Terms of Reference
1. Background
The anti-corruption reform process is not complete and there are still significant shortcomings in the fight against corruption. Ukraine continues to trail far behind other European countries on the various corruption indicators and few high-profile cases has so far ended in the needed convictions.
Based on the significant results of the joint Danish and EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI) in Phase I 2017-2020, Denmark and the EU engaged in a second phase of the programme aimed at sustaining existing results and further expanding the support to newly established institutions, support to municipalities, civil society, media and the business sector. The implementation period of the present action is 24 May 2020 – 8 July 2024. EUACI Phase II builds on the Ukrainian anti-corruption reform agenda and is aligned with the vision of the Government of Ukraine.
The Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian Parliament) Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy (CAP) facilitates the work of the Parliament in terms of its legislative, oversight and representation functions. The CAP is responsible for scrutinising corruption-related legislation and monitoring the implementation of anti-corruption reforms. It oversees the policy implementation and screens the legislation for corruption risks.
2. Objective
The main objective of technical support to be provided to the CAP within the framework of this engagement is to contribute to the effective communication of Parliamentary Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy. The assignment will contribute towards this end by ensuring that the CAP operates with a clearly defined media and communication strategy, including by assisting the CAP in setting up effective operational framework for communication related activities. EUACI intends to make this contribution by signing a contract with a relevant professional service provider.
The National communication adviser will be dedicated to assist the CAP in communicating the progress and achievements of anti-corruption reform in line with the international anti-corruption commitments of Ukraine.
3. Scope of work and expected deliverables
Scope of work
The National communication adviser will be working closely with the CAP management for the fulfillment of following tasks:
- Communicating the progress and achievements of anti-corruption reform in line with the international anti-corruption commitments of Ukraine;
- Conducting a situation analysis and assessing the detailed needs of the CAP related to internal and external communications required for delivering planned communication activities;
- Facilitating the preparation of a draft media and communication strategy, describing the key stakeholders as well as actions that will be taken over the coming period, the resources that will be made available for the implementation of the strategy, and the procedures that will be followed to monitor and adjust the strategy during implementation;
- Assisting the CAP in setting up its operational framework for communication related activities and anti-corruption reform achievements and advocacy (if needed) in line with international commitments of Ukraine;
- Providing strategic advice and assistance to the CAP, performing the role of its spokesperson when needed;
- Preparing briefings, press-conferences, press-releases, posts for social media, public comments, statements on behalf of the Committee;
- 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 CAP leadership communication skills, including development of a media database;
- Conducting general media monitoring;
- Guiding CAP leadership how to react in crisis communications.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Adviser will be expected to work in close coordination with EUACI representatives and will be required to reports following the implementation of tasks.
Expected deliverables
- CAP communication strategy;
- Briefings, press-conferences, press-releases, posts for social media, public comments, statements.
- Communication trainings for CAP leadership.
- Other thematic documents, including briefing notes, minutes and charts;
- A final report of maximum 5 pages, excluding annexes as the final deliverable. The report shall provide an assessment of the achievements made in relation to the scope of work and deliverables, and any critical issues/recommendation for possible follow-up.
4. Timeline
The intended commencement date is the date of signature of the contract with consultant and the period of implementation of the contract will be 2 years, with a duration of 180 working days. Mayor part of the work is foreseen in the first year.
5. Professional Requirements
Education and Experience:
- A university degree in journalism or other related discipline;
- 4 years of relevant professional experience as a communication expert or communication adviser, preferably with the focus on justice /rule of law/anti-corruption field;
- Proven experience in conducting communication services;
- Knowledge of media landscape of Ukraine is obligatory;
- Proven experience of being a spokesperson;
- Excellent analytical and communication skills;
- 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.
6. 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 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 purposes of the contract implementation and shall not be disclosed to any third party.
The contractor reports to the EUACI. The contractor shall be briefed prior to starting with the assignment. The contractor shall de-brief the EUACI prior to finalising the assignment.
The contractor shall immediately inform the EUACI after 50% and again after 75% use of the overall foreseen working days under this contract.
7. Cross-cutting issues (integration of the youth, equal opportunities)
The project will be implemented ensuring equal opportunities for men and women and integration of the youth.
HOW TO APPLY
Deadline for submitting the proposals is 27 November 2020, 18:00 Kyiv time.
The qualifying candidates should submit the following information:
1) Expert’s CV
2) Expert’s daily rate
3) Motivation letter (one page).
The aforementioned information should be sent no later than the deadline indicated above at the following email [email protected], indicating in the subject line: National Communication Adviser for CAP.
Bidding language: English.