Консультант/ка Cybersecurity Expert for G2B Activities within MDT Cyber Project Office – 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. Context

Starting on February 24, 2022, the unjustified full-scale military intervention by Russia in Ukraine resulted in infrastructure damages already reaching more than $104 billion by June 2022. On July 5, 2022, in Lugano (Switzerland), leaders from some 40 countries signed on to the Lugano Declaration, laying out a set of principles for rebuilding Ukraine. The Lugano principles stress that “the recovery process has to contribute to accelerating, deepening, broadening, and achieving Ukraine’s reform efforts and resilience in line with Ukraine’s European path”.

Digital4Freedom initiative, a “Digital Marshall Plan” to rebuild war-ravaged Ukraine, announced by Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov has received support from international development partners and businesses. To ensure the programmatic support for the Ministry of Digital Transformation in performing a leading role in the whole-of-government cyberspace and digital engagement efforts, public-private partnership and collaboration, the Activity seeks to support the Deputy Minister Project Office of cyberspace and digital engagement mission (Project Office) to encourage innovation, and competitiveness, address security challenges of cyberspace and digital technologies, promote democratic values and protect Ukraine’s cyber interests through international engagement.

Role’s Purpose

The Activity seeks a Consultant to provide technical and expert advice in reviewing technical documentation of vendors, evaluating conformity with the security requirements, as well as conducting proof-of-concept evaluations of emerging technologies and tools to assess their effectiveness and suitability for the MDT from cybersecurity perspectives. Additionally, this role will be responsible for providing tech-stewardship support for MDT during negotiations, public events and demonstration of the innovative solutions for the digitalization needs of Ukraine.  

4. TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Consultant will serve under the supervision of the MDT Deputy Minister, executing tasks listed in Table 5 below, but also he will perform other tasks and activities assigned by the MDT Deputy Minister and report the deliverables to the MDT Deputy Minister and Component III Lead.

5. OUTPUT/DELIVERABLES:

Required Qualifications:

•  At least 2 years working with Governmental organizations
• At least 10 years IT and Informational Security project management and cybersecurity assessment
• Understanding of bidding processes and procedures within Governmental organizations
• Experience with developing and implementing IT and Cyber Security management and audit processes
• Excellent project management skills including task prioritization and ensuring on time completion
• Experience working with international stakeholders
• Experience in people management
• Excellent written and spoken Ukrainian and English language skills
• Based in Kyiv, Ukraine
• Period of Performance – 6 months (June-November 2023)

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