Senior Conservator 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: Senior Conservator

Location: Benin City, Edo
Contract Type: Full-time
Reporting Line: Head of Collections

Job Overview

• As part of our commitment to advancing conservation standards in West Africa, we are seeking an experienced conservator to join our Collections department.
• Reporting to the Head of Collections, the Senior Conservator will be responsible for the preventive care of art and artifacts in the collection, as well as providing support for supervised restoration work.
• The Senior Conservator is expected to stay informed about advancements in the conservation field and actively engage with the professional community.
• This role will also provide expert support for acquisitions, loans, exhibitions, and other key activities essential to the Museum's operations, fostering a strong culture of collaboration with colleagues in Curatorial, Outreach & Learning, and Facility Management.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out research and apply standard conservation techniques to treat objects in MOWAA’s collections.
• Conduct thorough assessments and documentation of objects to monitor their condition and identify signs of deterioration.
• Prepare detailed written treatment proposals, condition reports, and treatment reports, including comprehensive photographic documentation.
• Work closely with colleagues to plan and execute complex conservation treatments.
• Partner with the Collections Management team to maintain accurate records of object locations and conditions.
• Support the daily operations and upkeep of the conservation laboratory and collections management facilities.
• Provide expert guidance on object acquisition, loans, exhibitions, installations, deinstallations, and deaccessioning processes.
• Collaborate with curators and the exhibition team throughout the object mounting and exhibition installation process.
• Design and produce custom storage solutions, such as specialized boxes, to protect and preserve objects in the collection.
• Stay informed about the latest conservation practices, theories, and advancements in equipment and technology.
• Develop and deliver professional training programs for staff and heritage professionals within the West African ecosystem.
• Present conservation projects at conferences and contribute to academic publications to advance the field.
• Conduct scientific conservation research in partnership with colleagues at the MOWAA Institute.

Key Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or postgraduate Degree in Conservation or a related field, with a specialization in object conservation, from a recognized training institution.
• A minimum of 6 - 8 years of relevant experience in a recognized heritage institution or equivalent technical expertise and education, with a preference for candidates with experience working with historic collections.
• Proven track record of planned and successfully completed conservation treatments.
• Active membership in a professional conservation organization.
• Familiarity with a diverse range of West African objects, including ethnographic, historical, archaeological, and contemporary art.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a dynamic cultural organization.
• Strong focus on accuracy and critical thinking.
• Effective time management, organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks under strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated capacity to handle multiple responsibilities and communicate effectively with team members.
• Strong aptitude for research.

Career Growth, Training & Development:

• MOWAA has a strong culture of constant learning and invests in developing people. This post offers exposure and hands-on experience on ways of working global institutions across MOWAA’s wide network of partners and affiliates. By joining our team, you’ll have an opportunity to shape a growing organization, work on ground-breaking initiatives and build a rewarding long-term career.

Why Join Us?

• Compensation & Benefits: Highly Competitive, subject to credentials.
• This role presents a unique opportunity to play a pivotal part in preserving and promoting West Africa’s rich cultural heritage while enhancing your expertise in conservation, archival management, and collections care.

Application Closing Date
28th February, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and a Cover Letter detailing their experience and suitability for the role to: [email protected] using the job title as the subject of the mail.