Senior Copywriter (SARDI) / Старший_а копірайтер_ка (Державне агентство відновлення та розвитку)

Chemonics International Inc.  

SCOPE OF WORK  

USAID Transformation Communications Activity  

Job Title: Senior Copywriter for the Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine 

Estimated Period of Performance/Level of Effort: 13 months (up to 40 hours per week within 13 months)

Background: 

In January 2023, the Government of Ukraine established the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure (hereinafter referred to as “the SARDI” or “the Agency”). The 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. At the same time, the Agency’s staff currently only consists of 190 positions, in contrast to the former Ukravtodor’s (State Agency of Highways of Ukraine )172 positions. This creates enormous pressure and challenges for the Agency’s team. The government has officially announced that Ukraine plans to invest at least UAH 110 billion of its own resources to support infrastructure restoration in 2023, and plans to raise six times that amount from the international community for other vital recovery projects (including housing and essential social infrastructure).  

Given the challenges mentioned above, it is necessary to strengthen the capacity of the newly created agency to ensure efficient, effective, and transparent spending of the above-mentioned funds and to obtain quick and high-quality results in the restoration process with the help of a team of experienced and knowledgeable experts. For this purpose, the Capacity Building Office (hereinafter referred to as “the CBO” “the Office”) has been established under the Head of the Agency. The Office is an Advisory Body consisting of independent experts who provide their knowledge and support, develop policies, conduct analysis and oversight, and support the implementation of projects on the ground on a day-to-day basis. The Office comprises five key sectors: Integrity and Anti-Corruption, Procurement, Communications, Organizational Development, and Projects Implementation Unit. 

The key tasks of the Communications Unit include ensuring public control over the Agency’s activities, establishing transparent communication with stakeholders, civil society and the broader public, ensuring timely publication, and providing access of society to all the relevant information about Agency’s activities. In order to complete the above-mentioned tasks and ensure that the Agency’s messaging is consistent and effective across all channels, the proper copywriters need to be engaged.  

Responsibilities 

• Creating 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), and also press releases, brochures, newsletters, and social media posts.
• Ensuring that the written content aligns with the Agency’s goals and objectives.
• Conducting research to gather relevant information and data to support the Agency’s messages.
• 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.

Reporting and TCA Support: 

• Plan working hours according to Ukrainian legislation and report on results to TCA weekly and monthly.
• Provide written reports on a monthly and as-requested basis on the progress of their work within the Agency.
• Support USAID Transformation Communications Activity (TCA) in developing and strengthening established partnerships with the Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine.

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, recommendation for the next two months after the end of the contract. 

Requirements: 

• 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.

Application instructions:

To apply, please submit your application via the following link no later than June 15, 2023. 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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