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Consultant - Community Engagement expert in the field of movable cultural heritage

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station : Ukraine

Work location : On site

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 05/06/2026

 

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

OVERVIEW

As a result of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, a significant portion of Ukraine’s cultural property has been exposed to risks of destruction, damage, illegal transfer, or loss. Issues related to the safeguarding and evacuation of museum collections, risk management, the establishment of storage facilities, and ensuring appropriate storage conditions for cultural property, digitization and unified inventory of collections have become critically important.


In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, the Expert ensures effective communication, coordination, and implementation of policies and procedures in the field of movable cultural heritage, including the safeguarding and evacuation of museum collections, support for establishment of permanent and temporary storage facilities (including for evacuated collections), and support for actions aimed at prevention of illicit trafficking of cultural property in accordance with international standards.

To ensure the effective implementation of state policy in the field of movable cultural heritage preservation, including:


 ● coordination of safeguarding measures and evacuation processes for cultural property;
 ● development of concepts for storage systems for permanent and temporary preservation;
 ● prevention of illicit trafficking of cultural property;
 ● strengthening cooperation among public institutions, museums, and stakeholders;
 ● implementation of international standards in the protection of movable cultural heritage.

ASSIGNMENTS

To ensure coordination, communication, and implementation of policies and procedures in the field of movable cultural heritage, as well as to provide expert, analytical, and methodological support to the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and ensure participation and engagement of relevant sector stakeholders.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities


● Perform the initial assessment and mapping of relevant sector stakeholders in the field of movable cultural heritage, such as  local self-government bodies, professional communities, research and restoration centres and institutions, museums, civil society organizations, and international partners.
● Develop and support mechanisms for cooperation among public institutions and stakeholders.
● Organize and facilitate consultations, round tables, and working groups in consultation with the Head of Recovery Support Unit and the cultural heritage department of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
● Ensure communication of developed policies, methodological recommendations, and procedures to stakeholders.
● Organize information sessions and training activities on the implementation of new approaches.
● Prepare analytical briefs based on consultation outcomes.
● Participate in the development of a roadmap for the support and rehabilitation of the sector of restoration of movable cultural heritage  in Ukraine, including investment needs and legislative changes in State Certification of the restorers, integration with European professional networks, capacity building for the relevant stakeholders identified jointly with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine.

 

Supporting responsibilities

● Facilitate the conclusion of memoranda of cooperation and other formalized partnerships in consultation with the Head of Recovery Support Unit and the cultural heritage department of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

● Facilitate the establishment of storage facilities for permanent preservation and reception of evacuated collections as well as re-organization of the existing ones in consultation with the Head of Recovery Support Unit and the cultural heritage department of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

● Support the development of recommendations for improving legislation in the field of museums and museum practice. ● Support the development methodological recommendations for museum operations, including those in frontline areas, relocated museums, and institutions with evacuated collections.

● Provide support to museums across Ukraine in the organization of the evacuation of cultural property in consultation with the Head of Recovery Support Unit and the cultural heritage department of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

● Advise the relevant team at the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the team of UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine in legislative and project implementation processes related to tracing stolen cultural property.

CONTRACT DURATION

Duration: until February 28, 2027.

DELIVERABLES

● Comprehensive mapping performed, identifying, analyzing and preparing a community engagement strategy for relevant sector stakeholders in the field of movable cultural heritage, such as local self-government bodies, professional communities, research and restoration centers and institutions, museums, civil society organizations, and international partners.
● Support provided to at least 50 stakeholders in movable cultural heritage protection in evacuation, tracing stolen cultural property, or establishment of storage facilities.
● At least 10 consultations conducted on implementation of legislative acts, identification of gaps, and development of recommendations.
● Participation of at least 200 sector representatives ensured in consultation activities.
● Roadmap for the support and rehabilitation of the sector of restoration of movable cultural heritage in Ukraine prepared, including investment needs and legislative changes.
● Support provided to the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Recovery Support Unit legal expert for improving legislation in the field of museums and museum practice developed, including for frontline and relocated museums.

Contract and Reporting


 ● Type: Individual Consultant (SSA)
 ● Modality: Office-based, missions
 ● Reporting: UNESCO and the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine

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

● Master’s degree (or equivalent) in cultural heritage, museology, history, cultural studies, or related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

● At least 5 years of practical experience in the museum sector or cultural heritage protection. International experience, including academic studies, professional development programs and temporary placements in foreign institutions is a strong asset. 
● Understanding of international standards in the protection of cultural property, including UNESCO conventions and protocols adopted by Ukraine and other international treaties and regulatory frameworks, adopted according to Ukraine’s obligations, including its ascension to the European Union is required.
● Active participation and visibility in Ukrainian museum community (through participation in ICOM, HeMo or other internationally active organizations) would be an asset.
● Experience in safeguarding, evacuation, or inventorying of cultural property.
● Experience working with public authorities, museums, and international partners.
● Experience in preparing analytical materials and recommendations.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

 ● Strong communication and organizational skills.
 ● Additional certification or a track record of working with non-violent communication, community engagement and cross-sectorial communication is an asset.

LANGUAGES 

● Fluency in Ukrainian, professional proficiency in English in an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information.
Please upload the following documents, as a single PDF document, in the ‘Employment History Form’ section:

1. An updated detailed Curriculum Vitae
2. A Cover Letter including financial proposal, based on the job description above. 

Applications must reach UNESCO by 05 June 2026 (midnight, Kyiv time).

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.
  • The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
  • UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.

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