Consultant - Communications Consultant (Science Sector)

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Hiring Unit : Sciences Sector (SCS)

Duty Station : Kyiv, Ukraine (with possible travel within Ukraine)

Work location : On site

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+3 Time) : 23/10/2026

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

OVERVIEW

Under the overall authority of the Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine and the direct supervision of National Communications Officer / relevant supervisor, and in close coordination with the project team, the Consultant will support the implementation of the project’s communication and visibility activities.

The Consultant will contribute to ensuring timely, coherent and high-quality communication of project activities, results and impact, in accordance with UNESCO communication, editorial and visual identity standards and applicable donor visibility requirements.

ASSIGNMENTS

The Consultant shall perform the following tasks:

• Coordinate communication and public visibility activities related to the UNESCO Remote Access to Laboratory Equipment (UNESRALE) initiative, the Ukrainian Scientific Forum, and activities of the International Coalition for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine.
• Draft, edit and facilitate the dissemination of high-quality communication and outreach materials in English and Ukrainian, including press releases, news stories, feature articles, success stories, web content, social media content, speeches, talking points, briefing notes and other communication products.
• Support media relations related to project activities, including identification and engagement of relevant media, preparation of media materials, facilitation of interviews, and organization of press conferences, media briefings and other media-facing activities.
• Provide comprehensive communication support to the Ukrainian Scientific Forums, including preparation and dissemination of communication materials before, during and after the events; coordination of media participation; collection of communication assets; and communication of key discussions, outcomes and results.
• Coordinate the production and quality assurance of photography, videography and other multimedia materials documenting project activities, events, missions and beneficiary or stakeholder stories.
• Provide communication support for project-related missions, field visits, donor visits, high-level meetings and official events, including preparation of communication packages, briefing materials and visibility products, as required.
• Coordinate, as required, the work of external communication service providers, including photographers, videographers, designers, translators, editors and media production companies, and contribute to quality assurance of their deliverables.
• Ensure consistent application of UNESCO branding, editorial and visual identity standards and relevant donor visibility requirements across communication products, events and multimedia materials.
• Monitor media coverage and project visibility and maintain an organized record of communication products, media coverage, multimedia assets and relevant outreach and visibility indicators.
• Prepare periodic communication updates, statistics and narrative inputs for internal monitoring, donor reporting and project progress reports.
• Proactively identify, research and document project success stories, human-interest stories and examples of impact demonstrating the project's contribution to strengthening Ukraine's science, research and innovation ecosystem.
• Maintain close coordination with UNESCO communication colleagues, the project team, implementing partners, scientific institutions and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate timely collection and verification of information for communication purposes.
• Perform other communication-related duties necessary to support the effective implementation and visibility of the project.

Long Description

CONTRACT DURATION

6 months, with possibility of extension depending on performance and availability of funds (full-time).

DELIVERABLES

The Consultant will be responsible for the following indicative deliverables during the six-month assignment:

• one project Communication and Visibility Plan;
• comprehensive communication support for two Ukrainian Scientific Forums;
• at least two Forum press releases, one for each Forum;
• media outreach and communication support for both Forums;
• at least one human-interest web feature centred on a scientist or researcher from Ukraine;
• implementation of a dedicated communication campaign highlighting scientists and research in Ukraine amid the war and UNESCO's contribution to supporting the sector;
• at least 20 original social media content packages across the assignment, including campaign and Forum-related content;
• ongoing communication-related coordination with relevant government counterparts, scientific institutions, partners and other stakeholders;
• ongoing media and visibility monitoring; and
• one final Communication and Visibility Report.

All communication products shall be prepared in English and/or Ukrainian, as appropriate, and shall comply with UNESCO editorial, visual identity and branding standards and applicable donor visibility requirements. Publication and dissemination of communication products will remain subject to UNESCO's established review and clearance procedures.

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

• University degree in communications, journalism, public relations, media studies, international relations, or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 1–2 years of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, public information, media relations, digital communication or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and editing communication materials for different audiences and communication channels.
• Experience in digital and social media communication.
• Experience supporting communication around events, conferences, public initiatives or institutional projects.
• Experience working with photographers, videographers, designers or other communication service providers is desirable.
• Previous experience with an international organization, United Nations entity, development partner, public institution, research organization or NGO is an asset.
• Knowledge of Ukraine's science, research, innovation or higher education sectors would be an asset.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong writing and editing skills in Ukrainian and English.
• Strong organizational and coordination abilities.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to travel within Ukraine.
• Creativity, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to evolving priorities.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent command of Ukrainian and English (oral and written).

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.

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.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.