Senior Strategic Lead on EU-Accession (Parliamentary Track) for the USAID/ RADA Next Generation (RANG) Activity at Internews Ukraine

ISSUANCE DATE: October 22, 2024 

CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:  November 22, 2024 (11:59 p.m.) 

POSITION TITLE: Senior Strategic Lead on EU-Accession (Parliamentary Track). 

MARKET VALUE: Final compensation negotiated and commensurate with relevant USAID implementing partners in Ukraine.                 

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Through the end of the existing program in September 2026.Subject to USAID Key Personnel Approval requirements.        

Purpose 

Internews Ukraine is seeking a Senior Strategic Lead on EU-Accession for the USAID/ RADA Next Generation (RANG) Activity. The priority objective of the Activity is to support the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (VRU) on war-related activities, preparations for peace and the post-war environment.     

RANG supports the VRU in identifying the most critical challenges and enabling the VRU to become a modern, effective institution that promotes accountability and democratic development in Ukraine. This will be achieved by addressing challenges in the VRU's legislative processes, while concurrently identifying and taking advantage of opportunities where the VRU can improve as an effective, democratic institution. The role also includes providing advice on strategic cohesion of the activities of RANG. 

Specifically, the Senior Strategic Lead on EU-Accession (Parliamentary Track) will focus on  advancing legislative reforms that align with European Union standards, enhancing parliamentary capacity, and fostering collaboration between the Verkhovna Rada and EU institutions to support Ukraine's integration into the European community. For example, this role will involve improving the legislative process and adapting Ukrainian legislation to EU acquis, enhancing the interaction between the Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers, and implementing digital tools to facilitate transparency and public engagement in legislative activities. Additionally, it will include organizing training programs for parliamentary staff to strengthen their skills in line with EU requirements and facilitating stakeholder consultations to ensure that proposed reforms reflect the needs and perspectives of both parliamentarians and citizens.  

Background 

RANG will focus on an integrated two-factor approach that simultaneously facilitates continuity and stability within the VRU and builds on past RADA successes and achievements through innovation to strengthen the institution within the Ukrainian democratic framework. Ensuring sustainability of current and previous parliamentary strengthening activity initiatives and VRU buy-in and support will also be primary considerations and central objectives throughout the implementation of RANG. More information about Internews Ukraine,a Ukrainian registered NGO, and the RANG program can be found on our website: https://internews.ua/rang 

The successful candidate is an experienced communicator with demonstrated senior-level management experience in parliamentary strengthening and/or governance programs. 

Key Duties / Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives that support the parliamentary aspects of EU accession, ensuring alignment with USAID objectives and the broader vision of the VRU.
• Collaborate with Ukrainian parliamentarians and committees to draft, review, and propose legislation necessary for compliance with EU standards and requirements.
• Design and implement capacity-building programs for parliament members and staff to strengthen their ability to engage in EU accession processes effectively.
• Facilitate dialogue among key stakeholders, including government entities, civil society, and international partners, to foster a collaborative environment for EU accession discussions.
• Conduct comprehensive research on EU accession best practices, focusing on legislative reforms, governance, and institutional development, and provide actionable insights to VRU leadership.
• Establish a framework for monitoring progress on parliamentary initiatives related to EU accession and prepare regular reports to USAID, highlighting achievements and challenges.
• Acts as Key Adviser to the RANG leadership on parliamentary strategies, providing guidance on political dynamics and legislative priorities that impact the EU accession process.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to promote awareness of EU accession benefits among parliamentarians and the public, ensuring clarity and transparency in the process.
• Assist in negotiating with EU representatives, ensuring that the parliamentary perspectives are included in discussions and that the legislative agenda aligns with EU expectations.
• Identify potential conflicts or challenges related to the accession process and devise strategies to address them proactively, ensuring continued progress and stakeholder engagement.
• The role also includes providing advice on strategic cohesion of the activities of RANG.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Fluent spoken and written English. Ukrainian language preferred, but not required.
• BA (or equivalent) or a higher degree in a relevant discipline. Masters degree preferred. 
• At least 15 years of relevant senior-level work experience. Direct supervisory experience of 10+ staff and management of multi-million dollar budgets.
• Direct experience of parliamentary reform and EU-negotiations respectively would be an advantage.
• Previous experience working on USAID programming. Experience working with other donors preferred.
• Proven strategic vision and strategic approach experience.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, including public speaking and working with the media.
• Advanced MS Word, PowerPoint and Outlook user.
• Experience in technical writing and demonstrated ability to develop complex concepts into easily digestible communication materials.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills to enable assessment of complex issues of concern to stakeholders. The ability to quickly assimilate information, analyze data and be able to provide strategic advice, guidance and decisions on behalf of the program.
• Highly developed people management, relationship building and leadership skills with the demonstrated ability to develop and support a professional, service and continuous improvement-focused workplace culture.
• Collaborative team player comfortable leading as well as executing and taking constructive input from multiple sources.
• Ability to handle complex multiple assignments at the same time and with competing demands and deadlines while maintaining a calm demeanor is essential.
• Advanced mediation, communication and relationship management skills including an ability to influence, negotiate and build productive working relationships with key stakeholders, senior VRU staff and external partners, including government, are essential to achieve the required outcomes.
• The ability to make difficult and complex decisions with good judgment and acute sensitivity to the political environment and to the reputation of the organization. The highest ethical standards, tact and diplomacy are essential.
• The ability to think and act strategically, creatively and dynamically in a high-pressure work environment. Must be confident, organized and an accomplished problem solver.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills including the ability to write and edit quickly, accurately and creatively. Must be confident with public speaking.
• Ability to write communications, adapt to varying management styles and to be proactive in anticipating the needs of interlocutors and donor.   

For consideration, please email your resume/CV, cover letter and salary requirements via email ( Відправити резюме ) using the subject line: Senior Strategic Lead on EU-Accession. The combined resume/CV and cover letter should not exceed five pages and be submitted in English.       

Internews Ukraine welcomes and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and employees. Internews Ukraine makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to any grounds such as age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, etc. The position is open to all Nationalities.

Internews Ukraine is one of the largest non-governmental organizations working in the field of media and communications in Ukraine. Innovation, professionalism, and efficiency are three pillars of our organization. Serving the Ukrainian society has been our enduring priority since 1996.