International Consultant – Lead Strategist

Project: “Strengthening Independent Media for a Strong Democratic Ukraine” (Ref. NDICI-GEO-NEAR_2024_447-244)

TERMS OF REFERENCE

DW Akademie is Deutsche Welle’s centre for international media development, journalism training and knowledge transfer. Our projects strengthen the human right to freedom of expression and unhindered access to information. DW Akademie empowers people worldwide to make independent decisions based on reliable facts and constructive dialogue.

DW Akademie is looking for an International Consultant (Lead  Strategist) to support the DW Akademie and Suspilne team in developing a comprehensive AI strategy for Suspilne. The selected applicant will be expected to provide a range of deliverables:

1. Deliverables

• Lead the design and development of a 2-year AI Strategy for Suspilne, including defining Priorities for Year 1 and creating comprehensive internal and external Communication plans.
• Ensure the strategy incorporates three main pillars: Policy work (including ethics and responsible usage), Internal Tools (journalistic/production tools), and External Tools (audience recommendation systems).
• Conduct desk research, including analyzing strategies of other EBU members.
• Conduct interviews with key stakeholders from Suspilne management team, Supervisory Board, External SMEs, representatives of the government and other stakeholders.
• Lead an offline co-creation workshop scheduled for the week of 10 May 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

2. Qualifications

Essential

• Extensive proven experience in developing AI or digital transformation strategies, preferably within the informational sector
• Strong understanding of AI ethics, policy work, and responsible usage in journalism.
• Excellent analytical and drafting skills.
• Fluency in English.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-level workshops and stakeholder interviews.

Desirable

• Familiarity with European Broadcasting Union (EBU) standards and operations.
• Previous experience working with Eastern European projects.

3. Working Framework

• Expected engagement time frame: 20 April 2026 – 15 June 2026.
• Expected scope of work: Up to 20 working days for the project period.

4. Application instructions

Please send your CV and a Motivation Letter in English with the indication of an expected daily rate to [email protected] with the email subject “Application for International Consultant – Lead Strategist Suspilne” by 19 April 2026.

 Please note that a commitment is subject to project funding