Consultant - Community Engagement expert in the field of immovable cultural heritage

As a result of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, a significant number of immovable cultural heritage sites in Ukraine have been damaged or are at risk of destruction. Particular attention is required for World Heritage properties, monuments of national and local significance, newly identified cultural heritage sites, and historic areas.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, the Expert ensures effective communication, coordination, and implementation of policies and procedures in the field of immovable cultural heritage in accordance with international standards.

To ensure the effective implementation of state policy in the field of immovable cultural heritage, including:

● coordination of interaction among public authorities, local self-government bodies, and other stakeholders;
● improvement of mechanisms for damage assessment, safeguarding and management of cultural heritage sites, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, UNESCO and regional, local and community authorities responsible for cultural heritage sites;
● ensuring alignment with best practices and international standards in community engagement related to the protection of immovable cultural heritage across legislative, strategic and project implementation processes at the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
● support for the improvement of legislation in the field of immovable cultural heritage in line with 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; 
● support for the implementation of policies and procedures for the protection of World Heritage properties, monuments of national and local significance, newly identified cultural heritage sites, and historic areas, in line with 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.

To ensure communication, coordination, and implementation of policies and procedures in the field of immovable cultural heritage, as well as to provide analytical and methodological support to the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and ensure participation and engagement of relevant sector stakeholders.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

● Perform the initial assessment and mapping of relevant sector stakeholders in the field of immovable cultural heritage, such as local self-government bodies, professional communities, research institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners.
● Develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan and ensure its implementation, including and the support mechanisms for cooperation among public institutions and other stakeholders.
● Organize and facilitate consultation meetings, round tables, and working groups with national and international partners in consultation with the Head of Recovery Support Unit and the cultural heritage department of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
● Liaise with law enforcement agencies, relevant units of line Ministries and the General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine on issues pertaining to adopting of enabling legislation for better protection of immovable cultural heritage from looting, illicit excavations and illicit trafficking of stolen cultural property, in consultation with UNESCO and under the supervision of department of cultural heritage of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
● Ensure communication of developed policies, methodological recommendations, and procedures to relevant stakeholders.
● Organize information sessions and training activities on the implementation of new approaches.
● Prepare analytical briefs based on consultation outcomes.
● Prepare information notes on heritage site management, including World Heritage Sites, on issues of roles, rights, and responsibilities of stakeholders and clarification of procedures.

Supporting Responsibilities 

● Support the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Recovery Support Unit in preparing recommendations for improving legislation in the field of immovable cultural heritage.
● Support the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Recovery Support Unit in developing solutions to strengthen the management of World Heritage properties in consultation with UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine and relevant national, regional, local and community authorities.
● Support the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Recovery Support Unit in preparing proposals regarding the exercise of supervisory (control) functions by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine in the field of cultural heritage.
● Support the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Recovery Support Unit in improving the procedures for granting monument status to newly discovered immovable cultural heritage sites.
● Support the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Recovery Support Unit in the development, adoption and implementation of legislation, policies and regulatory mechanisms regarding archeological heritage.
● Support the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Recovery Support Unit in improving procedures related to urban development transformations including the integration of Heritage Impact Assessment tool into the issuance of permits procedures in all the projects which may affect monuments and within historic areas.
● Support the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Recovery Support Unit in developing proposals for Incentive programs for heritage property private owners, based on community engagement procedures.

Duration: until February 28, 2027.

● Comprehensive mapping performed, identifying, analyzing and preparing a community engagement strategy for relevant sector stakeholders in the field of movable cultural heritage.
● At least 20 formal consultation meetings conducted with central and local authorities, expert communities, and civil society on issues related to the protection of immovable cultural heritage sites, including archaeological heritage.
● A Stakeholder Engagement Plan developed and implemented.
● Participation of at least 200 sector representatives ensured in consultation activities.
● 12 information notes prepared on heritage site management, stakeholder roles, and procedures.
● Recommendations prepared for improving legislation in the field of immovable cultural heritage, including damage assessment, safeguarding and management of World Heritage properties, incentive programs for heritage buildings owners, for combating illicit trafficking of cultural heritage, and optimizing the supervisory functions of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, such as procedures for granting monument status, and regulation of works within the areas of monuments and historic areas.

Contract and Reporting

 ● Type: Individual Consultant (SSA)
 ● Modality: 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 [link removed].

EDUCATION

● Master’s degree (or higher) in architecture, conservation/restoration, cultural heritage, history, law, or related fields. International experience, including academic studies, professional development programs and temporary placements in foreign institutions is a strong asset.

WORK EXPERIENCE

● At least 7 years of practical experience in the field of immovable cultural heritage protection.
● Experience working with public authorities and local self-government bodies is mandatory; experience working with international partners is desirable.
● Experience in preparing analytical materials, briefs, and recommendations.
● Understanding of international standards in cultural heritage protection (including 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).

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

● Strong communication and organizational skills.
● Additional certification or a track record of working with non-violent communication, community engagement and cross-sectorial communication is an asset.

LANGUAGES

● Fluency in Ukrainian, professional proficiency in English in an asset.

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 05 June 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 [link removed]. 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.