The full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation has resulted in the destruction of Ukraine's cultural infrastructure and critically undermined the institutional capacity of cultural institutions. More than 2,000 cultural infrastructure facilities (libraries, museums, theatres, cultural centres, art schools) have been damaged or destroyed.
As a result of the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant on 6 June 2023, as well as the ongoing shelling of the city of Zaporizhzhia and the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Plant, the staff of the Khortytsia National Reserve faced urgent challenges in safeguarding cultural heritage and monitoring of the natural environment.
UNESCO provided immediate support to the Reserve following the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP in June 2023 by supplying conservation materials, financing emergency repairs to the facilities used for preserving rescued artefacts, supporting restoration training programmes, procuring essential equipment for the digitization of the collection, underwater research, and archaeological monitoring missions in affected areas.
Within the framework of the new UNESCO project, "Emergency Measures at Khortytsia National Reserve, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine", generously funded by the Government of Sweden, Activity 5 – Professional Training and Apprenticeships for Young Professionals – includes the recruitment of students to strengthen the Reserve's team and support its ongoing monitoring of the natural environment.
The initiative aims to ensure continuous biological monitoring of the natural environment of Khortytsia Island in order to assess and document changes to its ecosystem resulting from the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant.
At the same time, it seeks to promote knowledge exchange and capacity building through close collaboration between young professionals and the Reserve's experienced experts.
SCOPE OF WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Undertake tasks related to the biological fieldwork, in accordance with the needs and instructions of the Reserve's staff. Conduct inventory work on flora and fauna species (primarily protected categories), complete observation/encounter record sheets, and map encounter locations using Google Earth and QGIS software.
Part-time, 8 weeks × 18 hours/week, 18 hours per week, in total 128 hours.
DELIVERABLES
Updated data on the distribution of specific flora and fauna species within the Reserve. Completed observation/encounter record sheets. Map-diagrams of encounter locations for each recorded plant and animal species (primarily protected categories).
A brief written analytical report on the scope and taxonomic coverage of the recorded species, including their conservation status under national legislation and international treaties ratified by Ukraine.
The selected Consultant is expected to submit regular progress report for UNESCO approval.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology (Bachelor's level) in the aforementioned fields;
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Previous collaboration with the Khortytsia National Reserve is considered an advantage;
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Strong communication skills;
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://careers.unesco.org/job/Ukraine-Consultant-Student-Young-professional-in-Biological-fieldwork/1364290057/
HOW TO APPLY:
All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. Applications must reach UNESCO by 10 July 2026 (midnight, Kyiv time). To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website (https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl?locale=en_GB). 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.
https://careers.unesco.org/talentcommunity/apply/1364290057/?locale=en_GB