IFES is a non-profit, non-partisan international organization. As the global leader in democracy promotion, IFES advances good governance and democratic rights by providing technical assistance to election officials; empowering the underrepresented to participate in the political process; and applying field-based research to improve the electoral cycle. Since 1987, IFES has worked in over 145 countries, from developing democracies to mature democracies.

Since 1994, IFES has played a significant role in promoting electoral, administrative and legal reform in Ukraine. In cooperation with partners in Ukrainian civil society and the Central Election Commission (CEC), IFES is working to foster dialogue on electoral reform, build the capacity of local NGOs, institutionalize best practices in training election officials and ensure more equal representation in the electoral process for disadvantaged populations, especially women, representatives of national minorities and persons with disabilities.

The Senior Digital Transformation Advisor will liaise with and advise IFES and key government and non-governmental stakeholders and lead in conceptualizing and advising on strategic programmatic approaches related to digital transformation, e-governance, cybersecurity, new electoral technologies such as results management systems and internet voting.

Scope of Work:

• Conduct regular reviews of cybersecurity, digital transformation, new electoral technology, and e-governance efforts in Ukraine
• Represent IFES at public events and in meetings with government – the Ministry of Digital Transformation, etc. as well as the Central Election Commission, and non-governmental partners
• Network with key stakeholders, collect and analyze data, studies, trends, and policy framework on digital transformation. Keep abreast of all the developments at the national level
• Lead efforts to conceptualize a roadmap for considering new electoral technology, including internet-based voting based on international good practice and lessons learned; contribute to IFES policy advocacy on related issues
• Participate in meetings with key stakeholders, donors, and partners, moderate discussions as appropriate
• Provide advice to IFES on topics related to digital transformation reform and cybersecurity, using lessons learned from Ukraine and international best practices
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with external stakeholders, identify new partnership opportunities
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a strategy for engagement of the private sector and civil society in digital transformation efforts
• Contribute to assessment and analysis efforts, reporting, and briefings on digital transformation and cybersecurity issues
• Assess and identify gaps in donor-funded cybersecurity programs in Ukraine and opportunities for innovative cybersecurity initiatives
• Participate in designing the scope, review, and support of IFES’ future cybersecurity and digital transformation activities

Deliverables:

• Monthly and ad hoc debriefs, concept and explanatory notes, reports, policy briefs, legal documents
• Analytic and research documents
• Written recommendations for related governmental agencies and IFES
• Speaking points for meetings, summaries of meetings
• Speeches and presentations at public events

Professional requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in electoral technology, computer science, cybersecurity, digital transformation preferred
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience
• In-depth knowledge of digital transformation reform and cybersecurity strengthening efforts in Ukraine
• Excellent communication, presentation and briefing skills
• Strong judgment and ability to work independently and in teams
• Advisory experience in developing and supporting digital transformation processes
• Familiarity with Ministry of Digital Transformation systems such as Diia preferred
• Strong analytical skills and ability to manage multiple initiatives within prescribed timelines
• Excellent writing skills would be an asset
• Fluency in English, Ukrainian is required

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in written and spoken English and Ukrainian languages is required.

TRAVEL: Travel may be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.  IFES encourages people with disabilities and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a Letter of Interest, with “Senior Digital Transformation Advisor” in the subject line, to Valeriia Zhyman [email protected] copying Yana Dovga at [email protected] no later than December 20, 2021, 23:59 Kyiv time. This position is initially for the three months duration with the possibility of extension.