National communication consultant for the development of Communication Strategy for Asset Tracing and Management Agency (ARMA)
Terms of Reference
- Background
The programme “EU Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine (EUACI)” II is a four-year programme (2020-2024) implemented by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs using the indirect implementation modality.
The overall objective of the programme is to improve the implementation of anti-corruption policy in Ukraine, thereby ultimately contributing to a reduction in corruption. In pursuing this objective, the programme has been supporting all key institutions in the flow of anti-corruption justice in Ukraine, from prevention to investigation, prosecution, adjudication of corruption cases and recovery of illegally obtained assets in line with international norms and the best European practices. A key institution in the process is the Assets Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA).
In February 2016 Ukraine introduced laws N769-VIII (seizure), 1019-VIII (seizure and special confiscation), and 772-VIII (Asset Recovery and Management Agency, ARMA) as part of the so-called Visa Liberalization Action Plan (VLAP) reforms package. The adoption of these acts represented a major step towards harmonization of the Ukrainian legislation with the European and international standards and best practices in the field of asset recovery. As a result of the adoption of the abovementioned laws, the Ukrainian authorities are seeking to introduce an effective mechanism for tracing, seizure and confiscation of proceeds of crime.
The main competence of ARMA isto find (establish the fact of existence) and trace (locate) assets that may be seized in criminal proceedings. ARMA has no criminal investigative powers of its own but it has the authority to find and trace assets at the request of law enforcement authorities, prosecutors and courts for arrest and confiscation of such assets. ARMA provides support to all law enforcement agencies by conducting asset finding and tracing activities, including the National Police of Ukraine, Prosecutor General’s Office, State Fiscal Service, State Security Service and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau.
In addition to asset finding and tracing, ARMA conducts the function of management of assets subject to seizure in criminal proceedings based on a court decision to preserve and increase their economic value.
ARMA Communication Strategy was developed in 2018 and was never implemented to its full extend. At the moment the agency undergoing a difficult communication crisis caused by different factors and clear guidance on how to build targeted communication is one of the key priority for the agency.
The objective of the assignment is to develop a Communication Strategy and Media Plan for ARMA and outline the specific communication needs of the agency to increase its communication capacity.
3. Scope of work and expected deliverables
The national communication expert will be working closely with ARMA/EUACI for the fulfilment of the following tasks:
- Development of a draft Communication Strategy based on the findings and outputs of the strategic documents, sessions, and interviews with ARMA Leadership team, the consultant will draft a communications strategy, identifying:
- Goal & Objectives
- SWOT Analysis
- Risks Analysis
- ARMA Reputational Profile
- ARMA Strategic Narrative
- Key Audiences
- Stakeholders map
- Messages
- Channels and tools of communications
- Crisis management guidebook
- Strategy Implementation
- Media Plan
- Strategy assessment
This will be done in consultation with ARMA management team and EUACI anti-corruption and communication experts.
- Finalization of the Communications Strategy: The consultant will finalize the Communications Strategy that reflects the feedback and comments provided to the draft. The final Communications Strategy should include:
- Work plan that captures activities, frequency, and modes of dissemination;
- Monitoring plan.
- Conducting trainings and on-the-job coaching sessions for the spokespersons assisting in effectively communicating key messages, polishing narratives and preparing for media interviews;
- Assisting in developing the ARMA media database;
- Conducting general media monitoring;
- Guiding ARMA leadership how to react in crisis communications.
- Other tasks as assigned.
An expert will be expected to work in close coordination with EUACI representatives and will be required to report on the implementation of tasks.
4. Expected deliverables:
- ARMA Communication Strategy;
- Other thematic documents, including briefing notes, minutes and news (if applicable);
- A final report of a maximum of 5 pages, excluding annexes as the final deliverable. The report shall provide an assessment of the achievements made concerning the scope of work and deliverables, and any critical issues/recommendation for possible follow-up.
5. Timeframe
The commencement date is the date of signature of the contract by both parties and the period of implementation of the contract will be up to 5 months (preliminary March-July) with a duration of 40 working days.
6. Professional Requirements
The service provider shall possess the following professional experience:
- Minimum 5 years of work experience in the field of communication, journalism, and strategic planning;
- Experience in working with governmental institutions, international organizations or technical assistance projects;
- Excellent analytical and communication skills;
- Proven experience of developing communication strategies targeting a wide range of audience in fragile contexts;
- Knowledge of media landscape of Ukraine is obligatory;
- Previous experience working with/knowledge of anti-corruption reform in Ukraine will be considered as an asset;
- Fluency in written and oral Ukrainian and English.
The services are expected to be implemented part-time with inputs based on a work plan and timeline agreed with ARMA and EUACI.
7. Monitoring and evaluation
Definition of indicators
The performance of the contractor will be judged upon reaching the purpose of this contract as well as obtaining its results, as indicated in the sections "Objective" and "Expected Deliverables" herein respectively. Moreover, the performance of the contractors will be judged upon the successful implementation of all the specific activities indicated above.
Special requirements
By signing the contract, the contractors agree to hold in trust and confidence any information or documents ("confidential information"), disclosed to the contractors or discovered by the contractors or prepared by the contractors in the course of or as a result of the implementation of the contract, and agrees that it shall be used only for the contract implementation and shall not be disclosed to any third party.
The contractor reports to the EUACI. The contractor shall be briefed before starting with the assignment. The contractor shall de-brief the EUACI before finalising the assignment.
8. Cross-cutting issues (integration of the youth, equal opportunities)
The assignment will be implemented ensuring equal opportunities for men and women and the integration of the youth.
HOW TO APPLY
Deadline for submitting the proposals is 12 March 2021, 18:00 Kyiv time.
The qualifying candidates should submit the following information:
1) Expert’s CV
2) Expert’s daily rate and number of days required for the assignment
3) Motivation letter (one page).
The aforementioned information should be sent no later than the deadline indicated above to [email protected] CC: Viktoria Popyk, [email protected], indicating in the subject line: National Communication Consultant for ARMA.
Bidding language: English.
Clarification questions
Any clarification questions regarding the bid request should be addressed to Viktoria Popyk, [email protected] CC: with a copy to Anastasiia Demyanchuck, [email protected] not later than 9 March 2021, 17:00 Kyiv time.