Organizer Information
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations founded in 1945 with a mission to promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information. Headquartered in Paris, France, UNESCO champions the global diversity of cultural expressions, safeguarding heritage, and fostering creativity as drivers of sustainable development. In the Culture Sector (CLT), UNESCO administers key instruments like the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which supports equitable access to cultural goods and services while empowering artists and cultural professionals worldwide. This consultant role aligns with ongoing initiatives funded by partners such as the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), emphasizing gender equality, policy reshaping, and capacity-building in the creative industries. Through such programs, UNESCO bridges multilateral diplomacy with on-the-ground impact, enabling diverse voices—particularly from underrepresented regions, minorities, and women—to shape cultural policies that promote artistic freedom and inclusive growth.
Title & Description
Consultant - Diversity of Cultural Expressions
This consultancy opportunity invites cultural experts to contribute to UNESCO's vital work on reshaping global cultural policies for creativity and equity. The purpose is to finalise evaluations and reports for the concluding phase of the SIDA III project (focused on policy reforms for artistic freedom) while conceptualising a new Sweden-funded cooperation program centred on gender equality in the cultural sector. Consultants will synthesize project outcomes, draft strategic documents, and develop implementation tools, directly influencing UNESCO's advocacy for diverse cultural expressions under the 2005 Convention. This role offers a chance to engage in high-stakes international policy-making, blending research, stakeholder consultation, and innovative program design to advance artistic rights and gender-inclusive creative ecosystems.
The Role Overview
This is a non-staff consultancy contract lasting up to 6 months (expected full duration), based at UNESCO Headquarters. The fee is competitive, quoted in EUR (or USD) on a monthly basis, determined by the consultant's proposal and expertise—no fixed salary range is specified. The role reports to the Head of the Programme Specialist in the Programme and Capacity Building Unit, under the general supervision of the Chief of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions Section and the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Culture. As a program-focused consultancy, it involves curatorial elements in policy development and capacity-building, with deliverables tied to project timelines rather than ongoing employment.
Position & Tasks
As a Consultant, you will drive the closure and renewal of key cultural cooperation initiatives. Primary tasks include: (1) Finalizing the external evaluation report for SIDA III Phase III through internal consultations, ensuring a polished document that captures lessons learned; (2) Compiling the final project report, consolidating achievements, promoting actions, and integrating evaluation recommendations to inform future strategies; (3) Leading conceptual development for a new Sweden cooperation program on gender equality in culture, involving assessments of past gender projects, staff consultations, and drafting a comprehensive document with implementation strategies, results-based management (RBM) indicators, and an indicative budget; (4) Creating a methodological guide for UNESCO field offices to operationalize the program, emphasizing practical tools for global rollout. The role demands independent research, synthesis of diverse data sources, and collaborative engagement with internal and external stakeholders to produce actionable, high-impact outputs.
Categories
Cultural Policy and Program Development (encompassing research, evaluation, and strategic planning in the fields of cultural expressions, creative industries, and gender equity within arts and culture).
Eligibility
Open internationally to external candidates with an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in culture-related disciplines. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in culture is required, including preferably 3 years at the international level. Strong expertise in multilateral project coordination, information analysis, stakeholder interaction, and IT skills is essential. Excellent command of English and French (written and spoken) is mandatory, with good knowledge of the other language; knowledge of additional UNESCO languages is desirable. Desirable: Experience with the 2005 Convention, gender equality in creative industries, or UN system work. UNESCO encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including non- and under-represented Member States, women, minorities, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities to promote gender parity and cultural diversity.
Program Benefits
This consultancy provides a competitive monthly fee to support professional expertise, with payments aligned to deliverable milestones. Participants gain unparalleled exposure within UNESCO's global network, including access to influential stakeholders in culture and development, potential for future collaborations or extensions, and contributions to landmark policy documents that shape international cultural agendas. The role enhances resumes through high-profile outputs (e.g., published reports and guides), fostering skills in results-based management and gender-responsive programming. While no accommodation or travel reimbursements are specified, the Paris-based assignment immerses consultants in a multicultural hub, offering indirect benefits like professional networking and visibility in UNESCO's annual reports. Ultimately, it advances careers in cultural diplomacy, with past consultants often advancing to permanent roles or advisory positions in international organisations.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant cultural experience and qualifications
- Brief technical proposal (outlining your approach and methodology for the assignment, aligned with the terms of reference)
- Proposed competitive fee quoted in EUR (or USD) on a monthly basis
- Completed Employment History form (downloadable Word file from the UNESCO careers site)
All documents must be inserted as extra pages at the end of the Employment History form; no separate uploads are allowed post-submission.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
Application Deadline: 10 December 2025
Location
Paris, France
Additional Details
This role supports the 2005 Convention and 1980 Recommendation on the Status of the Artist, with SIDA funding ending 31 December 2025—your work will directly inform renewal negotiations in early 2026. Emphasis is placed on UNESCO's core values: commitment, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism. Selection prioritises expertise in cultural conventions and gender equality; shortlisting involves competency assessments per the UNESCO Framework (available at https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). UNESCO promotes a non-smoking, equitable workplace and does not tolerate fees or inducements. Applicants should prepare for potential travel (unreimbursed unless specified) and adhere to confidentiality. For underrepresented groups, this is a prime entry to UN cultural programming—review the full vacancy for RBM guidelines and SIDA project context.