Job Openings BLR WORLD // Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Museumathon (International Conference)

About the job BLR WORLD // Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Museumathon (International Conference)

JOB DESCRIPTION

BLR WORLD // Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Museumathon (International Conference)

Event Date: 27th - 30th June, 2025


About BLR

BLR WORLD is an award-winning talent consultancy for the culture, entertainment and events sectors, enabling organisations to plan, staff and operate unique permanent and temporary visitor experiences with the very best people.

Our core services are HR Consultancy, Recruitment, Training, and Operations. We find brilliant people, create high performing teams, design environments and training to help them thrive, then manage them seamlessly on the ground. The result? One-of-a-kind experiences delivered by energised and enthusiastic teams, exceeding the highest standards.

About the role

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Museumathon will lead the development of the content, structure, and theme of the hackathon segment within the conference. This expert will define the challenge statements, align the theme with the conference's broader objectives, and ensure the hackathon delivers innovative, relevant, and impactful outcomes that serve the museum and cultural sectors.

Responsibilities

  • Develop the theme, structure, and goals of the Museumathon in consultation with the organizing committee.

  • Create challenge statements grounded in contemporary museum practices and global trends.

  • Draft participant briefs, judging criteria, and content guidelines.

  • Curate a mentorship and judging panel and support their orientation.

  • Provide expertise for pre-event training, such as bootcamps or orientation sessions.

  • Collaborate with content teams to ensure integration with the conference narrative and sessions.

  • Support onsite delivery and provide insights during pitch evaluation and awards.

  • Recommend follow-up strategies for project incubation or recognition of exceptional ideas.

Candidate Requirements

  • Masters degree or higher in Museum Studies, Cultural Heritage, Education, Digital Humanities, or a related discipline.

  • Minimum 7 - 10 years of professional experience in museums, cultural institutions, or heritage organizations.

  • Strong knowledge of museum innovation trends such as digital transformation, audience engagement, accessibility, and sustainability.

  • Proven experience developing or participating in hackathons, innovation labs, co-creation workshops, or design sprints.
    Experience working in multidisciplinary or cross-cultural environments.

  • Strong facilitation, communication, and mentoring skills.

  • Fluency in English is required; Arabic is an advantage.

Soft Skills

  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to conceptualize future-facing ideas that align with cultural goals.

  • Creative Problem-Solving: Skilled at generating and framing innovative challenge topics.

  • Content Design: Proficient in designing structured learning or collaborative formats like hackathons and workshops.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, including cultural leaders, government entities, and creatives.

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Strong awareness of cultural context and respect for regional values and narratives.

  • Leadership & Facilitation: Effective in guiding teams, mentoring participants, and leading dynamic group sessions.

  • Analytical Thinking: Capable of evaluating ideas and solutions for real-world feasibility and impact.

  • Adaptability: Comfortable working under tight timelines and evolving project scopes.

Key Competencies

  • Empathy and cultural sensitivity.

  • Adaptability under pressure and time constraints.

  • Public speaking and facilitation.

  • Problem-solving in live event settings.

  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to inspire and support diverse teams.

Hard Skills

  • Designing and delivering innovation-based programming (e.g., hackathons, workshops).

  • Experience with program evaluation and assessment tools.

  • Proficiency in project documentation and reporting.

  • Familiarity with digital tools used in museums (e.g., AR/VR, interactive exhibits, visitor analytics).

  • Knowledge of museum education trends, accessibility standards, and digital engagement strategies.

Location & Commitments

  • Full-time, Contracted.

  • Work 5 days a week (flexibility on days according to project needs), 9 hours a day, including a 1-hour lunch break

  • Short-term consultancy until Jun 30, 2025