Consultant – Expert in the Development and Delivery of Training Programmes on GIS (Ukraine, Ukraine) contract NEW

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 – Middle

Hiring Unit : Culture Sector (CLT)

Duty Station : Ukraine

Work location : On site

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 03/06/2026

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

As part of the digital transformation of the cultural heritage protection system in Ukraine, the Ministry of Culture is implementing electronic registers, including the “ePamiatka” system, which requires standardized, high-quality geospatial data for cultural heritage objects.
Effective operation of this system depends on the capacity of specialists at regional state administrations (RSAs) and the Ministry of Culture to work with geographic information systems (GIS), in particular QGIS, and the GeoPackage format for data preparation, validation, and upload.
Currently, there is an identified gap in technical skills and unified practices for handling geospatial data in accordance with national regulatory requirements. Therefore, there is a need to develop and deliver a structured training programme aimed at building institutional capacity in this area.

To strengthen the technical capacity of cultural heritage authorities to work with geospatial data by providing structured training on QGIS and GeoPackage, ensuring:

●    compliance with national regulatory requirements for geospatial data;
●    high-quality preparation and validation of datasets;
●    effective use of the “ePamiatka” system;
●    harmonization of data formats across regions;
●    sustainable institutional knowledge and practical skills.

The objective of the assignment is to design and deliver a comprehensive training programme for representatives of regional state administrations and the Ministry of Culture on working with QGIS and GeoPackage for the preparation, validation, and upload of geospatial data related to cultural heritage objects into the “ePamiatka” system.

The training programme shall combine theoretical knowledge, practical exercises, and ongoing support mechanisms to ensure effective learning outcomes for participants with varying levels of prior GIS experience.

Scope of Work and Tasks

Target Audience and Training Format
Participants: representatives of regional state administrations (approximately 2 participants per region) and Ministry staff.
Skill level: beginners (no prior GIS experience) and intermediate users.
Format:
– Online webinars (1.5–2.5 hours each);
– Optional offline sessions subject to additional agreement;
– Recorded sessions hosted on Google Classroom;
– Practical assignments with optional submission and feedback;
– Group consultations between webinars;
– Individual consultations (as needed);
– Continuous support via messaging platforms (WhatsApp).

Weekly Training Programme

Week 1
●    Introductory session: course overview, access setup, participant onboarding.
●    Introduction to geospatial data and its relevance for RSAs.
●    Homework: platform access and basic knowledge test.
Week 2
●    Legal and regulatory framework for geospatial data.
●    Introduction to QGIS: installation, interface, base maps, initial data layers.
●    Homework: install QGIS, connect cadastral data, open sample GeoPackage.
●    
Week 3
●    Working with GeoPackage:
●    structure and preparation;
●    coordinate systems (EPSG:4326 vs UTM/USK-2000);
●    digitizing cultural heritage objects;
●    defining protection zones.
●    Homework: create GeoPackage dataset for own region.
●    Group consultation and chat support.

Week 4
●    Verification of geospatial datasets:
●    geometry, topology, attributes;
●    automated validation tools.
●    Homework: prepare verification report.

Week 5
●    Data upload requirements for “ePamiatka”.
●    Practical upload of prepared datasets.
●    Group consultation and support.
●    Final Session
●    Summary, Q&A, certification process.

Training Development and Delivery
Develop a comprehensive 10-week training programme.
Deliver at least 6 thematic webinars.
Organize group consultations following each module.
 Provide continuous participant support via chat (up to 4 hours/week).
 Prepare and review assignments with individual feedback.
 Develop:
●    agendas;
●    presentations;
●    methodological materials;
●    datasets and exercises.

Administrative and Reporting Tasks
●    Preparation of reporting documentation;
●    Administrative coordination with the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine;
●    Communication with stakeholders and participants.
●    Coordination with communication teams at the Recovery Support Unit and UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine to ensure adequate coverage of all undertaken public activities within the contract.

Duration: until 31 December 2026, with a possibility for extension.

1.    Comprehensive training programme delivered to regional stakeholders.
2.    At least 6 webinars conducted with supporting materials.
3.    Participants demonstrate practical ability to:
a.    work with QGIS;
b.    prepare GeoPackage files;
c.    validate and upload geospatial data.
4.    Final analytical and training report submitted.
5.    At least one dataset in GeoPackage format, generated as a result of the training, has been uploaded to the “ePamyatka” system by cultural heritage protection units of no fewer than five regional state (military) administrations.

Contract and Reporting

●    Type: Individual Consultant (SSA)
●    Format: Home-based / online / possible travel
●    Reporting: Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine

• 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.

EDUCATION

●    Higher education in GIS, geoinformatics, IT, urban planning, or related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE

●    At least 5 years of experience in geospatial data management and GIS systems.
●    Proven experience working with QGIS and GeoPackage.
●    Experience in developing and delivering training programmes.
●    Knowledge of Ukrainian legislation in geospatial data and cultural heritage.
●    Experience with government systems or digital registers is an advantage.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

●    Strong analytical, methodological, and communication skills.
●    Ability to work with diverse stakeholder groups.

LANGUAGES

●    Fluency in Ukrainian; English is an advantage.

All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information.
Please upload the following documents, as a single PDF document, in the ‘Employment History Form’ section:

1. An updated detailed Curriculum Vitae
2. A Cover Letter including financial proposal, based on the job description above. 

Applications must reach UNESCO by 03 June 2026 (midnight, Kyiv time).

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).

• 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.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.