Експерт/ка з розробки інформаційного контенту щодо практик країн ЄС з реалізації регіональної політики

Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development Project, UCORD is looking for a information and communication expert for Eu regional policy content.

Expected start date: 03.02.2025
Duration: 03.02.2025 – 30.11.2026
Days: Up to 180

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1          Background

Swiss-Ukrainian project «Ukraine’s Cohesion & Regional Development», UCORD, is implemented via the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation by NIRAS Sweden AB.

UCORD aims for citizens, businesses, and public authorities to contribute and equally benefit from recovery actions and coherent regional development that fosters improved quality of life, resilience, peace, and social cohesion in Ukraine. The project currently supports six pilot oblasts of Ukraine: Khmelnytska, Sumska, Ternopilska, Vinnytska, Odesa and Volyn oblasts as the starting points, targeting capacity development and awareness-raising initiatives spread throughout the country. UCORD consists of three components:

Component 1 embeds regional policy development in Ukraine by supporting and strengthening Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in pilot oblasts.

Component 2 seeks to improve public service delivery in the WASAW (water supply, sanitation, and waste management) sector, focusing on the environment.

Component 3 aims to construct social cohesion through culture, dialogue, and creative industries. 

Under Component 1, the Decentralisation portal recently launched the ‘Regional Policy’ section. This section addresses Ukraine’s alignment with the EU’s cohesion policy, offering updates on legislative reforms, regional development initiatives, and insights into best practices. To further enrich the section and highlight the European dimension, an additional expert is being engaged to complement the Ukrainian content team with targeted contributions focusing on EU regional policies and practices.

2          Objective

This engagement aims to enhance the “Regional Policy” section on the Decentralisation portal by introducing a European perspective. The expert will provide valuable insights, interviews, case studies and materials that showcase successful EU regional development practices and align them with Ukraine’s strategic priorities.

3          Scope of Work

The expert’s role will provide targeted contributions that add value to the ‘Regional Policy’ section with European insights and best practices. The activities under this scope are interlinked, with interviews forming the foundational source of information that will directly inform the development of articles, case studies, and other multimedia content.

The expert’s contributions will include:

3.1       Conducting Strategic Interviews: The expert will engage with prominent figures such as chairpersons and directors of European RDAs, EU Commission officials, and leaders of EU-funded projects. The insights from these interviews will inform the development of articles, case studies, and other content for the “Regional Policy” section. (EURADA will assist the expert in arranging interviewees)

3.2       Producing Multimedia Content: The expert will act as an editor and guide for video materials developed by EURADA. They will ensure the relevance and accessibility of these materials for Ukrainian audiences and simplify EU cohesion policy concepts.

3.3       Collaborating with the Ukrainian Decentralisation Portal Team: To ensure seamless integration of the European angle, the expert will work closely with the Ukrainian portal team to ensure coherence across all content.

3.4       Establishing Feedback Mechanisms and Enhancing Content Quality: The expert will design and implement feedback mechanisms to collect and analyze input from target audiences. This process will inform the refinement of content, generate recommendations, and enhance the relevance and impact of the materials produced.

4          Deliverables

4.1       Workplan: The first deliverable is a comprehensive work plan outlining the approach, timeline, and key activities for achieving the objectives of this engagement. This document will also detail the coordination strategy with EURADA and the Ukrainian decentralisation portal team, the scheduling of interviews, and the development of articles, case studies, and video materials.

4.2       Interviews and Articles: Conduct at least eight interviews annually with key EU RDA stakeholders, including chairpersons, directors, and EU Commission officials. Insights from these interviews will be developed into eight in-depth articles, offering practical and relevant perspectives on EU regional policies and their applicability to Ukraine.

4.3       Case Studies: Four comprehensive case studies focusing on flagship initiatives, including strategic planning, clustering, economic infrastructure, and SME support, in the EU.

4.4       Infographics and Visual Accompaniment Materials: Develop at least four visually engaging infographics or other visual materials to complement the articles.

4.5       Video Materials: Four engaging and accessible video materials that simplify EU cohesion policies. EURADA will develop these materials, with the expert providing editorial oversight and guidance to ensure they meet the needs of Ukrainian audiences.

4.6       Collaboration Meetings: Regular quarterly meetings with the Ukrainian decentralisation portal team to maintain alignment and ensure content integration.

4.7       Feedback and Content Refinement: Deliver two analysis reports to ensure the relevance and impact of the produced content. This includes establishing channels to gather feedback from target audiences and stakeholders, processing quantitative and qualitative data, summarizing key insights, actionable recommendations, and improvements. The feedback mechanisms will be developed in close collaboration with the project team and the Decentralization portal team.

Qualifications and Experience

Knowledge

• Relevant primary degree or professional experience in communication for regional development.
• Understanding of the Ukrainian regional development context, EU cohesion policies and regional development practices.

 Experience

• At least 7 years of professional work experience in communication, regional development, or a related field.
• Proven track record of conducting interviews and preparing articles.

Skills

• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Proficiency in preparing multimedia content (articles, videos, and case studies).

Evaluation of response & selection

Interested applicants please send  CV and a motivation letter indicating three references to [email protected] on January 23, 2024