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 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: 

• Prepare content (press releases, posts, speaker talking points) to cover issues that are set as a priority for communication by SSSCIP management
• the Law on Critical Infrastructure and the Procedure for Determining Critical Information Infrastructure Objects, including hybrid events and publications in media, as well as preparing communication campaigns at the regional level.
• Methodological recommendations for Critical Information Infrastructure Objects and assist in conducting relevant events.
• Human resources in the field of cybersecurity direction.
• UA30 cyber reform
• Other relevant issues
• Assist the State Service of Special Communication and Information Protection in the process of communication strategy implementation by providing relevant information materials, mentoring, conducting training and providing feedback and recommendations.
• Develop concepts/scenarios of public events to convey key messages under UA30 communication strategy and cyber reform.
• Conduct research and data synthesis to tailor high-quality, targeted strategic messages and communication materials.
• Participate in the development of monthly and weekly media plans.
• Assist communication teams in developing communication products: press releases, videos, communication with media, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

4. OUTPUT/DELIVERABLES:

• Preparation of content in the required volume to solve communication problems in the field of cyber defense and information protection at critical infrastructure
• Assist SSSCIP in holding relevant events in sphere of cyber protection in the required volume
• Formation of confident knowledge of requirements, recommendations (such as Methodological recommendations for Critical Information Infrastructure Objects and other relevant), legislation of Ukraine in the field of cyber protection and information protection at critical infrastructure objects among public sector specialists, as well as the importance of protection, through the preparation of events, content, etc.
• Formation of an understanding among stakeholders (specialists, students, applicants, etc.) of a career path in the field of cybersecurity and information protection, regarding the professional standards and the National Qualifications Framework
• Ongoing communication of UA30 cyber reform

5. Period of Performance: 

December 2023 – November 2024

6. Requires Skills ad Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications or related fields  
• Minimum (3) 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.