Work with us

MOWAA is 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 artefacts in MOWAA’s collection, as well as providing support for supervised restoration work.

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.

Essential Skills

• 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.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with a diverse range of West African objects, including ethnographic, historical, archaeological, and contemporary art.

How to Apply:  To apply, submit your CV, cover letter to careers@wearemowaa.org. Kindly include “Senior Conservator” in the subject line. Enquires should also be sent to the same address.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.

Reporting Line: Interim Director of Heritage Management
Duty Station: Benin City, Nigeria (flexible work arrangements possible)
Contract Type: Full-time, Two years, Renewable
Compensation & Benefits: Highly competitive, subject to credentials
Relocation & Travel Benefits: MOWAA will cover all travel-related expenses, including transportation, accommodation, and other costs incurred as part of the employment transition.

Job Overview

The Heritage Services Lead will play a key role in expanding MOWAA’s heritage research and conservation initiatives, with a focuson business development, project management, and strategic partnerships. As part of this, the role will include short-term support in aspects of lab coordination and development until a dedicated specialist is hired. However, the primary focus remains on heritage research and conservation project oversight, capacity building, and commercial service development.

The successful candidate will work closely with advisory partners and stakeholders to ensure alignment with MOWAA’s broader institutional goals while strengthening MOWAA’s presence in the global heritage sector.

This role is based in Benin City, Nigeria. However, we are open to flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid or remote work setup, depending on the needs of the role and the candidate’s circumstances.

Key Responsibilities 

Heritage Research & Conservation Project

• Manage heritage research and conservation projects beyond MOWAA’s Archaeology project, ensuring alignment with broader heritage initiatives.
• Support the development of technical reports, conservation strategies, and research
• Lead engagement with international research partners, universities, and institutions to strengthen MOWAA’s position in the sector.

Business Development & Strategic Planning

• Identify funding opportunities and develop proposals for heritage conservation and research projects.
• Establish and expand MOWAA’s commercial service offerings in heritage conservation and research.
• Oversee the development of MOWAA’s professional training courses as relate to field archaeology, heritage science, and preservation practice, including a proposed annual field school
• Drive strategic partnerships with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and heritage institutions.

Capacity Building & Team Supervision 

• Develop and lead training programs to enhance the skills of conservation and heritage research teams.
• Mentor and supervise junior heritage researchers and conservation
• Facilitate international partnerships and exchange programs to strengthen local expertise in conservation and research.

Project Oversight & Professional Networks

• Build and maintain a strong network of professionals and institutions within the heritage conservation and research community.
• Represent MOWAA at conferences, workshops, and industry events to promote heritage initiatives.
• Ensure timely project execution, adherence to budgets, and high-quality

Essential Criteria

• Minimum 7 years of experience in heritage research, conservation, or lab management
• Advanced degree in Heritage Conservation, Archaeology, Material Science, or a related field.
• Strong expertise in project management within heritage research and
• Experience in Budget management and Business Development in the heritage sector.
• Experience in grant writing, report writing and proposal
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop high-quality reports and presentations.
• Prior experience in capacity building and team

Desireables

• Demonstrated experience in establishing and managing conservation
• Good knowledge of the cultural heritage of West Africa would be an added advantage.
• Familiarity with scientific conservation methods, heritage documentation techniques, and ethical considerations.

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter to careers@wearemowaa.org, using the subject line “Heritage Services Lead Application” .

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.

Reporting Line: Head of Collections & Senior Conservator
Duty Station: Benin City, Nigeria
Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term (2 years, with potential renewal)

Job Overview

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Material Science to lead the design and implementation of its scientific research strategy. The Director will oversee the establishment of state-of-the-art lab facilities and guide the development of archaeological and heritage science programming within the MOWAA Institute.

As MOWAA enters a new phase of institutional growth, the Head of Material Science will play a critical leadership role in shaping the scientific and technical pillars of the organisation. This includes building the Institute’s internal research capacity, developing business services, and contributing to MOWAA’s long-term cultural impact.

Key Responsibilities 

Research & Strategy Development

• Develop a strategic plan to enable the sustainable growth of MOWAA’s labs over the short – medium term.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of MOWAA’s scientific research strategy in archaeology, heritage conservation, and materials analysis.
• Make funding applications, develop partnerships with local and international academic institutions and scientific collaborators.

Lab Establishment & Operations

• Lead the phased setup of the MOWAA science labs, including equipment selection, procurement, supplier engagement, and servicing contracts.
• Establish lab operations frameworks, including SOPs, safety and access protocols for internal and external users, booking systems, and maintenance schedules.
• Collaborate with the Director of Heritage Management Services and other internal partners to support field and research programmes.

Capacity Building & Mentorship

• Mentor junior team members and build a pipeline of skilled professionals in archaeological and heritage science.
• Guide the development of MOWAA’s scholarship and training programmes, in coordination with the Institute Director.
• Support the design of internal workshops, public lectures, and community-engaged research activities.

Business Development & Publications 

• Work with the Head of Services & Training to identify opportunities for fee-based scientific services and develop pricing models and marketing strategies.
• Support knowledge dissemination through upcoming publications series and exhibitions.
• Help raise MOWAA’s academic and professional profile through conferences, peer-reviewed output, and thought leadership.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise team members supporting lab functions and programming.
• Collaborate across departments to align scientific priorities with curatorial, conservation, and education strategies.
• Represent MOWAA in relevant academic and professional networks.

Essential Criteria 

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Material Science, Archaeological Science, Conservation Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in a leadership role within a research institution.
• Demonstrated track record in lab setup and management, research delivery, and staff management.
• Excellent communication, planning, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific publication.

Desireables

• Familiarity with archaeological contexts and heritage challenges in Africa is highly desirable.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to careers@wearemowaa.org by, using “Head of Material Science” as the subject line.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.

Reporting Line: Director, MOWAA Institute
Duty Station: While the role is based in Benin City, we’re open to flexible arrangements. The ideal candidate will be willing to spend significant time in Nigeria and across the West African region, depending on project needs.
Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term (with potential renewal)

Overview

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is seeking a thoughtful and experienced Curator, Historical & Antiquities to shape MOWAA’s curatorial direction, lead exhibitions and acquisitions, and drive research initiatives. The successful candidate will focus on historical and antiquities collections, working alongside curatorial colleagues leading modern and contemporary work, rather than in a supervisory capacity. This distinction ensures alignment with our dual curatorial focus and collaborative team structure.

The ideal profile combines deep expertise in African antiquities and a strong track record in exhibition-making, with the ability to operate within institutional settings, manage acquisitions, and foster operational best practices. We are particularly interested in professionals with museum-based experience who can also mentor early-career colleagues and build sustainable curatorial practices tailored to West African contexts.

This role may suit a mid-career curator looking to take on new leadership responsibilities or a senior professional seeking to make a lasting impact at an exciting stage of institutional growth.

Key Responsibilities 

Curatorial Strategy and Leadership

• Lead the conceptualisation and delivery of exhibitions and gallery displays.
• Develop and implement a long-term acquisitions and collections strategy aligned with MOWAA’s mission.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of the MOWAA Institute, senior advisors, and curators to shape a responsive and high-performing curatorial programme.
• Partner with research and conservation colleagues to support publications, interpretation, and scholarly output.
• Spearhead exhibition and research proposals in collaboration with potential partners, funders, and institutions.
• Support internal exhibition budgeting, scheduling, and workflow coordination, in partnership with administrative staff.
• Contribute to strengthening MOWAA’s curatorial processes and institutional standards with a focus on contextual relevance and regional best practice.

Research and Scholarship

• Advance the study and interpretation of MOWAA’s historical and antiquities collections.
• Oversee the development of scholarly content, exhibition catalogues, and research publications.
• Represent MOWAA at conferences, symposia, and professional forums, enhancing institutional visibility and networks.

Collections Stewardship

• Collaborate on the development of policies for collections growth, storage, care, and display.
• Lead provenance research and contribute to ethical frameworks for collection development.
• Advise on ways to integrate local perspectives and engage collectors, audiences, and knowledge holders in exhibitions and programming.

Required Experience & Skills

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred) in Art History, African Studies, Archaeology, or related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of curatorial experience with a strong focus on African historical arts and antiquities.
• Proven record of delivering high-quality exhibitions and curatorial outputs.
• Experience working within a museum or cultural institution, with knowledge of institutional systems, acquisitions, and policy development.
• Demonstrated leadership in team development, mentorship, or training programmes.
• Excellent research, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Flexible, collaborative, and responsive to evolving project contexts.
• Willingness to spend significant time in Nigeria and/or the region, though flexibility will be considered depending on candidate profile.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working within a museum or research institution undergoing development or expansion
• Familiarity with West African cultural contexts and heritage landscapes

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and CV to careers@wearemowaa.org by, using “Curator, Historical & Antiquities” as the subject line.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.