Consultant - Project Manager for Cultural Institutions
JOB DETAILS
Type of contract : Consultant Contract
Level : Level 3 - Senior
Hiring Unit : Culture Sector (CLT)
Duty Station : Ukraine
Work location : On site
Duration of contract : 8 months
Hiring open to : External candidates
Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 25/05/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW
The full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation has resulted in the destruction of Ukraine’s cultural infrastructure and critically undermined the institutional capacity of cultural institutions. More than 2,000 cultural infrastructure facilities (libraries, museums, theatres, cultural centres, art schools) have been damaged or destroyed.
In the context of wartime and post-war recovery, there is a need for systematic management of reconstruction, improving accessibility conditions, modernization, improving the system of resource and financial support for employees, and digital transformation processes of cultural institutions.
The Recovery Support Unit under the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine coordinates projects aimed at the recovery and transformation of the cultural sector, providing analytical, legal, and managerial support.
ASSIGNMENTS
To ensure the development and institutional strengthening of cultural institutions through the introduction of modern management principles, enhancement of their operational efficiency and sustainability, and improvement of the quality and accessibility of cultural services for the population.
The position entails organization, coordination, and management of relevant programmes and projects, including planning, monitoring, reporting, and engagement with key stakeholders, in compliance with international management standards and principles of transparency and effectiveness.
Long Description
Scope of Work and Responsibilities
● Ensure strategic planning and implementation of programmes aimed at the development and institutional strengthening of cultural institutions.
● Organize and coordinate the implementation of modern management approaches to improve institutional performance.
● Ensure full-cycle programme and project management (planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation), including achievement of defined results and KPIs.
● Coordinate interaction with public authorities, local self-government bodies, donors, and international partners.
● Ensure the development and implementation of measures to improve the quality and accessibility of cultural services, taking into account principles of inclusivity and accessibility.
● Initiate and implement tools to enhance operational efficiency and financial sustainability of cultural institutions.
● Ensure preparation of analytical materials and policy briefs in line with donor and partner requirements.
● Represent programmes and results at national and international levels.
● Ensure compliance with timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
CONTRACT DURATION
Duration: until February 28, 2027.
Long Description
DELIVERABLES
1. Strategic documents and governance models
Governance models for cultural institutions developed and agreed with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, including recommendations for institutional modernization.
Policy briefs and analytical materials prepared for donors and international partners in line with the Strategy for the Development of Ukrainian Culture for 2025–2030, as well as 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.
2. Programme planning and implementation
Comprehensive programmes for institutional strengthening developed.
Timely implementation of plans ensured, with adherence to deadlines and budget frameworks.
3. Operational efficiency improvement
Modern management tools implemented to ensure transparency, effectiveness, and financial sustainability.
Measures developed and implemented to optimize internal processes and improve service quality.
4. Accessibility and inclusivity of cultural services
Programmes and projects proposed to expand public access to cultural services, taking into account inclusivity and accessibility principles.
Recommendations prepared for integrating the cultural dimension into local and national policies.
5. International and cross-sectoral cooperation
Effective cooperation established with public authorities, local self-government bodies, donors, and international organizations.
Results presented at national and international levels, including participation in relevant events.
6. Analytics and reporting
Regular reports prepared on programme and project implementation, including quantitative and qualitative indicators.
Systematization of data on cultural infrastructure and resource utilization ensured.
Long Description
Contract and Reporting
• Type: Individual Consultant (SSA)
• Modality: Home-based, 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
● Advanced education in management, public policy, cultural management, or related fields (Master’s or equivalent).
WORK EXPERIENCE
● At least 10 years of proven experience in culture and project management (as evidenced by a CV and at least 2 recommendations).
● Practical experience in managing a municipal or state cultural institution (director, deputy director, head of unit), including staff management, budgeting, strategic development, and change management (transformations).
● Experience in managing infrastructure projects (construction, reconstruction, modernization of cultural facilities) desirable.
● Experience in grant management.
● Experience working with international organizations, donors, and public authorities.
● Knowledge of modern project management methodologies (PMI, Agile or equivalent).
● Experience in preparing analytical reports, briefs, and concept papers for public authorities, donors, and international organizations.
Long Description
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
● Additional certifications in project management, consulting, strategic management, or related fields are an asset.
● Strong analytical and communication skills.
LANGUAGES
- Working languages: Ukrainian (primary), English (as required)
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 25 May 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.