Project Manager for International Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a global presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization focuses on various areas including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information. It employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working towards its mission of fostering cultural diversity and promoting sustainable development through education and cultural initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager for International Cooperation and Strategic Partnerships plays a crucial role in the recovery of Ukraine by facilitating international cooperation in the cultural sector. This position is integral to fostering partnerships, mobilizing donor support, and integrating cultural dimensions into recovery processes. The Project Manager will work closely with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine to ensure strategic coordination of international engagement, manage international projects, and align activities with state cultural policy. The role requires a proactive approach to strengthen the Ministry's international cooperation, enhance the institutional capacity of the cultural sector, and provide strategic and analytical support to leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for promoting Ukrainian cultural policy on an international level and mobilizing support for the recovery of the cultural sector, ensuring that international initiatives align with Ukraine's obligations and aspirations, particularly in the context of its European Union accession.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Manager include:

• Ensuring the implementation of the Ministry’s international agenda by coordinating partnerships and managing international projects and initiatives.
• Developing and implementing strategies for international cooperation, including resource mobilization and partnership management.
• Establishing and maintaining long-term partnerships with international organizations, governments, and donor institutions.
• Coordinating internal processes related to international initiatives and projects.
• Managing a portfolio of international programs in the cultural sector, including monitoring their implementation.
• Ensuring the strategic management of international cooperation platforms, such as the Cultural Resilience Alliance.
• Coordinating the Ministry’s participation in international processes, including conferences and forums.
• Organizing international events and meetings, providing analytical support to the Ministry’s leadership on cultural policy.
• Preparing strategic and analytical materials for international negotiations and representing the Ministry’s position effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in international relations, public administration, cultural policy, or related fields. A PhD or international academic experience is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have at least 7 years of professional experience in international cooperation, project management, or donor relations, preferably within the public sector or international organizations. Proven experience in developing and implementing strategic initiatives, resource mobilization, and partnership management is essential. A strong understanding of international recovery processes and cultural policy is required, along with experience in preparing analytical materials and high-level documents. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including public authorities and international organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as international relations, public administration, cultural policy, or related disciplines. Candidates with a PhD or significant international academic experience will have an advantage. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of international cooperation and cultural policy development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as international cooperation, project management, or donor relations. Candidates should have a proven track record of working within the public sector or international organizations, demonstrating their ability to manage complex projects and initiatives effectively. Experience in developing strategic initiatives and managing partnerships is essential, as is familiarity with international recovery processes and cultural policy mechanisms.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian and English at a minimum of C1 level is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional foreign languages is considered a strong asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse international stakeholders and contribute to the Ministry's global outreach efforts.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is classified as a Consultant Contract Level 2 - Middle, with a duration of 8 months, extending until February 28, 202

• The position is open to external candidates and requires on-site work in Ukraine. The role involves home-based and office-based work, as well as missions. Candidates must submit an online application by the deadline of June 3, 2026, including a detailed CV and a cover letter with a financial proposal. The selection process may involve video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities.