Consultant - Student/ Young professional in in laboratory processing of museum objects

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level : Level 1 - Junior

Hiring Unit : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station : Ukraine

Work location : On site

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+3 Time) : 12/08/2026

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

OVERVIEW

The full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation has resulted in the destruction of Ukraine’s cultural infrastructure and critically undermined the institutional capacity of cultural institutions. More than 2,000 cultural infrastructure facilities (libraries, museums, theatres, cultural centres, art schools) have been damaged or destroyed.

As a result of the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant on 6 June 2023, as well as the ongoing shelling of the city of Zaporizhzhia and the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant, the staff of the Khortytsia National Reserve faced urgent challenges in safeguarding cultural heritage.

UNESCO provided immediate support to the Reserve following the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP in June 2023 by supplying conservation materials, financing emergency repairs to the facilities used for preserving rescued artefacts, supporting restoration training programmes, procuring essential equipment for the digitization of the collection, underwater research, and archaeological monitoring missions in affected areas.

Within the framework of the new UNESCO project, “Emergency Measures at Khortytsia National Reserve, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine”, generously funded by the Government of Sweden, Activity 5 – Professional Training and Apprenticeships for Young Professionals – includes the recruitment of students to strengthen the Reserve’s team and support its ongoing cultural heritage protection efforts, namely restoration and conservation works on rescued objects.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening conservation and restoration work on artefacts uncovered as a result of changes in the water level of the Dnipro River, as well as on items from the museum’s permanent collection.

This work is essential for safeguarding cultural heritage, ensuring its long-term preservation, and maintaining its accessibility for future generations and research purposes.

ASSIGNMENTS

The assignment will help improve the efficiency of collection management while providing participants with practical experience and opportunities to learn from the Reserve’s experts through hands-on work.

Long Description

SCOPE OF WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Undertake tasks related to the conservation and restoration measures of museum collections, in accordance with the needs and instructions of the Reserve’s staff.

Part-time, 26 weeks × 16 hours/week, 832 hours

DELIVERABLES

• Direct participation and acquisition of practical experience in the stabilization and preliminary conservation of archaeological objects under field conditions during hydroarchaeological investigations in the Dnipro River channel near Khortytsia Island and within the territory of the Velykyi Luh (the area of the former Kakhovka Dam);
• Participation in the conservation and stabilization of a medieval monoxyl boat (dugout canoe) in the condition of “waterlogged archaeological wood,” as well as other ancient wooden navigation vessels and artifacts whose underwater investigation and recovery are planned for the 2026 season;
• Involvement of students in, and acquisition of skills related to, the restoration of 12 metal archaeological artifacts discovered in the Dnipro River during underwater archaeological research;
• Carrying out work as part of the Restoration Department of the National Reserve “Khortytsia” to ensure proper preservation conditions for cultural heritage objects, specifically watercraft-related monuments and artifacts, in preparation for their relocation and evacuation under wartime conditions.
• The selected Consultant is expected to submit regular progress report for UNESCO approval.

CONTRACT AND REPORTING

• Type: Individual Consultant (SSA);
• Modality: Work on-site (Zaporizhzhia);
• Reporting: UNESCO;
• Working languages: Ukrainian, English (desirable).

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

• Bachelor’s degree in history, restoration, or a related field;

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Previous collaboration with the Khortytsia National Reserve is considered an advantage;

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong communication skills;

LANGUAGES

• Proficiency in English is considered an asset;

APPLICATION PROCESS

All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information.

Applications must reach UNESCO by 12 August 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.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.