National Consultant on Museum Design (SSAs)

Background:

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD), together with the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and in close cooperation with the EU and UNDP, is implementing the ExB project Stakeholder Engagement for Uranium Legacy Remediation in Central Asia, Phase III. This phase aims to engage and inform stakeholders about the remediation of uranium tailings to maximize the project’s benefits.
The uranium mining and processing industry in Central Asia has left behind numerous contaminated sites. Affected populations often lack external support and face a strong perception of unusually high incidences of health problems, resulting in economic losses. The project focuses on Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with specific intervention sites selected based on their location.
Several project activities are planned to continue through the end of 2026, with a possible extension into 2027, in the target areas including Buston, Gafurov, Guliston (including Adrasman), Istiqlol, and Khujand in Tajikistan. One of the key initiatives is the establishment of a Museum on the History of Uranium Mining in Tajikistan, to be located in the Mining-Metallurgical Institute of Tajikistan, in Buston, Sugd region . In the current phase, the project focuses on content production for the museum, following the conceptual framework developed in previous phases. The Museum is planned to open in October 2026 within the Investment Forum or later.
To support this activity, the project plans to engage a short-term SSA consultant (Curatorial Consultant for Museum Concept Development) to assist OSCE POiD staff with the implementation of Phase III content production. The consultant’s work will be directly supervised and coordinated by the Project Officer in POiB and the National Environmental Officer of EED POiD.

The Consultant will be responsible for developing and delivering production-ready museum content; planning and overseeing content production, quality control, and handover; strengthening the capacity and operational readiness of the local museum team; and ensuring effective coordination with designers, authorities, and implementing partners in line with the approved museum concept.

Objective of Assignment:

To lead and coordinate the curatorial development and content production for the Museum of the History of Uranium Mining in Tajikistan in Buston, ensuring a coherent museum narrative and delivery of a production-ready content in close coordination with the Museum Designer and key stakeholders, in line with the approved concept.

Duration of Assignment:

60 days

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Project Officer and direct supervision of National Environmental Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

Phase 1 (2 March- 31 April 2026): Museum design concept (within two months)
1. Participate in kick-off meeting(s) with OSCE POiD/OCEEA and the Museum working group; agree on working methods, review/approval steps and communication channels.
2. Conduct field visit(s) to Buston to assess the premises at Mining-Metallurgical Institute of Tajikistan (where the Museum is being established), collect measurements and documentation, and identify technical constraints and opportunities.
3. Conduct desk research on best practices for uranium legacy and industrial heritage museums and develop inspiration references (including relevant examples from Kyrgyzstan / Mailuu-Suu Museum experience).
4. Develop a draft Museum Design Concept: overall spatial zoning and visitor flow, exhibition structure, key interpretive and interactive elements, and the Museum’s visual identity (mood boards, colour palette, typography, graphic language).
5. Present the draft concept to the Museum working group, Mining-Metallurgical Institute of Tajikistan and local authorities; collect feedback and update the concept accordingly.

Phase 2 (1 May – 30 May 2026): Final concept package and endorsement
1. In cooperation with the Curatorial Consultant, translate the approved storyline and content structure into the spatial and graphic design solution (mapping of sections, objects, labels, media and interactive stations).
2. Prepare the full Museum Design Concept Package for endorsement (to be delivered by 30 April 2026).

Phase 3 (1 June- 31 July 2026): Detailed design and production specifications
1. Develop detailed exhibition design and graphic design for all museum zones, including layouts, panel and label templates, wayfinding/signage, accessibility and visitor experience elements.
2. Develop technical specifications and production-ready files for fabrication/printing and multimedia production, in coordination with architects/engineers/contractors as required.
4. In coordination with the Curatorial Consultant, develop a detailed, itemized budget.
5. Support procurement and contracting by preparing technical ToRs/specifications for vendors (printing, fabrication, audiovisual/multimedia, lighting, etc.) and by reviewing vendor proposals from a design-technical perspective.

Phase 4 (1 August -30 September 2026): Production support and handover
1. Provide design supervision support: review mock-ups and proofs, advise on materials and finishes, and ensure design consistency and safety messaging accuracy.
2. Prepare an installation-ready design handover package (source files, print-ready files, installation drawings/specs, style guide) and provide remote/on-call clarifications during installation preparation.

Deliverables:

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, please see: https://dushanbe.osce.org/

Necessary Qualifications:

Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information