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 Europe. The OSCE has been operational since 1975 and has a mission to foster cooperation among its member states in various areas, including economic and environmental activities. The POiD specifically focuses on addressing issues related to security and cooperation in Central Asia, with a commitment to engaging local stakeholders and addressing regional challenges. The office employs a diverse team of professionals and operates in multiple countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, working on projects that aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of affected populations. The organization emphasizes collaboration with international partners such as the EU and UNDP to maximize the impact of its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Curatorial Consultant for Museum Concept Development will play a crucial role in the OSCE's ExB project, which focuses on stakeholder engagement for uranium legacy remediation in Central Asia. This position is centered around the development of a museum dedicated to the history of uranium mining in Tajikistan, specifically in Buston. The consultant will be responsible for 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 create production-ready content that effectively communicates the historical significance of uranium mining and its impact on local communities. The assignment is expected to last for 60 days, with various phases of work planned from March to September 2026, culminating in the museum's opening in October 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities throughout the assignment, 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. In Phase 2, the consultant will work on translating the approved storyline into a full Museum Design Concept Package for endorsement. Phase 3 involves developing detailed design specifications for all museum zones, including layouts and accessibility elements, as well as preparing technical specifications for fabrication and multimedia production. Finally, in Phase 4, the consultant will provide design supervision support, review mock-ups, and prepare an installation-ready design handover package. Throughout the assignment, the consultant will ensure effective coordination with various stakeholders and maintain quality control over the content production process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree (or equivalent) in design, architecture, art history, visual communication, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of three years of professional experience in museum or exhibition design is required, along with a proven track record of developing visitor experience and visual identity solutions. The ideal candidate should have experience working with multidisciplinary teams and the ability to collaborate effectively across cultural contexts. Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills are essential, as well as proficiency in preparing concise concept notes and design packages. Candidates should also demonstrate digital literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital content management tools.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as design, architecture, art history, or visual communication is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the principles of museum design and the development of engaging visitor experiences.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in museum or exhibition design. Candidates should have a strong background in developing visual identity solutions and working collaboratively with architects, engineers, and contractors. Experience in preparing production specifications and ensuring quality assurance is also essential.

Languages:
Professional fluency in Tajik and Russian, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a Special Service Agreement (SSA) for a consultant role, with a total duration of 60 days. The position is based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and is expected to start in March 202

• The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The remuneration package will be based on the consultant's qualifications and experience, in accordance with OSCE established rates. Candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application process.