INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE EXPERT
Job Description: Employee of the Recovery Support Unit at the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine
Employment Type: Full-time. Contract valid for the specified period.
Expected Start Date: October 2024
Host Organization: Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine
Location: Ukraine, Kyiv, Ivana Franka St., 19
Duration: 5 months with the possibility of extension
Mission and Objectives:
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has deeply impacted resources and funding for the cultural sector. Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, cultural institutions, art education establishments, and cultural heritage sites in Ukraine have been daily destroyed or damaged. Over 1,000 archaeological, historical, and art monuments and more than 2,000 cultural infrastructure objects (libraries, museums, theaters, clubs, and educational institutions) have been damaged or completely destroyed. The surviving sites remain under daily threat of bombing and destruction. The Recovery Support Unit at the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine will provide expert-analytical support, strategic guidance and project coordination for the development of models for the restoration and reconstruction of destroyed cultural heritage and infrastructures in Ukraine. This will promote the complete and systematic modernization and transformation of the cultural sector to ensure the provision of cultural services to the Ukrainian population, in line with international highest standards and their fulfillment, including UNESCO conventions. In line with international standards (in particular UNESCO Conventions and Recommendations), the Recovery Support Unit will help to develop the most appropriate operational approach to ensure that culture is mainstreamed into recovery plans, that actions are coordinated among different stakeholders, that relevant data are systematically collected and processed, that funding opportunities for local interventions can be identified in the spirit of decentralization, and that appropriate mechanisms are put in place for this purpose.
Additionally, the Recovery Support Unit will ensure the development of regulatory frameworks for national legislation on the restoration of cultural heritage and infrastructure, the digital transformation, the development and launch of registries; and lead projects on the development of comprehensive models for institutional and infrastructural recovery of cultural institutions.
Task Description
The Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Expert will collaborate with the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine to provide technical advice and expertise on safeguarding, promoting, and revitalizing intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the context of the recovery and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. The role will involve strategic planning, development of methodologies, and implementation of programs aimed at the protection and promotion of ICH, while ensuring compliance with international conventions and national policies.
Job Responsibilities (non-exhaustive list):
- Assist the government in formulating, implementing, and updating policies and regulatory frameworks for the protection and promotion of intangible cultural heritage.
- Evaluate the cultural and historical importance of intangible cultural heritage elements, providing expertise on their relevance to community identity and heritage preservation.
- Develop and manage strategies, action plans, and programs that align with the government’s broader objectives related to cultural heritage conservation and development.
- Provide expert advice on legislative improvements, drafting proposals, and amendments to laws and regulations related to intangible cultural heritage, aligning with national and international frameworks.
- Collaborate with various government agencies, regional authorities, local communities, and cultural organisations to ensure a coordinated approach to intangible cultural heritage safeguarding and management.
- Lead the design and implementation of capacity-building initiatives, training programs, and workshops for public officials and cultural officers on intangible cultural heritage preservation, policy enforcement, and awareness.
- Advocate for the inclusion of intangible cultural heritage in cultural and educational programs, raising public awareness of the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage through exhibitions, publications, and media campaigns.
- Work with community representatives and local authorities to identify and document intangible cultural heritage elements, ensuring the active participation of communities in the process.
- Engage with other sectors like tourism, education, and cultural industries to integrate intangible cultural heritage preservation into broader governmental development strategies.
- Establish partnerships with international organisations to align national intangible cultural heritage safeguarding efforts with global standards and practices.
- Use modern technologies to archive, preserve, and digitise intangible cultural heritage elements, ensuring their long-term conservation and accessibility for future generations.
Candidate Requirements:
- Ukrainian citizenship.
- Individual entrepreneur with the appropriate type of entrepreneurial activity.
- Fluent in Ukrainian and English (please specify your proficiency level).
- A master's or higher degree in anthropology, ethnology, cultural studies, heritage management, theatrical education, or a related field with a focus on cultural heritage.
- Specialisation or additional certification in intangible cultural heritage would be a strong asset.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience working in intangible cultural heritage, especially in the identification, preservation, and promotion of intangible cultural heritage elements.
- Experience in organizing and conducting national and international exhibitions, particularly focused on ethnography and intangible cultural heritage, such as theatrical or artistic presentations related to ethnic traditions.
- Comprehensive knowledge of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, including its mechanisms, processes, and safeguarding measures.
- Familiarity with national laws and policies related to the protection and promotion of intangible cultural heritage.
- Understanding of the ethical considerations involved in cultural heritage projects, especially regarding community consent and participation.
- Sensitivity and respect towards cultural diversity and the nuances of intangible heritage.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and work efficiently under deadlines.
The organization reserves the right to invite only selected candidates for an interview. If a suitable candidate is found earlier, the vacancy will be closed before the announcement's expiration date.
If you are interested in this position, please send your resume to hr@fsr.org.ua, indicating in the subject line: "Resume: Intangible Cultural Heritage Expert at the Recovery Support Unit under MCSC"
The application deadline is October 25, 2024.