservation facilities, oversee and assure the quality ofoutsourced conservation work, and contribute to the advancement of professional standards incollection care.

Key Responsibilities

Conservation Operations

• Research, conserve, and document works from the Museums collection, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility.
• Undertake examinations and conservation treatments, including preventive care, interventivemeasures, and where appropriate, reversible restoration.
• Carry out technical studies into the materials, methods of manufacture, and causes ofdeterioration, drawing on specialist scientific analysis as required.
• Assess works under consideration for acquisition, commission, preparing condition reports,conducting due diligence, and contributing to curatorial decision-making.
• Provide cost estimates and requirements for treatments, storage, and projects underdevelopment, including new acquisitions and commissions.
• Advise on the development and maintenance of storage and display environments, ensuringappropriate materials, configurations, and environmental standards.
• Provide expert advice on handling, packing, transport, installation, framing/mounting, anddisplay of works within the Museum and for loans.
• Evaluate collections requested for loan and advise on requirements for safe exhibition,transport, and display.
• Maintain high-quality conservation documentation, including written reports, imaging, andother analytical records of examinations, treatments, and technical studies.
• Document all treatments and technical information, ensuring records are accessible acrosscuratorial, registration, and collections teams.
• Contribute to research and documentation projects relating to acquisitions, commissions, andthe permanent collection.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the museum to ensure the safe and effective care ofcollections.
• Commission, supervise, and review the work of external conservation specialists whenrequired.
• Mentor and train future conservators through placements, exchanges, and professionaldevelopment opportunities.
• Represent the Museum in national and international conservation forums, contributing to theadvancement of professional practice and standards.

Shared Activity

• Ensure effective cascading of the functional strategy into unit business plans to ensurevertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing sectional strategies.
• Manage the effective achievement of assigned objectives through the leadership of the unit bysetting individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff tomaximize performance.
• Act as a role model and drive adherence to organizational values and ethics by employees ofthe assigned unit to foster a value driven culture within the organization.
• Manage and ensure effective implementation of functional policies, procedures and controlscovering all areas of assigned unit activity so that all relevant procedural/legislativerequirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.
• Lead the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability ofsystems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement andcost reduction.
• Ensure that all unit reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet requirements,policies and quality standards.
• Comply with all relevant EHS guidelines, policies and procedures, by reporting incidents andhazards in a timely manner, and reduce consumption of natural resources to supportprotecting the environment and ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (Masters or equivalent postgraduate qualification preferred) inConservation, Conservation Science, or a closely related preservation and technical fields.

Experience

• 5-7 years of professional experience as a conservator in a museum, or equivalent culturalheritage institution.
• Proven expertise in conservation principles, materials, media, techniques, and best practicesfor storage and preventive care.
• Demonstrated track record of conservation research, with evidence of contributions toprofessional publications, conferences, and/or symposia.
• Recognized specialist in the field of conservation with national and international professionalstanding.

Skills

• Proficiency in English language. Arabic language proficiency would be a plus.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
  
• Excellent documentation skills, including clear and accurate reporting, and digital record-keeping.
  
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to professional and ethical conservationstandards.