Консультант/ка / Critical Infrastructure 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 (the “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. 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, namely with communications related to critical infrastructure security. 

 3. Tasks/responsibilities:  

• Prepare content (press releases, posts, speaker talking points) to cover issues, that are set as priority for communication by SSSCIP management, namely related to critical infrastructure security and incidents. 
• Provide input to the SSSCIP Communication Strategy. 
• Assist the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection in the process of communication strategy implementation by providing relevant information materials, mentoring, conducting training, and providing feedback and recommendations, especially in relation to critical infrastructure incidents and security. 
• Participate in the development of SSSCIP monthly and weekly media plans. 
• Assist communication teams in developing communication products: press releases, videos, communication with media, etc. 
• Other duties as assigned.  

4. Deliverables 

- Content aimed at solving communication problems in the field of cyber defense and information protection at critical infrastructure  
- Content (press releases, posts, speaker talking points) to cover issues that are set as a priority for communication by SSSCIP management 
- Input for SSSCIP Communications Strategy  
- Concepts/scenarios of public events to convey key messages under UA30 communication strategy and cyber reform 
- Concepts/scenarios of public events to convey key messages under UA30 communication strategy and cyber reform 
- Input for SSSCIP monthly and weekly media plans 

5. Period of Performance: 

December 2023 – November 2024

6. Requires Skills ad Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications or related fields  
• Minimum (2) 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.