Background
Support of anti-corruption (AC) efforts in Ukraine is a high priority for Denmark and the EU contributing to the enhancement of democracy, EU-integration as well as future economic growth and trade between Ukraine, Denmark and the rest of the EU Member States.
EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI) is the biggest EU support programme in the area of anti-corruption in Ukraine. The initiative is supported by the European Commission and by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a total budget of €22.9 million (2020-2024, July). The Programme is implemented by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For more information, visit https://euaci.eu.
The EUACI overall objective is to improve the implementation of AC policy in Ukraine, thereby contributing to the reduction of corruption.
Component 2 of the Programme aims to combat and prevent corruption at the local level through developing and establishing mechanisms to ensure transparency, integrity and accountability in partnership with the municipality. It also includes engaging CSOs and citizens in oversight of the local government, strengthening civil society to sustain this engagement, and supporting investigative journalists to enhance accountability in municipalities.
A key element of Component 2 is the application of the concept of Integrity Cities. The concept aims at showcasing how several mutually supportive Integrity tools can limit the corruption risks and enhance accountability. The set of Integrity tools includes, but is not limited to IT tools, sectoral assessment of corruption risks as well as development and implementation of measures to minimize corruption risks.
Mykolaiv is an addition to five Ukrainian cities which have been selected for the implementation of the Integrity Cities concept of the Programme. Based on the agreement reached with the Mykolaiv City Mayor, the EUACI envisages an Integrity Support Group of experts in the local municipality, headed by an advisor to the Mayor to support the integrity transformation, transparency and accountability of the reconstruction process. The Support Group will consist of two long-term staff and short-term experts as needed. The Advisor will be directly engaged in the process of establishing mechanisms of integrity, transparency and accountability for the reconstruction of the city. The Advisor and the Integrity Support Group will also be part of the broader process of reconstruction in a partnership between Denmark and Mykolayiv.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
To support the Mayor and relevant representatives of the Executive Committee of the municipality in coordinating and advancing actions directed at effective implementation of mechanisms of integrity, transparency and accountability for the reconstruction of the city.
In the beginning, work is possible in a remote format in Ukraine, but over time, it is expected that the Advisor will be located and work in the city. The workplace will be provided by executive bodies of the Mykolayiv city council.
The selected Advisor will report to both the EUACI management team and the city mayor.
It is assumed that the selected person will be offered a consultancy contract for one year with the possibility of extension, which provides the engagement of a consultant for at least 20 working days per month.
It is expected that the consultant's salary will correspond to the high-level municipal public servant.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide advice and operational support to the Mayor and relevant representatives of the Executive Committee in the implementation of mechanisms for ensuring integrity, transparency and accountability in the reconstruction process;
- Facilitate the implementation of Programme related activities in accordance with the project description agreed between the EUACI and the City, as well as the approved work plan.
- Contribute to drafting, consideration and adoption of local rules and procedures required for the implementation of mechanisms for ensuring integrity, transparency and accountability in the reconstruction process;
- Ensure effective cooperation between the EUACI contractors involved in the Programme implementation, the Executive Committee, and the City Council.
- To ensure the proper level of coordination in the accountability and transparency of issues about the reconstruction of Mykolayiv, including by engaging in the broader work on reconstruction.
- Inform the Mayor, members of the City Council, and the EUACI of the state of the Programme implementation. Provide updates, presentations and reports on Programme implementation.
- Serve as the reference point for the Mayor and the Executive Committee for conducting research on the best practices of the local self-government transparency, accountability and corruption prevention. Initiate and support consideration of the application of such practices by the Executive Committee and the City Council.
- Ensure coordination with other external actors, including other international programs and NGO projects.
- Contribute to presenting and replicating best practices developed in Mykolaiv as part of ensuring accountability, transparency and integrity of the reconstruction.
- Ensure proper visibility and communication effort of the EUACI’s engagement in Mykolaiv.
- When possible, facilitate an inclusive process by engaging civil society organizations and the business community in the reconstruction process.
- Chair the Integrity Support Group.
- Engage in other ad hoc activities as agreed between the EUACI and the City.
For the period of the service, the Mayor’s Advisor possesses the following rights:
- To request and obtain information (documents, certificates, other materials) relevant to the implementation of their mandate from the structural units and public officials of the Executive Committee, City Council and communal enterprises.
- To participate in the meetings of the Executive Committee, its advisory and collegial bodies, and meetings held at the City Council.
- To initiate considerations to address transparency, integrity and accountability issues at the meeting of the Executive Committee, its advisory and collegial bodies, meetings held at the City Council.
- To use the premises of the Executive Committee assigned for the Advisor’s service.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge and understanding of central, regional state government and local self-government in Ukraine.
- Understanding the peculiarities of the functioning of local self-governments in Ukraine.
- Written and verbal skills appropriate to communicate with a wide range of audiences and in the context of a complex political organisation.
- Fluency in Ukrainian is required
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of transparency, integrity and accountability mechanisms of local self-government an advantage.
- Strong organisational, management, and coordination skills.
- Extensive experience in providing high-level analysis and advice.
- Extensive experience in building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including members of local city councils, community groups and other key contacts.
- A keen sense of ethics, integrity, and credibility is a must.
- The ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters’ Degree in political science, public administration, economics, law or another relevant field, demonstrates the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities described.
- At least 2 years of professional experience in managing projects for or in cooperation with local self-government.
- At least 2 years of experience preparing analytical documents and research in the field of public administration.
- High level of English language proficiency
HOW TO APPLY AND SELECTION PROCEDURE
The CVs, motivation letters and contact information of at least information about three references shall be submitted to the e-mail: [email protected] with the subject: Advisor to Mykolaiv Mayor.
Deadline is July 31 (Sunday).
The candidate will be selected in three stages:
1. Assessment of received applications against the requirements listed in this announcement;
2. Interview with the Selection Committee, which will be formed by the Mykolayiv city mayor and the EUACI;
3. Shortlisted candidates will have an interview with the Mayor.
The Consultant is expected to start the work in August 2022.
The contract period is from August 2022 to August 2023 with the possibility of extension. The consultant will provide services for at least 20 business days during the calendar month.
For any questions, please contact Dmytro Naidin, Integrity Cities’ Expert, at [email protected]