Job Description:The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is a grant-making organisation established by the European Union and its Member States to foster and encourage democratisation and deep and sustainable democracy. The EED functions as an independent private law foundation with its Secretariat in Brussels.While the EED statutes do not foresee the setting up of any regional offices in the countries that fall within the scope of its geographical mandate, it has a network of consultants in key countries, to help provide its Secretariat with knowledge consultancy services as well as technical assistance and logistical support. This work includes outreach, monitoring and evaluation.The EED is looking for part-time local consultant(s) based outside Kyiv, in one of Ukraine's regions, to enhance the local support mechanism for its operations for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension.The consultant(s) will be selected on the basis of his/her reputation and experience, knowledge and understanding of political developments within their region of expertise, and the scope of his/her network (including CSOs, both established and recent, emerging political/social movements, alternative media outlets, etc.).The consultant may be affiliated with a CSO or other form of a civic group but such organisations would not qualify to receive EED support during the period in which he/she will be working for the Secretariat. This limitation applies both to requests submitted at the individual level and on behalf of the organisation.Duties and Responsibilities
Outreach and capacity-building: As part of its added value, EED seeks to support emerging civic and political activists and new forms of engagement, taking risk in funding 'unusual suspects'. The consultant will be expected to proactively seek and engage with new civil society and media actors and to provide coaching support in response to the capacity development needs of individual groups, and to ensure effective implementation of activities.
Knowledge consultancy: EED seeks to be complementary to other donors, especially to existing instruments of the EU and its Member States. In order to guarantee its added value, EED will request information regarding any existing civil society, human rights and media programmes, projects and initiatives that could potentially overlap with the activities it considers funding. Within the possibilities given the situation on the ground, the consultant will be expected to maintain contact with the donor community and provide the EED updates on donor activities in Ukraine.
Political analysis and reporting: EED will require local analysis of the evolving political and security situation and its impact on democracy support and democratisation efforts and developments in the city and/or region where the consultant is located and in the neighbouring regions. The consultant may be requested to prepare regular updates and reports on the general political, policy, security and civil society environment in Ukraine (or the city and/or region where the consultant is located or in the neighbouring regions) or its specific sectoral aspects, with an emphasis on the consequences for EED assistance and activities that EED supports in Ukraine.
Communication and reporting
The consultant will work under the direct guidance of EED Programme Manager for Ukraine and under the general supervision of the EED Director of Programmes.Requirements:
Relevant professional experience, preferably in civil society, media or donor community; experience in grant-making processes;
Knowledge of local and regional civil society and relevant contact network;
Native level of Ukrainian; English language proficiency will be considered an asset;
Knowledge of organisational development will be considered an asset;
Knowledge in gender mainstreaming will be considered an asset;
Excellent writing and communication skills;
Ability to keep full confidentiality about all assigned tasks and related documentation as well as discretion and tact when dealing with diverse groups of people;
Ability to network and develop strong working relationships internally and externally at all levels;
High personal and professional culture;
Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
References regarding a candidate's qualifications, prior experience and suitability for the performance of duties.
Benefits:An initial consultancy contract shall be concluded for a period of 1 year, with a possibility of extension.The contract foresees a part-time commitment, the details of which will be fully agreed between the consultant and EED as part of the contract. The Consultant may be requested to engage in other activities and to contribute additional working hours, following prior written agreement with the EED Secretariat.The consultancy fee shall be based on a competitive salary depending on the level of experience.Application ProcessExpressions of interest in this consultancy assignment should be made through the link on this page.Please submit your CV including a motivation letter and contact information for two referees who can provide feedback on your qualifications and prior experience.EED will not accept phone calls, emails or letters regarding this process. The information provided in the applications is subject to EU legislation on protection of personal data and confidentiality of information. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, which may take place online or in person. A written test may take place as part of the selection process.The application deadline is Monday, May 13th 2024, midnight Brussels time .
