Consultant – Head of the Recovery Support Unit (Ukraine, Ukraine) contract

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

The full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation has caused significant destruction to Ukraine’s cultural infrastructure and cultural heritage assets. The recovery of the cultural sector requires systematic coordination, strategic management, and the mobilization of international support.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, the Recovery Support Unit ensures coordination of the implementation of projects for the restoration of cultural infrastructure and cultural heritage assets, interaction with public authorities, local self-government bodies, donors, and international financial institutions, as well as coordination of communications and cooperation with international partners (high-level platforms), humanitarian programmes, clusters, and initiatives implemented at all levels of public administration.

To ensure the effective functioning of the Recovery Support Unit, including team leadership, coordination of the implementation of recovery projects for cultural infrastructure and cultural heritage assets, engagement with stakeholders, and preparation of analytical and managerial decisions for the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

● Lead and manage the team of the Recovery Support Unit.
● Coordinate the work of experts, project managers, and technical specialists.
● Ensure effective planning, organization, and implementation of the Unit’s activities in line with the priorities of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
● Coordinate interaction with public authorities, central executive authorities, local self-government bodies, enterprises, institutions, and organizations.

● Cooperate with heads of structural units of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and subordinate institutions.
● Establish and develop cooperation with donor organizations, international financial institutions, and international partners.
● Mobilize funding and expert support for cultural recovery projects.
● Coordinate cooperation with international partners, high-level platforms, humanitarian programmes, clusters, and initiatives.
● Oversee the development of project tools, implementation plans, and budgets.
● Ensure communication with media, the public, and partners.
● Prepare presentation materials, public speeches, and information communications.
● Participate in working visits and official missions.
● Organize and support international and national events, conferences, round tables, working meetings, and networking events.

Duration: until February 28, 2027

1.    Effective functioning of the Recovery Support Unit and coordination of the expert team ensured.
2.    International technical assistance and partnership support mobilized, including cooperation with donors and international organizations.
3.    Regular managerial reporting on projects implementation ensured.
4.    Strengthened coordination among public authorities, local self-government bodies, international partners, and cultural institutions.
5.    Developed documents, including policy design, analytical, presentation and advisory materials are 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.
6.    Systematic communication on the recovery of Ukraine’s cultural heritage ensured, including preparation of presentation materials, public speeches, and information communications for national and international partners.

Contract and Reporting

•    Type: Individual Consultant (SSA)
•    Modality: Office-based, missions.
•    Reporting: UNESCO and the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine

• 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’s or equivalent) in public administration, management, economics, law, or related fields; a PhD (or equivalent) in public administration or cultural studies is an asset.

WORK EXPERIENCE

● At least 10 years of professional experience in public or municipal administration, including no less than 5 years in managerial positions.
● At least 5 years of experience in project/programme management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
● Experience in recovery, cultural policy, or infrastructure projects.
● Experience working with public authorities, local self-government bodies, donors, and international organizations, including the United Nations system; experience within the UN system is an asset.
● Proven experience in team management and cross-sectoral coordination.
● Experience in preparing analytical materials and managerial reports.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

● Strong managerial, analytical, and communication skills.

LANGUAGES

● Fluency in Ukrainian and professional proficiency in English.

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).

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.