Вакансія: Communications Consultant for USAID Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity, DAI Global, LLC

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.  

To support Ukraine’s key government authorities and one of the Activity’s primary stakeholders that are 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.  Based on gaps and needs identified, the Activity is seeking a Communications Consultant who will work on the planning, creation and management of communications in accordance with the government mission. 

The Communications Consultant will be embedded within Activity’s stakeholder, while working under the oversight of the Activity’s COP and Communications Manager and in close coordination with Enabling Environment Lead.  

1. Tasks/Responsibilities: 

• Design and implement a public annual communication plan for Activity’s stakeholder, develop key messages for effective communication. 
• Develop and distribute content for the Activity’s stakeholder’s website, Facebook page, and any other Activity’s stakeholder social media accounts, as well as critical communication channels for all stakeholder groups. 
• Develop/produce clear, high-quality communications content, including, but not limited to texts and visual content, such as photographs, infographics, and other materials in line with and in support of communications strategy and for dissemination through Activity’s stakeholder and other agreed to communications channels, as appropriate. 
• Establish effective interaction with media representatives to ensure effective implementation of the Activity’s stakeholder communication plan. 
• Participate in preparation of narratives, talking points and thesis statements for public speeches of Activity’s stakeholder representatives. 
• Collaborate with the Activity’s stakeholder team and external agencies to create communication content. 

• Work with Activity’s stakeholder staff to support public events, including development and production of marketing and outreach materials for these events. 
• Track reputational threats, develop strategies to respond to them, as well as look for new opportunities to strengthen the Activity’s stakeholder’s reputation and communication capacities. 
• Support with other communications tasks, as needed, and per guidance of Activity’s stakeholder leadership. 
• Work together with the Activity’s staff and Activity’s Communications Manager to support Activity’s stakeholder – joint activities. 

4.Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s or MA degree in journalism/communication, business studies, media studies or related field or demonstrated relevant experience in lieu of official academic background.  
• At least 3 years of experience in similar assignment. 
• Experience in the field of cybersecurity is a major advantage.  
• Social media savvy, targeting skills is an advantage.  
• Experience with traditional and social media monitoring and subscription monitoring services a plus.  
• Experience of work with USAID projects is a plus, familiarity with USAID branding policy is a privilege.  
• Good writing and reporting skills; strong English and Ukrainian languages required. 
• Candidates will be asked to create a writing sample during the interview process.   
• Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English, Russian and Ukrainian. 
• Ukrainian native speaker 
• Fluent English 

It’s Kyiv-based position.

Period of performance-12 months.

Qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter to [email protected]. by  12 January 2024 4:00pm Kyiv time. Only short-listed candidates will receive notice requesting additional information. Interviews will be conducted on the rolling basis.