Consultant – Project Manager for the Development of the Publishing Sector and Reading Promotion (Ukraine, Ukraine) contract NEW

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

Ukraine’s publishing and reading sector is undergoing systemic transformation driven by cultural resilience, post-war recovery, and a renewed national identity anchored in the Ukrainian language. Since 2022, demand for Ukrainian-language literature has increased significantly, making the development of a strong reading culture both a cultural priority and a matter of strategic national importance.

The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine is responsible for shaping and implementing state policy in the areas of reading promotion, book publishing, and Ukraine’s representation in international literary spaces. The Reading Development Strategy of Ukraine up to 2032, “Reading as a Life Strategy,” establishes a long-term vision for embedding reading culture into society and defines a set of initiatives across research, public engagement, education, and international cooperation.

In this context, effective project coordination, stakeholder communication, and results-oriented management are essential for translating strategic priorities into measurable outcomes. To strengthen institutional capacity at the level of the Deputy Minister, there is a need to engage a dedicated Project Manager with strong communication expertise and experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in the public sector.

To provide comprehensive project coordination and communication management support to the Office of the Deputy Minister, ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of key initiatives under the Reading Development Strategy.

The assignment requires close coordination with the Ukrainian Book Institute, international partners, libraries, publishers, bookstores, media, cultural institutions, local authorities, and relevant government bodies, with a particular focus on communication impact and public visibility.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

4.1 Project Planning and Coordination

1.    Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and workstreams for key initiatives under the Reading Development Strategy.
2.    Coordinate the National Reading Survey, including dissemination of results to stakeholders, development of recommendations, and communication of findings.
3.    Support the planning and coordination of national and international conferences, forums, and public events related to reading and publishing.
4.    Coordinate Ukraine’s participation in major international book fairs and literary events, including preparation of content and materials.
5.    Closely Liaise with  the Ukrainian Book Institute to ensure coordination and alignment of planned activities  with the Ministry’s strategic priorities. 
6.    Advise UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine to ensure the alignment of its projects and activities in adjacent fields with the strategic vision of Ministry of Culture on the Development of the Publishing Sector and Reading Promotion.

4.2 Stakeholder Communication and Engagement

1.    Develop and implement stakeholder communication plans for key initiatives, ensuring timely and accurate information exchange.
2.    Prepare communication materials, briefings, presentations, and talking points for the Deputy Minister and senior management.
3.    Coordinate media engagement, public announcements, and external communications related to reading promotion and publishing sector initiatives.
4.    Facilitate interagency coordination and maintain working relationships with relevant public authorities, educational institutions, and international partners.
5.    Represent the Ministry at working meetings and stakeholder consultations, as required.

4.3 Monitoring, Reporting, and Documentation

1.    Design and maintain monitoring frameworks and KPI dashboards for initiatives.
2.    Prepare regular progress reports, analytical summaries, and briefing notes for the Deputy Minister and in accordance with donor reporting requirements.
3.    Regularly brief UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine on ongoing activities and progress of the plans developed with the line Deputy Minister in accordance with the identified KPIs.Document project milestones, decisions, and lessons learned to support institutional memory and adaptive management.
4.    Contribute to the preparation of policy documents, concept notes, and strategic materials related to reading and publishing development.

Additional Tasks

Perform other tasks related to the implementation of the Reading Development Strategy as assigned by the Deputy Minister and UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine, in line with the scope of the project and donor requirements.

Duration: until February 28, 2027

1.    Key initiatives under the Reading Development Strategy effectively coordinated, with clear project plans, timelines, and documented progress.
2.    The National Reading Survey successfully implemented, with results disseminated and actionable recommendations developed and communicated.
3.    National and international events (conferences, book fairs, forums) effectively planned and delivered, ensuring strong institutional presence and visibility of Ukraine.
4.    Stakeholder communication plans developed and implemented, ensuring consistent and timely information exchange between the Ministry, the Ukrainian Book Institute, and partners.
5.    High-quality communication materials (briefings, presentations, analytical summaries, public-facing content) prepared and delivered in a timely manner.
6.    Monitoring frameworks and KPI dashboards established and maintained to support evidence-based management.
7.    Regular progress reports and analytical outputs prepared in line with internal and donor requirements.
8.    Policy documents, concept notes, and strategic materials developed as required.
9.    Effective coordination of Ukraine’s participation in international literary platforms, contributing to the global promotion of Ukrainian culture and language.
10.   Relevant activities and projects of UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine are fully aligned with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine’s plans and strategic priorities in the Development of the Publishing Sector and Reading Promotion.

Contract and Reporting

 ● Type: Individual Consultant (SSA)
 ● Modality: Home-based, office-based
 ● Reporting: UNESCO and the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine
 ● Working languages: Ukrainian (primary), English (as required)

• 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

●    Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, journalism, humanities, public administration, or a related field. A PhD degree will be considered an advantage.

WORK EXPERIENCE

●    At least 7 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or project management within the public or non-governmental sector.
●    Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies for complex, multi-stakeholder programmes, preferably in the public sector.
●    Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale public initiatives, including national campaigns, public events, and stakeholder engagement processes.
●    Experience working with government institutions, international organisations, or donor-funded projects is highly desirable.
●    Experience in crisis communications and reputational risk management.
●    Experience in training, facilitation, or capacity building for communication professionals will be considered an asset.
●    Familiarity with the publishing sector, reading promotion policies, or cultural policy will be considered an advantage.
●    Proficiency in managing communication workflows, from strategy development to implementation and reporting.
●    High level of initiative, autonomy, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
●    Commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service values.
●    Adaptability and resilience, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s wartime environment.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

●    Strong project management and coordination skills, including planning, timeline management, KPI development, and performance monitoring.
●    Ability to produce high-quality analytical, policy, and communication materials across formats.

●    Strong analytical thinking and ability to apply evidence-based approaches.

●    Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

LANGUAGES

●    Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Ukrainian and English (minimum B2 level).

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.