The Council of Europe is the continent’s leading organisation in the protection of human rights, democracy and rule of law. It was founded in 1949 in order to promote greater unity between its members and now includes 47 member states, all having signed up to the European Convention on Human Rights (www.coe.int).

Launched in 1987, the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme demonstrates, by means of a journey through space and time, how the heritage of different countries and cultures contribute to a shared and living European cultural heritage (www.coe.int/routes)

According to the Council of Europe’s definition, a Cultural Route is a cultural, educational heritage and tourism co-operation network  aiming at the development and promotion of an itinerary or a series of itineraries based on a historic route, a cultural concept, figure or phenomenon with a transnational importance and significance for the understanding and respect of common European values.

Established by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in 2010, the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes (EPA) enables closer co-operation between its current 34 Member States and 1 Observer State, with a particular focus on themes of symbolic importance for European values, history and culture, and the discovery of less well-known destinations.

Pursuant to the Rules of Procedure of the EPA Governing Board as adopted on 7 June 2019 and following a decision of the EPA Governing Board, the EPA Secretariat is currently seeking independent experts to conduct national or thematic reports on the following topics:

1. Country Mapping report for Montenegro with a view to identify potential for extension of existing Cultural Routes as well as emerging themes for new Cultural Routes
2. Country Mapping report for Poland with a view to identify potential for extension of existing Cultural Routes as well as emerging themes for new Cultural Routes
3. Feasibility study on the establishment of a cultural route on “Olympism and Sports heritage” in the 47 Council of Europe member States
4. Special report on “Major risks and the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme: challenges and opportunities”

Interested candidates are invited to fill in the questionnaire in English or French (link below) and attach their CV at the end of the form until the 5th July 2020 at midnight. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Selected experts will be requested to conduct the above-mentioned studies following detailed instructions from the EPA Secretariat, and within the deadlines indicated in the studies descriptions indicated below. Honorary fees will be communicated to selected experts.

Specific consideration will be given to candidates with a proven academic background (MA/Ph.D level), and with academic and research experience in conducting independent expertise for the Council of Europe or other International Organisations. Knowledge of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme will be considered be an asset.

All reports will have to be prepared in English or French, therefore selected experts will need to have proven proficiency in either English or French. Knowledge of other European languages, in particular for the country mapping reports on Montenegro and Poland, would be an advantage.

The Council of Europe welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates from Council of Europe member States, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

Deadline for applications: 30 July 2020 at midnight

Questionnaire: 

Description of Reports: 

Contry Mapping for Montenegro/Poland

"Olympism and Sports heritage"

"Major risks and the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme: challenges and opportunities"