Short-term Communications Manager (Мінінфраструктури)

Chemonics International Inc.  

SCOPE OF WORK  

USAID Transformation Communications Activity  

Job Title: Communications Manager for the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration)

Estimated Period of Performance/Level of Effort: Short-Term, 40 hours per week within 6 months (up to 130 days)

Background:

The Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration) is the central executive body whose activities are directed and coordinated by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The Ministry’s primary responsibilities encompass the formulation and execution of state policy relating to various areas of regional development, housing and communal services, territorial organization of communities and population, and urban planning. It plays a crucial role in managing multimodal transportation and the protection of critical infrastructure within the sectors under its jurisdiction. Additional responsibilities include the development, construction, renovation, and modernization of infrastructure related to aviation, railway, sea, and inland water transport. Due to the full-scale Russian invasion, the Ministry is responsible for the restoration of regions, territories and infrastructure affected by the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Considering the largest post-war recovery, the Ministry needs support in terms of quality communication delivery to inform stakeholders about the restoration process, reimbursement state programs, tools for recovery for the general population, and other important information materials about the recovery process. As such, TCA is seeking a short-term Communications Manager to be integrated into the Ministry for Restoration team under Deputy Minister Serhiy Derkach to create and coordinate the preparation of different types of information materials (press releases, posts, leaflets, newsletters, messages-box, thesis, digest etc.) for various communication channels.

The expert will focus their assignment on strengthening the Ministry’s communication materials about reforming international bus passenger transportation as a primary focus. The first half of the assignment will more heavily focus on communication with private sector stakeholders to help the Ministry effectively engage the sector as the reform rolls out. The second half of the assignment will focus on amplifying the Journey to Unity communications campaign and communication about the reform and its dividends to the Ukrainian public.

This activity will help the Ministry to better communicate the progress of the reform of international bus passenger transportation, particularly to the audiences of Ukrainian citizens and bus operators in the framework of Ukraine’s restoration progress.

Responsibilities

• Supporting and implementing a communication strategy developed by TCA and creating an action plan for it for Ministry-level communications related to international bus passenger transportation reform in close coordination with the SARDI communication team and existing Ministry strategies related to restoration.
• Develop and oversee a weekly content plan for key communications outputs related to international bus passenger transportation reform.
• Coordination of the communication team consisting of a Senior Copywriter and a Videographer to ensure the production of materials within the framework of communication of the international bus passenger transportation reform and support of the Journey to Unity communication campaign.
• Oversee and manage social media communications related to international bus passenger transportation reform in coordination with the Ministry Press Office.
• Coordination of the development, content creation, and support of the web portal of the Register of International Bus Routes, as well as promotion of this web resource with the involvement of state and private institutions.
• Organization and implementation of open public and media events to communicate the international bus passenger transportation reform and amplify the Journey to Unity communication campaign.
• Initiating, preparing, and engaging a team consisting of a Senior Copywriter and a Videographer to develop strategic communication materials (strategies, concepts, recommendation) as part of/to complement the communication of the international bus passenger transportation reform and support of the Journey to Unity communication campaign.
• Creating written content in Ukrainian and English for various mediums, including speeches for the Ministry’s officials, as well as press releases, brochures, newsletters, and social media posts related to the reform of international bus passenger transportation in collaboration with the Ministry’s Journey to Unity campaign.
• Researching to gather relevant information and data to support the Ministry’s messages related to the reform of international bus passenger transportation, including monitoring media and public reception of the reform.
• If required, creating a digest about the reform of international bus passenger transportation (for international partners and other target audiences).
• Collaborating with another communication specialists within the Ministry, SARDI, and Ukrinform to produce cohesive and effective communication materials regarding the reform of international bus passenger transportation for the private sector, Ukrainian public, and international stakeholders.
• Editing and proofreading written materials regarding international bus passenger transportation reform to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines.
• Adapting the Ministry’s messages regarding the reform of international bus passenger transportation for different audiences, such as policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.
• Monitoring and analyzing the effectiveness of the Ministry’s written and visual content and making adjustments as necessary to improve communication outcomes regarding the reform of international bus passenger transportation.
• If applicable and appropriate, integrating and coordinating narratives and messaging from TCA-implemented communications campaigns or other project activities related to the reform of international bus passenger transportation.
• As needed, develop or oversee graphic design for social media posts.
• Create synergies to amplify the Journey to Unity international bus passenger transportation campaign. For example, assist the Ministry in its private sector outreach to engage companies to participate in the reform and in the Journey to Unity campaign.
• Provide support to the Ministry for communication with stakeholders, particularly private sector stakeholders, on the reform and its implications. Provide assistance with any crisis communications or mitigation measures as the reform rolls out.
• One month prior to the end of the assignment, work with the Senior Copywriter and Videograper to develop content for a toolkit that may include a communication plan and recommendations that the Ministry can utilize for continued social media posts to keep the public abreast of the reform dividends on its own following the assignment.
• Coordinate and integrate one voice policy with the SARDI communication team where it is appropriate.
• As time permits as a secondary focus, the Communications Manager may be assigned other strategic priorities as designated by TCA related to restoration.

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 weekly and monthly and as-requested basis on the progress of their work within the Ministry.
• Support USAID Transformation Communications Activity (TCA) in developing and strengthening established partnerships with the Ministry for Restoration.

Deliverables/Outcomes:

• High-quality, engaging, and persuasive written and visual materials effectively communicate the desired messages to the target audience.
• Best practices: news pieces, articles, and storytelling materials that help communicate complex information easily.
• Standards and recommendations for editing and proofreading materials to ensure accuracy, grammar, and spelling are correct.
• Handover toolkit that will include a communication plan and recommendations for continued communications for the Ministry to publish following the assignment.
• Final reports to the Ministry and TCA that include a summary of key accomplishments, recommendations for implementing best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations for the next several months after the end of the contract.

Preferred Requirements:

• Education: A bachelor’s or master’s degree (degree in Linguistics, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or a related field is preferred);
• Experience: at least 3 years of experience in communications, preferably in a governmental, NGO or journalism sector.
• A strong portfolio of previous work that demonstrates expertise in communications, creativity, and strategic thinking.
• Languages: Fluency in written and oral Ukrainian and advanced 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 Ministry’s messaging and objectives.
• Strong collaboration skills: the ability to work with other teams within the Ministry 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 copywriter and videographer and coordinating with other teams.

 Application instructions:

To apply, please submit your application via the following link no later than March 03, 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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