Call for Consultancy: UIS Observatory for Cultural Statistics Programme Review (Montreal, Canada) contract Full Time NEW

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 3 – Senior

Hiring Unit : Institute for Statistics (UIS)

Duty Station : Montreal

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 6 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC−4 Time) : 27/03/2026

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

Background
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the statistical branch of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. As part of its current reorganization, the UIS will conduct a strategic review of its’ Observatory for Cultural Statistics programme of work in its effort to better serve the needs of UNESCO Member States, UNESCO, and other stakeholders. It will also provide further elaboration on the current UIS Medium Term Strategy (2022-2029).

Objective
The purpose of this project, which is part of the UIS strategic review of its Observatory for Cultural Statistics programme of work, is to gain a clearer understanding of the international science statistics landscape and provide recommendations for a new strategy. The UIS last examined it’s culture statistics priorities during its International Symposium on Cultural Statistics in 2002.

The consultant will produce:

1.    A comprehensive report presenting the research findings and recommendations for a new UIS Observatory for Cultural Statistics Strategy.

The scope of the work will include the following:

1.    A review of the UIS Medium Term Strategy 2022-2029.
2.    A review of the UIS Culture Statistics Programme from 2001-2024.
3.    A review of the current UNESCO Culture Sector Programme priorities in the 43/C5 (2026-2029) and other strategic documents as well as recent Culture Sector statistical activities.
4.    A review of:
       a.    MONDIACULT 2022 Declaration, Mondiacult 2025 Outcome Document and the 2025 UNESCO Global Report on Cultural Policies, Culture: The Missing SDG.
       b.    G7 and G20 culture related documents and declarations.
       c.    UN post-2030 discussions and outcomes—such as the Summit of the Future—and consider how they relate to cultural statistics.
5.    In depth consultations with the UNESCO Culture Sector Executive Office and Culture Sector Division Chiefs and other staff as needed. The consultations can be in the form of online interviews and/or the use of an electronic questionnaire.
6.    An overview of the culture statistics related activities in in selected international organizations such as the UN Secretariat, UNCTAD, WIPO, African Union, Organization of American States and Mercosur.
7.    An overview of the culture statistics related activities in selected regional organisations such as the OECD, Eurostat, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
8.    Consultation with selected key stakeholders.
9.    The identification of potential partnerships and synergies at the international and regional levels.

The project will commence in April 2026 and conclude in September 2026 covering a period of 6 months.

• Culture Statistics Strategy Paper – Draft 1 (07 July 2026)
• Culture Statistics Strategy Paper – Final (22 September 2026)

• 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 quantitative disciplines (e.g. statistics, economics, social sciences,) and preferably in a cultural discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 7-10 years working experience in culture statistics and/or research and/or policy development.  Direct experience managing or implementing cultural programmes is desirable. 

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

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

LANGUAGES

• Demonstrates strong proficiency in both spoken and written English. Familiarity with 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
a)     an up-to-date curriculum vitae.
b)     a statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment. 
c)     a document of 2-4 pages describing your proposed approach, for completing the assignment.

Part 2: Financial Proposal
a)     A competitive fee for the assignment, which should be quoted in USD and expressed monthly – and the overall cost of the assignment, expressed as an overall lumpsum. 

Applications without the Technical and Financial proposal will not be accepted. 

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).

• The selected candidate can work remotely.
• This consultant contract is for a period of approximately 6 months, and the workload corresponds to a full-time consultancy.
• Estimated contract start date: April 2026. 
• 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.