Вакансія: Communications Consultant – USAID Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Аctivity

1. Background/context:

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, 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.

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.

The National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) is one of Ukraine’s key government authorities and one of the Activity’s primary stakeholders. The National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity (NCCC), under the NSDC, is responsible for overseeing and coordinating implementation of cybersecurity policy as it relates to national security. In support of Component I, the Activity assessed coordination, communications, and technical needs across the cybersecurity ecosystem, to inform strategic rapid response to key government of Ukraine stakeholders, including NSDC/NCCC.  Based on gaps and needs  identified, the Activity is seeking a Communications Consultant to support NCCC with communications efforts capacity. The Communications Consultant will be embedded within NCCC, while working under the oversight of the Enabling Environment Lead and COP in close coordination with the Implementing Partners. 

2. RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Hold and participate in strategic planning sessions with NCCC personnel in order to collect input for developing communications strategy and plan
• Design and implement communications strategy and plan for NCCC, including a communications risk management and mitigation plan
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policy/procedure for external NCCC communications, including advisory statements related to cybersecurity incidents, cyber awareness messages/public campaigns, etc.
• Coordinate external communications, including developing and disseminating clear, high quality content through proper communications channels
• Monitor reports from news and media outlets and information put out by other relevant sources
• Build capacity of existing communications team, including revisiting and updating job descriptions, securing/providing necessary training, etc.
• Determine and assist in securing additional resources needed for communications (video production, graphic design, data visualization, social media/website development), and develop necessary terms of references
• Prepare and publishing news and analytical contents for NCCC information resources
• Manage communications with media, including developing media plans, press releases, public statements, announcements,
• Prepare NCCC leadership for press conferences and other public appearances
• Coordinate with relevant groups and experts on content for communication platforms, including websites, social media, brochures, newsletters, reports, press releases, presentations, and advises on communication issues
• Ensure institutional capability in communications by developing plans, policies and procedures, templates, guides, and training materials.

3. Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree in communications or related fields
• Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in communications, including public relations, media, marketing, etc.
• Experience working with the GOU, international donors and technical assistance programs
• Experience or knowledge of the IT and/or cybersecurity sector (desired)
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian.

4. Required Skills:

• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Project management skills, the ability to plan and manage initiatives
• Basic understanding of cybersecurity
• Exceptional writing skills
• Excellent PowerPoint skills and experience using other software and applications
• Strong social media competencies

Qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter to [email protected].