Вакансія National Policy Advisor

Chemonics International, a global consulting and international development firm, seeks a National Policy Advisor, long-term position, for the USAID-funded Competitive Economy Program (CEP). CEP is a seven-year program funded by the US Agency for International Development. The purpose of CEP is to support startup businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), increase domestic market competition, and support the competitiveness of Ukrainian firms in international markets. CEP achieves these objectives through five components: improve the business-enabling environment and business climate, support emerging industries, promote export capabilities, support WTO participation and compliance, and help lower costs of trade across Ukraine’s borders.

The National Policy Advisor (Advisor) will support the implementation of program activities related to promoting a business enabling environment in Ukraine which encourages firms, primarily small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to grow, including anti-corruption activities necessary to ensure fair playing field for Ukrainian SMEs. This will include engaging government and local authority stakeholders at all levels – the Parliament of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, relevant ministries, various agencies and institutions, local state authorities, municipalities, and hromadas –  in advancing the business climate reform agenda and providing technical assistance to support the conceptualization and implementation of favorable reforms by government and local stakeholders and transformational initiatives by private sector stakeholders, both of which are needed for businesses to thrive. The Advisor will also guide advocacy by businesses, local and industry associations, and other NGOs who seek to improve Ukraine’s business enabling environment. The Advisor will also work with the government and other stakeholders to advance international trade and customs-related reforms and initiatives. In coordination with other CEP technical teams, the Advisor will support efforts to improve policymaking; develop and implement improved laws and regulations; streamline government and local authority systems and processes; facilitate public/private sector consultations; and increase transparency and accountability, all guided by the overwhelming goal to help Ukrainian SMEs become more competitive in domestic and overseas markets.

The Advisor will participate in the development of annual and quarterly reports; prepare information and reference materials in accordance with the needs of the BEE team and CEP in general; assist in the implementation of administrative measures and preparation of documents related to the organizational and logistical support of BEE team; and provide assistance for the preparation of public events and coordination of grant activities to engage various stakeholders in project activities.

The Advisor’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Contribute technical input to senior project management to identify priorities and tasks related to the project’s BEE activities.

• Support the implementation of BEE tasks as outlined in the project annual work plan, ensuring interventions are planned and executed in a timely manner. Illustrative tasks include but are not limited to the following:
  • Preparing technical scopes of work for short-term consultants.
  • Developing requests for applications (RFAs) to award relevant grants and requests for proposals (RFPs) to award subcontracts.
  • Providing and overseeing technical assistance and support to project beneficiaries and partners, including grantees and subcontractors.
  • Conceptualizing project-supported BEE assessments at the national and municipal level.
  • Performing analysis of regulatory and operational constraints impacting SMEs’ ability to operate and grow and using the findings to inform CEP’s BEE strategies and interventions.
  • Supporting development of BEE reform roadmaps in consultation with relevant government, private sector, and civil society participation and input.
  • Facilitating roundtables of business actors, local authorities, and government agencies.
  • Identifying areas of coordination and collaboration with the Government of Ukraine and donor projects; and
  • Advising on the project’s strategic communications activities.
• Contribute to the enhancement of dialogue between the Government of Ukraine and non-governmental entities (business associations, think tanks, academia, business sector representatives) in support of BEE initiatives.
• Provide written contributions to CEP’s MEL activities and daily, weekly, quarterly, and annual reporting and planning.
• Inform project leadership concerning relevant developments in a timely fashion and on an ongoing basis.
• Other duties as assigned by the Deputy Chief of Party or their designee.

The required and/or preferred qualifications for the Advisor position are:

• University degree in law, economics, or another related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• At least five years of experience working in Ukraine advising relevant governmental agencies and local authorities, non-governmental, and/or donor organizations on BEE reform strategies which promote transparency, fairness, and a level playing field required.
• Strong expertise in the field of entrepreneurship development, public policy on SME support, issues impacting SMEs’ ability to operate and grow, and knowledge of relevant BEE programs and legislation required.
• Effective cross-cultural interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve higher level work and issues with Ukrainian counterparts, donor representatives, and donor staff required.
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity required.
• Fluency in Ukrainian and proficiency in English required.

Application Instructions:

Please send a CV and brief letter of interest in English indicating related experience and achievements by September 25, 2023, to [email protected]. Please include your name and “National Policy Advisor” in the subject line. Please note the position is open for Ukrainian citizens only. The post of assignment is CEP’s Kyiv office. Remote work mode is currently authorized. Candidates will be reviewed and interviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled. 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.