Senior Copywriter (Державне агентство відновлення та розвитку інфраструктури України)

Chemonics International Inc.  

SCOPE OF WORK  

USAID Transformation Communications Activity  

Job Title: Senior Copywriter for the Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine 
LOE: 260 days (12 months)
Location: Kyiv, mainly in-person at the Ministry for Restoration
Work mode: offline and hybrid
Contract type: contract with PE, 3rd group (and any other if needed)

Background:

In January 2023, the Government of Ukraine established the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure (hereinafter referred to as “SARDI” or “the Agency”). SARDI has been tasked with ensuring the efficient and transparent implementation of projects aimed at the country’s current rapid recovery and future post-war reconstruction. The Agency was created by merging the State Agency of Highways of Ukraine and the State Agency of Infrastructure Projects. Both agencies have a history of construction projects, primarily focused on building roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. However, the mission and scope of the newly created agency include not only transport infrastructure but also critical infrastructure, energy infrastructure, housing, and social infrastructure.  The Ukrainian government has publicly committed to investing a minimum of UAH 110 billion of domestic resources to support infrastructure restoration in 2023 and intends to secure six times that amount from the international community for other vital recovery projects, including housing and essential social infrastructure. Furthermore, the 2024 budget saw a reduction in funding for the Ministry of Reconstruction and its subsidiary Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, decreasing from 119 billion to 39 billion, without a corresponding reduction in reconstruction tasks. The Office is structured into five core sectors: Integrity and Anti-Corruption, Procurement, Communications, Organizational Development, and Projects Implementation Unit. The Strategic Communications Unit within the Agency of Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine has a pivotal role. Its objective is to enhance communication, transparency, and stakeholder engagement, thereby contributing to the success of the agency’s projects and the realization of its mission to restore and develop Ukraine’s infrastructure. The key responsibilities of the Communications Unit encompass ensuring public oversight of the Agency’s activities, establishing transparent communication channels with stakeholders, civil society, and the general public, ensuring the timely dissemination of information, and granting society access to all pertinent details regarding the Agency’s operations.

To bolster the Strategic Communications Unit’s capabilities, five communications specialists were hired by TCA in July-December 2023, focusing on providing daily communications support and maintaining coordinated communication with the Ministry of Reconstruction. Since the Agency is active and its activities require effective communication, TCA is expanding the team with three additional positions, including a Senior Copywriter (who will complement the existing Senior Copywriter and Copywriter).

Responsibilities:

• Creating transparent, data-driven, compelling, and creative written content in Ukrainian and English for various mediums, including speeches for the Head of the Agency and other officials (including the responsible Vice-Prime-Minister), as well as press releases, brochures, newsletters, and social media posts.
• Ensuring that the written content aligns with the Agency’s goals and objectives while effectively responding to the target audiences.
• Conducting research to gather relevant information and data to support the Agency’s messages and ensure the Agency is responsive to the Ukrainian public and international stakeholders.
• Collaborating with other Agency professionals to produce cohesive and effective communication materials.
• Editing and proofreading written materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines.
• Adapting the Agency’s messages for different audiences, such as policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Monitoring and analyzing the effectiveness of the Agency’s written content and making adjustments as necessary to improve communication outcomes.
• Collaborating with other governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, such as Ukrinform, BrandUA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Deputy Vice Prime Minister for EuroAtlantic Integration, international donors, and relevant communications platforms to promote communications and maintain restoration narratives.

Reporting and TCA Support:

• Plan working hours according to Ukrainian legislation and report on results to TCA weekly and monthly. Weekends and evening work may be required.
• Support USAID Transformation Communications Activity (TCA) in developing and strengthening established partnerships with the Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine.

• Provide written reports on a monthly and as-requested basis on the progress of their work within the Agency.

Deliverables/Outcomes:

• High-quality, engaging, and persuasive written materials effectively communicating the desired messages to the target audience.
• Effective copywriting strategies that align with the overall goals and messaging of the Agency. Recommendations for improving the strategy, considering the situation and events after one year of operation.
• System of collaboration with other members of the creative team to ensure that materials are integrated seamlessly into the overall communication strategy of the Agency.
• Recommendations based on conducted research for staying up to date with industry trends to ensure that materials remain relevant and effective.
• Standards and recommendations for editing and proofreading of materials to ensure accuracy, grammar, and spelling are correct.
• Final reports to the Agency and TCA which includes best practices of one year, lessons learned, and recommendation for the next two months after the end of the contract.

Requirements*

• Passion for contributing to Ukraine’s path to recovery and restoration through transparent, data-driven, and creative communications initiatives.
• Education: a master’s degree (degree in Linguistics, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or a related field is preferred);
• Experience: at least 5 years of experience in copywriting, preferably in a governmental sector.
• A strong portfolio of previous work that demonstrates expertise in copywriting, creativity, and strategic thinking.
• Languages: Fluency in written and oral Ukrainian and professional level of written English.
• Skills: Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strategic thinking: the ability to develop creative and strategic concepts that align with the Agency’s messaging and objectives.
• Strong collaboration skills: the ability to work with other teams within the Agency and other governmental institutions.
• Attention to detail: the ability to proofread and edit their work thoroughly to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Adaptability: the ability to adapt to changing situations and work on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Leadership skills will be a plus, since the position may require managing and mentoring junior copywriters and coordinating with other teams.
• *Candidates who do not possess all the required skills above may be considered if they possess other relevant skills that will render them likely to be able to accomplish the scope of work.

Application instructions:

To apply, please submit your application via the following link no later than January 02, 2024.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6116f86e2e7d442f96cc45447742b1d6. 

Please complete the required information and upload your cover letter and CV for consideration. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

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