Consultant – Public Relations expert for Creative Industries programs (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

Ukraine’s creative industries drive economic growth, innovation, and cultural diplomacy, while playing a critical role in strengthening national resilience during the ongoing war. The sector requires systemic support to scale, access financing, and expand internationally, alongside clear and effective communication that ensures accessibility of opportunities and builds trust between the state and creative entrepreneurs.

The Government of Ukraine implements a full-cycle support ecosystem for the creative sector through two flagship programs: Vlasna Sprava, a grant program enabling small and medium-sized businesses to launch and scale and Tysyachovesna, the largest state initiative supporting cultural production. Together, these programs connect creative production with entrepreneurship, while strategic communications ensure their visibility, accessibility, and impact both nationally and globally. Within this framework, UNESCO supports communication and visibility efforts related to the development of Ukraine’s creative industries ecosystem, with financial support from the Government of Japan.

To strengthen the development of Ukraine’s creative industries through integrated strategic communications and promotion of the full ecosystem of state support, including:

●    positioning Vlasna Sprava and Tysyachovesna as key national support programmes contributing to the development of Ukraine’s creative economy
●    building a strong and coherent public narrative around creative industries as a driver of economic growth, national resilience, and cultural diplomacy.
●    increasing awareness, trust, and participation in state support programs among creative industries
●    supporting strategic public communication by the leadership of the Ministry of Culture related to creative industries policies and programmes
●    expanding national and international media visibility and ensuring high-quality communication of program results, events, campaigns.

To provide strategic, content-driven, and coordination support to the Ministry of Culture in promoting the creative industries ecosystem, ensuring effective promotion of Tysyachovesna and Vlasna Sprava, engagement of stakeholders, and international visibility of Ukrainian creative output. Ensure communicat

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

●    Develop and implement communication and promotion plans for Tysyachovesna and Vlasna Sprava programs, ensuring clear positioning and visibility of both initiatives.
●    Ensure consistent communication of programs across official channels, including the platforms of the Minister of Culture, and the Ministry of Culture.
●    Prepare high-quality communication materials, including program descriptions, guidelines, presentations, policy explainers, and success stories.
●    Support proactive media outreach and promotion of creative industries policies and programs at national and international levels.
●    Prepare press materials, talking points, interviews, and public communication outputs.
●    Organize public events, consultations, webinars, Q&A sessions, and working groups to promote participation in programs.
●    Ensure communication support for events, including messaging, materials, media engagement, and follow-up visibility.
●    Ensure appropriate acknowledgement of UNESCO support and the Government of Japan across communication materials and public-facing outputs, in line with branding and visibility requirements
●    Monitor communication performance, including outreach, engagement, and participation in programs.
●    Coordinate all communications with UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine with sufficient advance time to ensure adherence to donor guidelines and UNESCO guidelines for branding and visibility.

Duration: until February 28, 2027.

1.    Communication and promotion plans for Tysyachovesna and Vlasna Sprava developed and implemented.
2.    At least 20 communication materials produced (including explainers, press releases,  success stories, op-eds).
3.    At least 30 content pieces published across official channels (including social media, website, and partner platforms), promoting Tysyachovesna, Vlasna Sprava, and creative industries initiatives.
4.    At least 10 high-level media engagements secured for the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, including interviews, op-eds, and expert commentary in national and international outlets.
5.    Development of a portfolio of flagship success stories (minimum 20) showcasing beneficiaries of Tysyachovesna and Vlasna Sprava, used for media, international communication, and stakeholder engagement.
6.    At least 10 public events (webinars, consultations, presentations) organized with strong communication support.
7.    Increased media visibility of creative industries programs and funded projects at national and international levels.
8.    Consistent institutional and donor visibility across communication outputs ensured

Contract and Reporting

●    Type: Individual Consultant (SSA)
●    Format: Office-based / hybrid, with travel
●    Reporting to: 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 in public relations, cultural management, public administration, communications, or a related field. Additional professional certifications are an asset.

WORK EXPERIENCE

●    Minimum 5 years of professional experience in creative industries, cultural economy, strategic communications, or related sectors.
●    Experience cooperating with international programs and donors, including EU institutions.
●    Experience in strategic communications, public communication of policy initiatives, or promotion of programs and reforms.
●    Experience in stakeholder engagement, public presentations, and interaction with media is an asset.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

●    Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policies into clear and structured messages for different audiences.

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 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.