Communications Manager, USAID Cybersecurity For Critical Infrastructure

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 activity component 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.

The above components will improve short-term cybersecurity resilience in Ukraine and establish a solid foundation for long-term cybersecurity independence and leadership. Lessons and best practices from key critical infrastructure sectors will extend to all parts of the public sector, as well as to the private sector and civil society.

ROLE’S PURPOSE

Under the overall program and in support of communications and learning, the Activity aims to engage the Communications Manager to increase Its visibility and promote its activities and those of its beneficiaries per its Annual Implementation Plan.

The Communications Manager will be part of the Activity’s Communications Team and will work closely with the Activity’s components under the Senior Communications Managers supervision to promote the Activity’s achievements and plans.

TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Communications Manager will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following detailed tasks:

Content development and digital communications:

• Support the Senior Communications Manager in implementing the Activity’s communications plans, contribute to the Activity’s Content Plan, including utilization of social media platforms, for internal and external communications.
• Assist with preparing and formatting in accordance with USAID branding requirements and contractual deliverables, including collecting inputs for and drafting weekly reports and updates, bullets, monthly calendars, and quarterly reports, among others.
• Provide quality assurance on USAID branding and marking requirements and ensure consistency in templates used, in terminology and titles, and in formatting of Activity communications materials.
• Contribute to developing the social media posts, complementing specific activities or outreach campaigns requested by USAID Ukraine.
• Develop and finalize public outreach materials (success stories, articles, long reads, brochures, factsheets, etc.) from scratch to increase the Activitys visibility, working closely with the activitys components and communications team.
• Work with Activity vendors in developing visual content (presentations, leaflets, posters, visuals for social media, infographics, photo and video content, etc.).
• Pitch ideas, cooperate with the Communications Team, and contribute to the development of content for the Activity’s digital platforms: Facebook, X, YouTube, and Issuu.
• Conduct media monitoring: Compile information regarding global and regional issues, trends, and events related to cybersecurity and track the Activity’s and its beneficiaries media and social media coverage.
• Manage and store all documents in DAI’s management information system (TAMIS) and SharePoint folder.
• Draft SOWs and assist with procuring external communications services (i.e., graphic design, media production, etc.).
• Implement other communications-related activities and tasks as assigned by the Senior Communications Manager.

Events/Outreach:

• Work with Activity staff to develop and produce marketing, outreach, and materials for the Activity’s events.
• In cooperation with the Communications Team and Activity’s components, support and help organize Activity’s online/offline/hybrid events, ranging from working meetings to high-level public outreach events with the participation of the Government of Ukraine, the U.S. Government, and USAID officials.
• Draft event scenarios and invitation letters, prepare event announcements, compile the agenda, prepare event handouts, and arrange event follow-up communications in close collaboration with the Communications Team and Activitys components.
• Arrange photo and video shoots with vendors during events, set up tasks for filming crews, and prepare photo reportages, videos for Activity’s digital platforms and slideshows, and images with quotes to be used as event follow-up communications.
• Implement other event-related tasks as assigned by the Senior Communications Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or M.A. degree in media communications, journalism, international/public relations or related field.
• At least five years of experience in communications, reporting, communications product development, for USAID or other international donor-funded activities.
• Knowledge of USAID branding and marking requirements preferred.
• Interest in key public policy issues, including the cybersecurity industry, its agenda, and reforms.
• Strong experience in social media management (Facebook - Meta Business Suite) and experience in working with other digital platforms is an asset. Knowledge of trends in SMM and content development. Targeting skills is an advantage.
• Strong communications and copywriting skills, both oral and written, in English and Ukrainian, experience preparing well-researched reports.
• Demonstrated experience in developing various content for social media platforms and for USAID.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private sector partners and stakeholders in a multi-country setting.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word and PowerPoint), graphic arts, and/or desktop publishing software.
• Experience with media and social media monitoring and subscription monitoring services is a plus.
• Familiarity with local vendors for different communications/media production services.
• Highly motivated, independent, and self-starter, but team player at the same time.
• Candidates will be asked to create a writing sample during the interview process.

Position is Kyiv-based, long-term.

Qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter to UkraineCCI_Recruitment@dai.com. Only short-listed candidates will receive a notice requesting additional information.