JOB DETAILS
Type of contract :Consultant contract
Level :Level 3-Senior
Hiring Unit : UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)
Duty Station :Montreal
Work location : Remote
Duration of contract: 11 months
Hiring open to :External candidates
Application deadline (Midnight UTC−5 Time) :24/05/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW
The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) is the statistical branch of the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture.
There is a growing interest in understanding the economic contribution of the cultural and creative ecosystem. From 2017 to 2018, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) started to develop the International Recommendations for Culture Satellite Account (CSA). This initiative aimed to advance the measurement of the economic aspects of culture and to establish new global methodology and standard to serve as a blueprint for creating national culture satellite accounts. A draft document was produced.
After several years of interruption, UIS is now resuming its efforts to complete the International Recommendations for a CSA.
Objective
The aim of the project is to develop the International Recommendations for a CSA. The project is divided into two separate phases. The initial phase consists of creating an updated first draft document by the end of 2026. The second phase consists of producing the final document taking account the results of a global consultation and final recommendations from the UIS CSA Technical Advisory Group.
ASSIGNMENTS
Starting with the UIS 2018 International Recommendations for a CSA draft document as a basis, the consultant will update and revise it accordingly to produce the new International Recommendations for Culture Satellite Accounts document.
The content of the document will include, but is not limited to:
- Describing the key concepts and definitions and how the CSA fits into the overall System of National Accounts (SNA)
- Describing the uses and limitations of a CSA
- Identifying the required criteria to develop a CSA
- Production of the required summary tables
- Identifying the initial aggregates
- Listing and explaining the basic indicators
- Discussing any specific issues
- Identifying the required classifications
- Identifying the recommended data sources
The scope of work encompasses but is not limited to the following:
- A review of past UIS work on the international recommendations for a CSA (CSA)
- The 2017 UIS international recommendations for a CSA document (unpublished)
- Results of the UIS TAG review of the 2017 document.
- Results and recommendations from the 2018 1st CSA TAG meeting held in Tokyo, Japan.
- The issues/concept papers produced for the CSA TAG meeting in 2018
- Incorporation of the results from the UIS global consultation.
- The recommendations of the UIS CSA Technical Advisory Group.
CONTRACT DURATION
The first phase of the project will commence in June 2026 and conclude on 30 November 2026.
The second phase of the project will commence in February 2027 to conclude in November 2027.
DELIVERABLES
First phase – June to November 2026
- Detailed outline of the international recommendations for UIS CSA Expert Group review: (30 July 2026)
- International recommendations CSA – Draft 1 UIS CSA Expert Group review (30 November 2026)
Second phase – February to May 2027
- International recommendations CSA – Draft 2 UIS CSA Expert Group review: (20 May 2027)
- International recommendations CSA – Final Draft UIS CSA Expert Group review (30 November 2027)
Long Description
TRAVEL
The consultant will be required to participate at least one meeting of the UIS CSA TAG in Montreal, Canada. Any associated expenses will be reimbursed separately from the terms outlined in this contract.
COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)
- 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 .
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Advanced university degree (Master or PhD degree or equivalent) in economics or related applied quantitative discipline or in the field of cultural economics.
WORK EXPERIENCE
At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in economic statistics and/or economic research and/or working with Systems of National Accounts.
Long Description
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Excellent English writing and editing skills.
- A demonstrated ability to conduct research.
- Effective organizational and people skills.
- Proficient in time management.
- Ability to work autonomously.
- Client and collaborative.
LANGUAGES
Demonstrates excellent proficiency in both spoken and written English. Familiarity with an additional United Nations language (French, Spanish or Arabic) is considered advantageous for supporting the requirements of this assignment.