Curatorial Consultant for Museum Concept Development

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) is part of the Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which was established to promote peace, stability, and democracy in its member states. The OSCE has a mission to address a wide range of security issues, including economic and environmental activities. The POiD works closely with various international organizations, including the EU and UNDP, to implement projects that benefit local communities. The office is involved in multiple projects across Central Asia, particularly focusing on the remediation of uranium legacy sites, which have significant health and environmental impacts. The organization emphasizes collaboration with local stakeholders and aims to enhance the capacity of local institutions. The POiD is committed to transparency, inclusivity, and the promotion of sustainable development in the region.

Job Overview:
The Curatorial Consultant for Museum Concept Development will play a crucial role in the establishment of a Museum on the History of Uranium Mining in Tajikistan, located in Buston. This position involves leading the curatorial development and content production for the museum, ensuring that the narrative is coherent and aligns with the approved concept. The consultant will work closely with the Museum Designer and key stakeholders to produce engaging and educational content that reflects the historical significance of uranium mining in the region. The consultant will be responsible for overseeing the entire content production process, from initial concept development to final delivery, ensuring that the museum meets the highest standards of quality and educational value. The role requires a blend of creativity, project management skills, and a deep understanding of museum practices and visitor engagement strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a series of tasks divided into four phases. In Phase 1, the consultant will participate in kick-off meetings, conduct field visits to assess the museum premises, and develop a draft Museum Design Concept that includes spatial zoning, visitor flow, and exhibition structure. Phase 2 involves finalizing the Museum Design Concept Package for endorsement, translating the approved storyline into spatial and graphic design solutions. In Phase 3, the consultant will develop detailed exhibition and graphic designs, including layouts and accessibility elements, and prepare production-ready files for fabrication. Finally, in Phase 4, the consultant will provide design supervision support during the production phase, ensuring design consistency and preparing an installation-ready design handover package. Throughout the assignment, the consultant will coordinate with various stakeholders, including local authorities and museum staff, to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in design, architecture, art history, visual communication, or a related field. A minimum of three years of professional experience in museum or exhibition design is required, with a strong focus on developing visitor experiences and visual identity solutions. The ideal candidate should have experience working with multidisciplinary teams and be able to coordinate design work both remotely and on-site. Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to prepare concise concept notes and presentations. The candidate should also demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as design, architecture, art history, or visual communication is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the principles of museum design and visitor engagement, as well as the technical skills needed to develop exhibition content and visual identity solutions.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of professional experience in museum or exhibition design. This experience should include working on projects that involve the development of visitor experiences and visual identity solutions. Familiarity with collaborating with architects, engineers, and contractors is also essential, as the consultant will need to prepare production specifications and ensure quality assurance throughout the project.

Languages:
Professional fluency in Tajik and Russian is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to communicate effectively with local stakeholders and team members. A working knowledge of English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a Special Service Agreement (SSA) and is expected to last for 60 days, with the possibility of extension based on project needs. The consultant will be working under the supervision of the Project Officer and the National Environmental Officer. The position is part-time and involves a significant amount of coordination with various stakeholders, including local authorities and museum staff. Remuneration will be based on the consultant's qualifications and experience, in accordance with OSCE established rates. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.