Communication Consultant Kyiv
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)
Duty Station: Ukraine
Job Family: Culture
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : Part-time contract. 5 months with a possibility of extension for up to 14 months total.
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 31/12/2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Functional Title
Communication consultant for Project “Promotion of collections of Ukrainian women artists, including Maria Prymachenko, and the development of a museum dedicated to recognizing the historical role played by Ukrainian female artists.
Background
Ukrainian museums and collections have suffered significant losses since the beginning of the war. As of 18 December 2024, UNESCO has verified damage to 472 sites since 24 February 2022. The shelling, bombardment and related hazards have continuously put Ukrainian public and private collections at risk, including the country’s rich artistic legacies. The museums in Ukraine also face challenges of reduced financial and human capacities, and lack of equipment, ledge and know-how on the emergency protection of cultural heritage.
In this context, the Ukrainian authorities have prioritized the support to emergency safeguarding measures for museums and collections, including the collections of female artists that have received so far less attention. Ukraine is home to a rich and diverse heritage created by women artists, with most of the preserved works spanning from the XVIII to the XXI centuries and currently preserved in private and public museums, galleries and by art collectors in Ukraine and elsewhere.
This heritage has not been sufficiently studied and presented in Ukraine. Among the hundreds of notable Ukrainian women artists, several works could become the centerpieces of the future virtual museum and the impetus for further research on women's art in Ukraine. The risks and challenges to protecting and promoting works of women artists are multifaceted. For a long time, women artists and their works have lacked sufficient study, interpretation and promotion. Before the war, the exhibitions of many museums had remained the same since the 1980s and little attention was given to Ukrainian women artists. Furthermore, since the outbreak of the war, moveable collections, including the artworks of female artists, have faced the risks of destruction and damage due to attacks and natural and artificial induced hazards. Some works were also reported to have been removed from the galleries and museums situated in the Eastern territories of Ukraine occupied by the Russian Federation, and their status remains unknown. In addition, as conflicts disproportionately affect women and girls, the war in Ukraine has forced many women artists to flee the country, disrupted their livelihoods, work and education, deprived them of access to culture, and silenced their artistic voices.
Long Description
In order to address the above-mentioned challenges, UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine, with the generous support of the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, develops the project “Promotion of collections of Ukrainian women artists, including Maria Prymachenko, and the development of a museum dedicated to recognizing the historical role played by Ukrainian female artists”. As part of the documentation project, to facilitate wide communication about the project and its results with the focus on promotion of contribution of female artists to Ukrainian art history and gender equality amongst professionals in the field of culture, UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine is recruiting a Communication Consultant to fulfill all the mentioned responsibilities.
The Communication Consultant will be responsible for the development of a robust communication strategy in coordination with the UNESCO Antenna’s Communication team to support the visibility, and implementation of this project. This role focuses on promoting the heritage and contributions of Ukrainian women artists, increasing public awareness, and ensuring seamless communication with donors and stakeholders. The role also involves engaging the public and the art community in recognizing the value of these cultural assets and safeguarding Ukraine’s artistic legacy.
Work assignment
Communication Consultant will be responsible for effective project communication and its visibility, by accompanying each stage from identifying the communication objectives, target audience and partners, designing and implementing the communication strategies, launching the social media presence, leading communication with stakeholders, and monitoring the set goals.
Communication Consultant is expected to take the lead in designing, planning, developing and executing communication strategy for the project, as well as carrying out the planned activities under the supervision of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine as well as the team at UNESCO HQ in Paris. The Communications Consultant will be assigned to the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine and will closely work with UNESCO National Communications Officer and the responsible National Culture Officer, ensuring visibility of the Donor and UNESCO's action. In the context of the project, the Communication Consultant will be working in diverse intercultural environment, collaborating with UNESCO staff and project stakeholders based in Kyiv and Paris, as well as representatives of relevant UNESCO sectors outside of Ukraine, under the guidance of CPE at UNESCO Headquarters.
Long Description
TIMETABLE AND DELIVERABLES
1. Strategic Communication and Planning
a. Develop and support the implementation of the project’s communication strategy to highlight the significance of Ukraine’s cultural heritage, especially focusing on the legacy of Ukrainian women artists.
b. Define communication objectives, identify target audiences, and tailor messages to maximize public engagement and support for the project.
c. Ensure alignment of the communication strategy with UNESCO’s goals and cultural preservation objectives.
2. Media Relations and Public Engagement
a. Build and manage relationships with local and international media to secure coverage that raises awareness of the project’s activities and goals.
b. Draft press releases, media kits, and articles to highlight project milestones, success stories, and the impact of the project.
c. Organize press events, online conferences, and interviews to generate interest and visibility for the project and showcase the contributions of Ukrainian women artists.
3. Digital Communication and Content Creation
a. Lead the project’s digital presence by creating and managing social media content that captures the public’s attention and promotes cultural heritage.
b. Oversee the production of engaging visual and written content for social media platforms, websites, and newsletters.
c. Implement digital campaigns to reach a diverse audience, sharing stories of women artists, virtual exhibitions, and updates on the project’s progress.
4. Stakeholder and Donor Communication
a. Technically advise and support on communication and visibility of the project to the UNESCO team at the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine and the Culture and Emergencies Entity at UNESCO HQ for the regular reporting for donors and stakeholders, including the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, ensuring transparent and timely updates on project achievements.
b. Prepare regular written reports for stakeholders, providing data-driven insights on media reach, public engagement, and milestones met.
c. Ensure donor contributions are recognized in project materials, press releases, and public-facing communications, adhering to UNESCO’s communication standards.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing, Multimedia Production, Information Management, International Relations, or related areas. (Master’s degree will be considered an advantage).
Work Experience
• 3+ years of proven professional experience of building and sustaining public presence for organizations or companies, preferably in public or non-profit domain.
Skills and Competencies
• Hands-on experience working with Photoshop, Illustrator, and other graphic design programs (Canva).
• Skills in effective communication with stakeholders, beneficiaries ands sector members (culturally and socially sensitive).
• Previous experience or motivation to learn about the field of Culture, Creative Industries, Art Administration, Cultural Diplomacy will be seen as an asset.
• Individual entrepreneur with the appropriate type of entrepreneurial activity.
Languages
• Excellent knowledge of (written and spoken) English and Ukrainian.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information.
To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
Interested candidates should complete the on-line application, download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information:
A written proposal comprising:
- An up-to-date CV
- A 1-pager cover letter, specifying their relevant experience and interest in the mission defined above.
- Portfolio of previous successful projects with a track record of establishing high visibility and effective promotion of projects in Ukraine any field will be considered an advantage. Demonstrable involvement in donor-funded projects will gain additional points.
Applications should be submitted online. Applications submitted without the Technical and Financial proposals will not be considered. In case you are unable to attach the required document in the system, you may send an email to d.levchenko@unesco.org
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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