Консультант/ка / Communications Consultant – USAID Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity

1. Activity Background:

The purpose of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity is to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure from cyberattacks by establishing trusted collaboration between key cybersecurity stakeholders in the government, and private sector, academia, and civil society. The activity aims to achieve this goal by implementing the following activity components:

Component 1: Strengthen the cybersecurity enabling environment

The legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for national cybersecurity in Ukraine needs to be strengthened and aligned with international standards and best practices. This component will strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure sectors by addressing legislative gaps, promoting good governance, enabling collaboration between stakeholders, and supporting cybersecurity institutions. This component will also build the technical capacity of key sectors through increased access to cybersecurity technology and equipment.

Component 2: Develop Ukraine’s cybersecurity workforce

Ukraine suffers from a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals. This component of the USAID Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity will address workforce gaps through activities that develop new cybersecurity talent and build the capacity of existing talent. These activities will address the entire workforce pipeline, the quality of education received by cybersecurity specialists, and industry training programs to rapidly upskill Ukraine’s workforce to respond to immediate cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Component 3: Build a resilient cybersecurity industry

A growing cybersecurity industry in Ukraine will contribute directly to national security and prosperity. This component will seek to build trust and collaboration between the public and private sector to develop innovative solutions for future cybersecurity challenges; spur investment and growth in the broader cybersecurity market in Ukraine through greater access to financing; support smaller cybersecurity companies to rapidly increase the number of local cybersecurity service providers; and offer mechanisms for Ukrainian firms to connect with industry partners to enable better access to innovations and business opportunities.

2.  Role’s purpose:

 The consultant shall build the capacity of the SSSCIP to developing coordinated and effective communications as well as contribute to the communication activities of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, ensuring proper coverage and communication of Service`s key messages by analyzing and adjusting its communication policies, strategies, and plans, as well as by overseeing and producing content, tailored specifically to the needs of key audiences.  

3. Tasks/responsibilities: 

• Creates a strategic communication plan and communication plans for current and existing projects, launching new campaigns 
• Analyzes news, research in areas related to the activities of the SSSCIP and provides recommendations in terms of using opportunities 
• Manages the creation and distribution of content through existing and critical communication channels for all stakeholder groups 
• Tracks reputational threats developing strategies to respond to them, as well as looking for new opportunities to strengthen the reputation and capacities of SSSCIP 
• Collaborates with the team and external agencies to create communication content, which may include video content, visualizations, infographics, etc. 
• Establishes relations with media, organizations, and opinion leaders, as well as with international partners and well-known organizations to strengthen Ukraine’s critical infrastructure resilience to cyberattacks  
• Trains SSSCIP leadership for public presentations and public speaking 

• Coordinates content for communication platforms, including websites, social media, leaflets, newsletters, reports, press releases, and presentations with relevant groups and experts, and advises on communication issues  
• Other duties as assigned 

4. OUTPUT/DELIVERABLES:

 – Strategic communication plan and communication plans for current and existing projects, launching new campaigns 

 – Events for target audiences in Ukraine and the international community regarding cybersecurity 

 – Projects concepts for cyber reform UA30 promoting   

 – Monthly / Quarterly Amendments to the communications strategy 

 – Trainings SSSCIP’s leadership for public speaking and public presentations  

 – Trainings for SSSCIP communication teams  

 – Coordination of meetings between several stakeholders on communication issues on cybersecurity  

  – Analysis of news, events, and meetings with the SSSCIP management for further plans and action according to recommendations under analyses  

 – Procedures within SSSCIP for establishing sustainable cybersecurity-related communications 

5. Period of Performance: 

         December 2023 – November 2024

 6. Requires Skills ad Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications or related fields  
• Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in communications, including public relations, media, marketing, TV, etc.   

• Familiarity with local vendors for different communications/media production services  
• Ukrainian – native speaker
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian.    

• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills  

Qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter to [email protected]. by 20 November 2023 6:00pm Kyiv time. Interviews will be conducted on the rolling basis.  Only short-listed candidates will receive notice requesting additional information.