Technical Consultant – Architect/Structural Engineer (Ukraine, Ukraine) contract

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Hiring Unit : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station : Ukraine

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 18 May 2026 – 18 November 2026 (with the possibly of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds)

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 24/04/2026

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

The assignment is framed within UNESCO’s emergency assistance programme for Ukraine and in particular in continuation of UNESCO’s previous and ongoing projects in Odesa, and funded through the project “Enhancing protection of cultural heritage in Ukraine: from emergency response to recovery”, funded by Japan.

The repeated attacks on Odesa have directly and indirectly damaged or put at risk a significant part of the urban historic fabric of the city. Since July 2023, these threats have intensified and are increasing the vulnerability of historic buildings. Based on the outcomes of damage assessment activities conducted by UNESCO and recommendations of the World Heritage Committee to continue the implementation of conservation programmes with priority given to buildings at risk and areas that need urgent stabilization or conservation interventions, UNESCO aims to enhance its presence in Odesa by engaging an architect or structural engineer. 

The Consultant shall support the implementation of UNESCO’s interventions at the pre-identified pilot damaged cultural buildings including “The House of Scientists”, provide technical advice to prepare and finalize project documentation for urgent repair works at additional damaged cultural sites/buildings in Odesa, ensure the overall direct supervision of the design works to be performed within these projects and the implementation of the subsequent works at these sites.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine, the direct supervision of the CLT Chief of Unit in the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine and in close consultation with relevant units at the Antenna and the Culture Sector in Headquarters, the Consultant shall perform the technical review of the project documentation, advise on the required procedures and agreements that UNESCO has to comply with in view of the implementation of the identified works (laws, letters, MoUs, etc.), as well as perform the overall direct supervision of the works performed within the projects, assist in the procurement procedures (bill of quantity, specifications, etc.), and advise and oversee the daily works at the concerned fieldworks in Odesa.

To this end, the Consultant shall perform the following, but not limited to, tasks:

•    Based on UNESCO Antenna instructions and in collaboration with relevant sectors in Headquarters (as needed), regularly coordinate with the concerned national, regional and local authorities, and other partners, including the owners of buildings and international experts, as relevant.
•    Based on UNESCO Antenna instructions and in collaboration with relevant sectors in Headquarters (as needed), conduct consultations with various stakeholders in relevant sectors to align the documentation and any potential interventions with relevant national standards and regulations.
•    Based on visual and instrumental inspections, oversee the conduction of detailed conditions assessment, check the documentation for performing urgent interventions at selected damaged cultural buildings in Odesa, and assist in defining the specifications and Bill of Quantities for their implementation.
•    Provide quality assurance and monitoring/direct supervision of the works to ensure full alignment with the proposed timeframe, drawings and technical specifications, national legal requirements, including that requirements for safety and security are respected during the duration of the work.
•    Ensure regular documentation of executed works, including needed graphic and photographic documentation and as instructed by the direct Supervisor.
•    Assist UNESCO Antenna in procurement procedures, developing technical drawings, technical specifications, Bills of Quantities, request for quotations and other relevant documents.
•    Conduct market surface mapping on market products’ availability and costs. 
•    Certify the completion of the works under direct supervision of the Chief of CLT Unit in UNESCO Antenna, and support the submission to the Ukrainian competent authorities of the requested papers at completion of the works, as needed and in full compliance with Ukrainian legislation.

18 May 2026 – 18 November 2026 (with the possibly of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds)

The Consultant shall work on a full-term basis and shall be based in Odesa. The Consultant shall work on a day-to-day basis with the UNESCO teams in Ukraine.

At the end of each month, the contractor shall submit to UNESCO for its approval narratives reports on the work conducted and progress made in line with the Terms of Reference. 

• 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.

EDUCATION

•    Advanced university degree (minimum master’s degree or equivalent) in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant areas, with training in heritage conservation preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in the field of architectural design and/or structural engineering, notably in repair, construction and/or rehabilitation of existing buildings; specific experience in undertaking such types of works on cultural heritage sites is preferred. 
•    Experience in design implementation, monitoring, site supervision, and quality assurance. 
•    Experience in the successful development and implementation of the reconstruction/rehabilitation/stabilization component of a national and/or regional construction project, preferably on cultural heritage.
•    Knowledge of project management processes and experience in planning and controlling project costs within the repair works, stabilization and reconstruction.
•    Understanding of national construction norms and standards, possibly including provisions for cultural heritage.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Ability to manage information objectively, accurately, and confidentially.
•    Flexibility and adaptability to work schedules and priorities according to workload, emergencies, and deadlines.
•    Ability to design, work and execute tasks independently with thoroughness, care, and method.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team and in a multicultural environment.
•    Communication skills and ability to interact with recipients/clients and other project stakeholders.
•    Very good IT skills (AutoCAD or equivalent, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Intranet, Internet, etc.).
•    Analytical and problem-solving skills.
•    Systematic approach to planning and controlling costs and budgets.
•    Ability to work in a team and achieve common goals.
•    High level of responsibility and adherence to deadlines and standards.

LANGUAGES

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

•    Understanding of UNESCO heritage conservation protocols and standards.
•    Relevant professional experience in UN System or at the international level.
•    Professional qualification as technical supervisor according to the Ukrainian law 

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 24 April 2026 (midnight, Kyiv time).

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).

• 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.