Project and Partnerships Associate

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level :  SC7

Hiring Unit : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station : Ukraine

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 12 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 22/03/2026

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Japan-supported UNESCO project “Safeguarding Independent Media and Information Integrity in Ukraine: Emergency Response and Sustainable Recovery” aims to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Ukraine’s media sector in the context of ongoing challenges caused by the war. The project seeks to enhance the safety of journalists and media workers through the provision of emergency assistance, psychological support, and targeted interventions implemented with a strong gender-sensitive approach. It further addresses the urgent need to advance the viability of independent media outlets by supporting the development of sustainable business models, strengthening financial resilience, and enhancing tailored audience outreach strategies. In parallel, the project contributes to reinforcing access to reliable and accurate information by promoting international standards on freedom of expression and information integrity, while advancing media and information literacy among key stakeholders. Through these combined efforts, the project supports both the immediate emergency response and the long-term sustainable recovery of Ukraine’s independent media ecosystem.

MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES

Under the overall authority of the Head of Antenna in Ukraine and the direct supervision of the CI Project Officer, the Project and Partnerships Associate shall contribute to the work of the Communication and Information (CI) Sector in Ukraine, supporting the implementation of the UNESCO/Japan Funds-In-Trust project “Safeguarding Independent Media and Information Integrity in Ukraine: Emergency Response and Sustainable Recovery”.

In particular, the incumbent shall:

•    Support successful implementation of the project by liaising with implementing partners, consultants and suppliers of project activities.
•    Support the project management by maintaining an updated project plan and checking narrative reports and deliverables submitted by implementing partners; by following the budgetary and financial situation of the project and liaising with relevant colleagues at the Antenna in Ukraine and Headquarters, as relevant (AO, BFM); by ensuring timely reporting to the donor and UNESCO’s internal reporting tools.
•    Support and ensure the timely and compliant execution of procurement activities, including preparation of procurement documentation and contract follow-up.
•    Support project communications and outreach by drafting web stories, tweets, press releases, brochures, publications and any other communications material in cooperation with UNESCO communications teams.
•    Perform research tasks, liaise with potential partners and donors and prepare proposals for further funding acquisition in the CI mandate area.
•    Assist in assessing needs on the ground, identify eventual bottlenecks, challenges and opportunities, and conceptualizing further activities in line with community needs.
•    Contribute to the organization of events in Ukraine, showcasing project results and bringing together UNESCO CI partners, by drafting event agendas, background documents, speeches, talking points, letters and any other material as requested.
•    Assist in preparing meeting agendas, talking points and other material relating to UNESCO representation at events, missions by UNESCO HQ staff to Ukraine and missions of the CI team in Ukraine.
•    Participate in meetings and missions to ensure smooth implementation of project activities and to represent UNESCO if required.
•    Provide substantive procurement, logistical, and administrative support to project implementation and related activities. 

EXPECTED RESULTS

As the work is geared toward offering project support, the results have an impact on the information feed to more senior staff members, team capacities and the position taken on projects. The post holder serves as a team member, offering substantive contributions and analysis to the team on a variety of issues and activities such as project implementation, partnership and funding proposals as well as thematic expansion. His/her recommendations will also have an impact on the availability and accessibility of information and knowledge exchange and the visibility of the actions of UNESCO in Ukraine.

DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

• 12 months (with the possibility of extension subject to performance and resource availability).

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

• Completion of secondary education is required.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional administrative experience in the fields of human rights, freedom of expression, international development, or related areas is required for candidates with secondary education. For candidates holding a university degree at Master’s level (or equivalent), a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional administrative experience is required.
• Experience in contributing to partnership and grant management.
• Experience in organizing events and conferences on human rights and international development topics.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Solid knowledge of UNESCO’s institutional mandates, activities and priorities, as well as sound knowledge of the UN System and how it functions. 
•    Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment.
•    Strong analytical and organizational skills. Capacity to digest a vast array of information and provide insights on complex issues.
•    Strong communication skills, including the preparation of communication material and reports.
•    Good IT and information management skills.

LANGUAGES

•    Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and Ukrainian.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

•    University degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in political science, international relations, human rights, international development, journalism, media related studies or in another area covered by UNESCO’s Communication and Information sector.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    Relevant professional experience in UN System or at the international level. 
•    Professional experience in the Ukrainian media or media development sector or within a human rights organization defending the right to freedom of expression. 

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Estimate Monthly Salary: The starting base salary for this post is 1.936 USD + reimbursement of medical insurance and pension up to 15% of the base salary + danger pay (623 USD) subject to decisions by ICSC

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.