Consultant-Programme Support, Intersectoral Coordination and Communications

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)

Duty Station : Apia

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+13 Time) : 21/08/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

BACKGROUND

The UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States supports 17 Member States in advancing sustainable development through programmes in education, culture, science, and communication and information, in line with UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy (43 C/4) and Programme and Budget (43 C/5). Working closely with governments, communities, regional organizations, development partners and United Nations agencies, the Office promotes regional cooperation and strengthens national capacities across the Pacific.
Within this framework, the Culture Programme supports Member States in safeguarding and promoting cultural and natural heritage, strengthening cultural and creative industries, and leveraging culture as a driver of sustainable development, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and social inclusion. Guided by UNESCO’s Culture Conventions and related normative instruments, the programme assists countries in translating international standards into national policies, legislation, institutional frameworks and community-based actions.
In light of the breadth of the Culture Programme and its growing portfolio of extra-budgetary and intersectoral initiatives, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States seeks the services of an Individual Consultant to provide programme, coordination, communication and technical support for the implementation of culture sector activities and related intersectoral initiatives across the Pacific.
The Consultant will support programme coordination, partnership-related and communication activities with UNESCO Member States and stakeholders across the Pacific, including National Commissions for UNESCO, line ministries, development partners, regional organizations, and United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs). The Consultant will also provide cross-sectoral support, particularly at the interface of culture and education, including activities related to heritage education and capacity development. Furthermore, the Consultant will support the Office's communication, visibility and outreach efforts through the preparation of web content, social media posts, communication materials and other digital products to enhance awareness and engagement around UNESCO's work in the Pacific region.

Long Description

ASSIGNMENTS

Under the overall authority of the Director and UNESCO Representative to the Pacific States and the direct supervision of the Culture Programme Specialist, the Consultant will support the planning, implementation, coordination, communication, monitoring and reporting of UNESCO Culture Sector programmes and projects, as well as relevant intersectoral initiatives of the Regional Office. The Consultant will support coordination and partnership-related activities, communication, outreach activities, and intersectoral initiatives. For coordination, partnership-related, and intersectoral activities, the Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Director of the Regional Office and in close coordination with the heads of programme units within the Office.

The Consultant shall undertake the following duties:

A. Programme and Technical Support
•    Support the implementation, monitoring and reporting of UNESCO culture sector projects and activities across the Pacific region.
•    Contribute to the preparation of project documents, concept notes, technical briefs, work plans, presentations and progress reports.
•    Assist with activities related to World Heritage, intangible cultural heritage, cultural policies, culture and climate change, living heritage, museums, and the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.
•    Support the organization and follow-up of regional workshops, consultations, training activities, conferences and technical meetings.
•    Facilitate the collection, analysis and compilation of information, data and documentation relevant to programme implementation.

B. Coordination and Partnership Engagement
•    Support the preparation, organization and follow up of coordination activities with UNESCO National Commissions, government ministries and institutions and relevant stakeholders across the Pacific.
•    Assist in supporting partnership activities and follow-up actions  with development partners, regional organizations, academic institutions and civil society organizations.
•    Provide technical and analytical support for UNESCO’s participation in United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs) and inter-agency initiatives where culture contributes to broader sustainable development outcomes.
•    Prepare meeting summaries, briefing notes and follow-up actions arising from consultations and coordination meetings.

C. Intersectoral Support
•    Support internal programme coordination and contribute to the preparation and follow-up of intersectoral initiatives, and joint programming.

•    Contribute to initiatives at the intersection of culture and education, particularly heritage education and capacity-building activities.
•    Support the integration of culture into broader UNESCO programmes and intersectoral initiatives.
•    Assist in identifying opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration with education, science, and communication and information programmes.

D. Communication and Outreach
•    Contribute to the preparation and implementation of communication and visibility plans for programme and project activities, ensuring alignment with UNESCO corporate communication guidelines.
•    Prepare website articles, news stories, success stories and communication materials highlighting UNESCO’s work in culture across the Pacific.
•    Develop content for social media platforms and support digital outreach campaigns.
•    Assist in producing visibility materials, publications, presentations and promotional products.
•    Support the maintenance and updating of relevant programme information and communication resources.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

Long Description

SPECIFIC NOTICE ON INDIVIDUAL CONSULTAT CONTRACTS 
All external communications, official correspondence, partnerships and representational functions shall remain under the authority of Director of the Regional Office or designated UNESCO staffmembers. The Consultant shall provide technical, analytical, coordination and communication support and shall not act as an official representative of UNESCO, nor make commitments on behalf of the Organization.

CONTRACT DURATION

The consultancy shall be undertaken over a period of eleven (11) months, commencing upon contract signature.

Long Description

DELIVERABLES

The Consultant shall submit monthly progress reports that shall summarize activities undertaken during the reporting period and include, as applicable:
1.    Progress against the agreed workplan, including outputs, deliverables and milestones achieved in support of UNESCO culture sector programmes and projects.
2.    Technical and programme support provided, including contributions to project design, implementation, monitoring, reporting, research, technical documentation, concept notes and briefing materials.
3.    Coordination, partnership-related and stakeholder communication support undertaken with Member States, National Commissions for UNESCO, line ministries, development partners, regional organizations, and United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs), including follow-up actions and outcomes.
4.    Support provided for meetings, workshops, consultations, training programmes and capacity-building activities, including preparation of meeting documentation, reports and recommendations.
5.    Contributions to intersectoral initiatives, particularly those related to culture and education, including heritage education, capacity development and other cross-cutting UNESCO priorities.
6.    Communication, visibility and outreach activities and products developed, including website articles, social media content, communication materials, presentations, newsletters and other digital outreach products.
7.       A final consultancy report at the end of the contract, summarizing key achievements and output delivered. 

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Culture, Heritage Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, International Development, Education, Social Sciences or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in culture, heritage, international development, programme management, education, communications or related fields.
•    Experience working with government institutions, international organizations, development partners or regional organizations.
•    Experience in project implementation, coordination and stakeholder engagement.
•    Experience in preparing technical reports, communication materials and programme documentation.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Good knowledge of UNESCO’s culture-related normative instruments and programmes, together with an understanding of intersectoral approaches, partnership development and programme coordination.
•    Strong analytical, drafting and communication skills.
•    Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders in a multicultural environment.
•    Excellent organizational and project management skills.
•    Experience in website content development, digital communications and social media outreach is desirable.
•     Demonstrated ability to facilitate coordination across multiple programmes, institutions and stakeholders and to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
•    Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

LANGUAGES

•    Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates must apply via the UNESCO on-line recruitment system.  

Applications should contain the following:

• CV
• Technical proposal
• Financial proposal

Long Description

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.