Consultant - Student / Young professional in Biological fieldwork

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 1 - Junior

Hiring Unit : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station : Ukraine

Work location : On site

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+3 Time) : 10/07/2026

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.

As a result of the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant on 6 June 2023, as well as the ongoing shelling of the city of Zaporizhzhia and the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant, the staff of the Khortytsia National Reserve faced urgent challenges in safeguarding cultural heritage and monitoring of the natural environment.

UNESCO provided immediate support to the Reserve following the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP in June 2023 by supplying conservation materials, financing emergency repairs to the facilities used for preserving rescued artefacts, supporting restoration training programmes, procuring essential equipment for the digitization of the collection, underwater research, and archaeological monitoring missions in affected areas.

Within the framework of the new UNESCO project, “Emergency Measures at Khortytsia National Reserve, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine”, generously funded by the Government of Sweden, Activity 5 – Professional Training and Apprenticeships for Young Professionals – includes the recruitment of students to strengthen the Reserve’s team and support its ongoing monitoring of the natural environment.

The initiative aims to ensure continuous biological monitoring of the natural environment of Khortytsia Island in order to assess and document changes to its ecosystem resulting from the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant.

At the same time, it seeks to promote knowledge exchange and capacity building through close collaboration between young professionals and the Reserve’s experienced experts.

ASSIGNMENTS

The assignment will help improve the efficiency of biological monitoring activities while providing participant with practical experience and opportunities to learn from the Reserve’s experts through hands-on work.

SCOPE OF WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Undertake tasks related to the biological fieldwork, in accordance with the needs and instructions of the Reserve’s staff. Conduct inventory work on flora and fauna species (primarily protected categories), complete observation/encounter record sheets, and map encounter locations using Google Earth and QGIS software.

Part-time, 8 weeks × 18 hours/week, 18 hours per week, in total 128 hours. 

CONTRACT DURATION

Duration: 8 weeks from the start date of the contract.

DELIVERABLES

Updated data on the distribution of specific flora and fauna species within the Reserve. Completed observation/encounter record sheets. Map-diagrams of encounter locations for each recorded plant and animal species (primarily protected categories).

A brief written analytical report on the scope and taxonomic coverage of the recorded species, including their conservation status under national legislation and international treaties ratified by Ukraine.

The selected Consultant is expected to submit regular progress report for UNESCO approval.

Contract and Reporting

•    Type: Individual Consultant (SSA);
•    Modality: Work on-site (Zaporizhzhia);
•    Reporting: UNESCO;
•    Working languages: Ukrainian, English (desirable).

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

•    Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology (Bachelor's level) in the aforementioned fields;

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Previous collaboration with the Khortytsia National Reserve is considered an advantage;

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Strong communication skills;

LANGUAGES

•    Proficiency in English is considered an asset;

APPLICATION PROCESS

All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information.

Applications must reach UNESCO by 10 July 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.