Consultant - Project Manager for International Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships

Unesco

Unesco

Sales & Business Development, Operations

Ukraine

Posted on May 20, 2026

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level : Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station : Ukraine

Work location : On site

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 03/06/2026

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

OVERVIEW

For the effective recovery of Ukraine, international cooperation in the cultural sector plays a strategic role, particularly in fostering partnerships, mobilizing donor support, and integrating the cultural dimension into recovery processes.


In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, the Project Manager for International Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships ensures strategic coordination of the Ministry’s international engagement, aimed at developing international partnerships, managing international projects and initiatives, coordinating the Ministry’s participation in high-level international processes, and ensuring alignment of international activities with state cultural policy.


The position entails a leading role in advancing the Ministry’s international cooperation, strengthening the institutional capacity of the cultural sector through international support, and providing strategic and analytical assistance to the leadership.

To strengthen the international role of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine through the development of partnerships, promotion of Ukrainian cultural policy at the international level, and mobilization of support for the recovery of the cultural sector.

ASSIGNMENTS

To ensure the implementation of the Ministry’s international agenda through the coordination of partnerships, management of international projects and initiatives, organization of participation in international processes, and provision of analytical and strategic support to the leadership 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.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities


● Ensure strategic planning and development of the Ministry’s international activities in line with national priorities in culture and recovery, 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.
● Develop and implement approaches to international cooperation, including partnerships, programme activities, and resource mobilization.
● Establish, maintain, and develop long-term partnerships with international organizations, governments, donor institutions, and professional networks.
● Coordinate internal and inter-institutional processes related to the preparation and implementation of international initiatives and projects.
● Manage and coordinate a portfolio of international programmes, initiatives, and projects in the cultural sector, including monitoring their implementation.
● Ensure strategic management and development of international cooperation platforms, including the Cultural Resilience Alliance, with a focus on expanding the partnership network and implementing programme components.
● Coordinate the Ministry’s participation in international processes, conferences, forums, and official visits, including preparation of substantive inputs and organizational support.
● Organize and coordinate international events, meetings, and delegation activities.
● Provide analytical and expert support to the Ministry’s leadership on international cultural policy and cooperation.
● Prepare strategic, analytical, conceptual, and presentation materials for international negotiations and representation of the Ministry’s position.

CONTRACT DURATION

Duration: until February 28, 2027.

DELIVERABLES

1. International cooperation of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine strengthened and structured, including through the development of partnerships with international organizations, donors, and other stakeholders.
2. Initiatives aimed at mobilizing international support for culture and recovery developed and advanced.
3. Effective coordination and implementation of international programmes and projects ensured.
4. International cooperation platforms in the cultural sector developed and sustainably maintained.
5. Coherent and effective participation of the Ministry in high-level international processes and events ensured.
6. High-quality analytical, strategic, and presentation materials prepared to support international engagement and negotiation processes.
7. Adherence to 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 is ensured throughout Ministry of Culture’s activities in international cooperation.

Contract and Reporting

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

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

  • 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

● Advanced university degree in international relations, public administration, cultural policy, or related fields; international academic experience and/or a PhD is an asset.

WORK EXPERIENCE

● At least 7 years of professional experience in international cooperation, project management, or donor relations, preferably within the public sector or international organizations.
● Proven experience in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, including resource mobilization and partnership management; proven track record of working with both private and public funding sources is an asset.
● Strong understanding of international recovery processes, cultural policy, and mechanisms of international technical assistance.
● Experience in preparing analytical materials, reports, presentations, and high-level documents (briefing notes, policy papers, etc.).
● Ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including public authorities, international organizations, donors, and expert communities.
● Experience in organizing high-level international events (conferences, forums, working meetings) is a strong asset.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

● Strong strategic thinking, coordination, communication, and negotiation skills.
● Additional certifications in fundraising, international relations, public policy development, and B2G relations management are a strong asset.

LANGUAGES

● Fluency in Ukrainian and English (not lower than C1 level); knowledge of an additional foreign language is a strong asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS

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 03 June 2026 (midnight, Kyiv time).

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • 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.
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