How can ICOM better support museum professionals in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world?
To help answer this question, the International Council of Museums (ICOM), in collaboration with the ICOM International Museum Research and Exchange Centre (ICOM-IMREC), is launching a Call for Expressions of Interest to identify a consultant or consortium to conduct a global Training Needs Assessment.
Museums today are navigating profound transformations—from digital innovation and climate challenges to evolving community expectations, emergency preparedness, and ethical governance. As these changes reshape the museum profession, understanding the current and emerging professional development needs of museum professionals has become essential.
This study will provide ICOM with an evidence-based understanding of training needs across its global network. Through consultation with ICOM National and International Committees, Regional Alliances, Affiliated Organisations, and other stakeholders, the selected contractor will identify priority skills, regional and thematic trends, barriers to professional development, and existing capacity-building initiatives across the network. The findings will provide a strong evidence base to guide ICOM’s future capacity-building priorities, identify opportunities for greater coordination across the network, and support the development of relevant, inclusive and responsive learning opportunities for museum professionals worldwide.
ICOM welcomes applications from individual consultants, research institutions, organisations, and consortia with demonstrated expertise in international research, stakeholder consultation, strategic analysis, and professional development. Experience working with international organisations or complex global networks is highly desirable, while familiarity with the museum sector is considered an asset.
The selected contractor will undertake a 12-month assignment beginning in October 2026, with a maximum available budget of EUR 70,000.
Interested applicants are invited to consult the full Call for Expressions of Interest, which includes the assignment scope, eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission guidelines.
Submission deadline: 28 August 2026, 00:00 CEST
Download the full Call for Expressions of Interest:
Full Call for Expressions of Interest
Submit your application via the online application form:
For any questions regarding the call, please contact training@icom.museum.