Consultant – Media Relations Manager (Ukraine, Ukraine) contract

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 – Middle

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) : 28/05/2026

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

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has caused extensive destruction of Ukraine’s cultural infrastructure and cultural heritage assets. The recovery and development of the cultural sector require a systematic, coordinated, and strategically structured communication approach at both national and international levels.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, strategic planning, coordination, and implementation of communication policy in the field of culture and heritage are ensured, including public coverage of reforms, international communication, and information support of programmes implemented in line with UNESCO standards, including ensuring appropriate institutional and donor visibility across communication outputs.

To ensure strategic management of communication activities in the field of culture and cultural heritage, including:

– ensuring the visibility of the Recovery Support Unit activities across PR, SMM, content and media relations, including due coverage of all projects where the Recovery Support Unit staff is engaged in any capacity in line with UNESCO standards and in close cooperation with UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine;
– coordination of the communications team at the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine (PR, SMM, content, media relations);
– ensuring strategic engagement with media (national and international);
– coordination of public communication campaigns related to reforms in the cultural and heritage sectors;
– ensuring communication support for international events, conferences, nomination campaigns, and partnership initiatives.
– ensure communication outputs appropriately reflect the partnership between the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, UNESCO and the Government of Japan.

To ensure the effective functioning of the communications team and the implementation of a unified communication policy of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, including public communication of reforms, international communication, crisis communications, preparation of key messages, and development of information materials for stakeholders at all levels.

Ensuring visibility of the Recovery Support Unit activities across all media, including the media channels of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the media channels of UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine, in close collaboration with UNESCO communication team.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

●    Coordinate the work of the communications team at the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine (PR, SMM, content, media relations).
●    Ensure proper allocation of responsibilities, planning, and implementation of communication activities.
●    Develop and maintain a unified approach to the communication policy of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
●    Ensure strategic engagement with national and international media, with a focus on highlighting the work of Recovery Support Unit.
●    Ensure due visibility of the Recovery Support Unit activities across all media, including the media channels of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the media channels of UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine, in close collaboration with UNESCO communication team
●    Prepare key messages, position papers, and briefing materials.
●    Develop consistent communication positioning of reforms in the cultural and heritage sectors.
●    Devise, coordinate and implement a communication plan of all activities of the Recovery Support Unit under the supervision of the Head of Unit and UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine. Align all communication outputs with UNESCO standards.
●    Ensure that all media outputs on all activities of the Recovery Support Unit are in line with the requirements of UNESCO and donors of UNESCO-implemented projects, where the Recovery Support Unit is involved in any capacity.
●    Coordinate public communication campaigns related to reforms.
●    Ensure communication support for international events, conferences, nomination campaigns, and partnership initiatives.
●    Manage crisis communications and respond to reputational risks.
●    Monitor the information space and prepare timely communication responses.
●    Ensure rapid response to communication challenges in the field of culture and heritage.
●    Ensure appropriate co-branding and acknowledgement of partners and donors across communication materials and public events

Duration: until February 28, 2027.

1.    At least 5 thematic communication campaigns developed (reforms, heritage, international cooperation, etc.).
2.    At least 1,000 positive or neutral mentions of recovery and reform initiatives supported through the RSU secured in national and international media.
3.    At least 12 press briefings, press events, or public information events organized.
4.    A minimum of 30 press releases or official statements prepared and distributed.
5.    Systematic coordination of communication activities of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine in the field of culture and heritage ensured.
6.    A communication plan for all activities of the Recovery Support Unit developed, ensuring due visibility of the Recovery Support Unit activities across all media, including the media channels of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the media channels of UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine (PR, SMM, content, media relations)
7.    Systematic coordination of the communication plan concerning the activities of the Recovery support Unit with UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine ensured.
8.    Tracking of all planned media outputs done monthly, with KPIs established in the initial workplan responsively adapted and met to ensure coherent coverage of all activities of Recovery Support Unit staff for the duration of the contract.

Contract and Reporting

•    Type: Individual Consultant (SSA)
•    Modality: Home-based, 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

●    Higher education, preferably an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) injournalism, culture studies, communications, public administration, international relations, or related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

●    At least 7 years of professional experience in strategic communications or PR.
●    Proven experience in team management and coordination of communication processes.
●    Experience in media relations, including international media.
●    Experience in developing and implementing communication strategies and campaigns.
●    Experience in crisis communications and reputational risk management.
●    Experience in the cultural sector or public policy will be considered an asset.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

●    Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.

LANGUAGES

●    Fluency in Ukrainian and  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 28 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.