CONSULTANT -International Recommendations for a Culture Satellite Account (Canada, Canada) contract

Type of contract : Consultant contract 

Level : Level 3-Senior 

Hiring Unit : UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) 

Duty Station :Montreal 

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 11 months 

Hiring open to :External candidates 

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−5 Time) : 24/05/2026

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

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the statistical branch of the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture.

There is a growing interest in understanding the economic contribution of the cultural and creative ecosystem. From 2017 to 2018, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) started to develop the International Recommendations for Culture Satellite Account (CSA). This initiative aimed to advance the measurement of the economic aspects of culture and to establish new global methodology and standard to serve as a blueprint for creating national culture satellite accounts. A draft document was produced.

After several years of interruption, UIS is now resuming its efforts to complete the International Recommendations for a CSA.

Objective

The aim of the project is to develop the International Recommendations for a CSA.  The project is divided into two separate phases. The initial phase consists of creating an updated first draft document by the end of 2026. The second phase consists of producing the final document taking account the results of a global consultation and final recommendations from the UIS CSA Technical Advisory Group.

Starting with the UIS 2018 International Recommendations for a CSA draft document as a basis, the consultant will update and revise it accordingly to produce the new International Recommendations for Culture Satellite Accounts document.

The content of the document will include, but is not limited to:

• Describing the key concepts and definitions and how the CSA fits into the overall System of National Accounts (SNA)
• Describing the uses and limitations of a CSA
• Identifying the required criteria to develop a CSA
• Production of the required summary tables
• Identifying the initial aggregates
• Listing and explaining the basic indicators
• Discussing any specific issues
• Identifying the required classifications
• Identifying the recommended data sources

The scope of work encompasses but is not limited to the following:

1. A review of past UIS work on the international recommendations for a CSA (CSA)

• The 2017 UIS international recommendations for a CSA document (unpublished)
• Results of the UIS TAG review of the 2017 document.
• Results and recommendations from the 2018 1st CSA TAG meeting held in Tokyo, Japan.  
• The issues/concept papers produced for the CSA TAG meeting in 2018

1.  Incorporation of the results from the UIS global consultation.

1. The recommendations of the UIS CSA Technical Advisory Group.

The first phase of the project will commence in June 2026 and conclude on 30 November 2026.

The second phase of the project will commence in February 2027 to conclude in November 2027.

First phase – June to November 2026

1. Detailed outline of the international recommendations for UIS CSA Expert Group review: (30 July 2026)
2. International recommendations CSA – Draft 1 UIS CSA Expert Group review (30 November 2026)

Second phase – February to May 2027

1. International recommendations CSA – Draft 2 UIS CSA Expert Group review: (20 May 2027)
2. International recommendations CSA – Final Draft UIS CSA Expert Group review (30 November 2027)

TRAVEL

The consultant will be required to participate at least one meeting of the UIS CSA TAG in Montreal, Canada. Any associated expenses will be reimbursed separately from the terms outlined in this contract.

• 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 (Master or PhD degree or equivalent) in economics or related applied quantitative discipline or in the field of cultural economics.

WORK EXPERIENCE

At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in economic statistics and/or economic research and/or working with Systems of National Accounts.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent English writing and editing skills.
• A demonstrated ability to conduct research.
• Effective organizational and people skills.
• Proficient in time management.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Client and collaborative.

LANGUAGES

Demonstrates excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English. Familiarity with an additional United Nations language (French, Spanish or Arabic) is considered advantageous for supporting the requirements of this assignment.

Interested candidates should complete the on-line application and submit the following required information:

Part 1: Technical Proposal

1. an up-to-date curriculum vitae.
2. a statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment.
3. a document of 2-4 pages describing their proposed approach he/she would adopt to carry out the assignment, including any inputs that may be required from UNESCO.

Part 2: Financial Proposal

A competitive fee for the assignment, which should be quoted in USD as an overall lumpsum.

Applications submitted without the Technical and Financial proposal will not be considered.

Additional information

• The selected candidate will work remotely.
• This consultant contract is for a period of approximately 16 months (with two phases)
• Estimated contract start date: June 2026.

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.

Selection will be based on eligibility criteria and the fee proposal as follows:

1. Eligibility criteria (70%)

1. The relevance of academic credentials (10%)
2. Professional experience (30%)
3. Proposed approach document (30%)

2. Fee proposal (30%)

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application indue course.

• 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.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.