Overview

WFD is the UK’s leading democracy assistance agency, working in partnership with political parties, parliaments and civil society organisations around the world to create more inclusive, accountable and transparent democratic systems. WFD strengthens the capacity of these key democratic institutions, helping ensure they have the systems, knowledge and skills to perform effectively. WFD also fosters improved democratic processes, bringing together individuals and institutions and encouraging them to work together to solve concrete problems, applying democratic values and principles.   

WFD through the USAID RADA: Next Generation Program (RANG) supports the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (the VRU), parliament of Ukraine, carry out research into different areas of governance, including foresight research of business environment in Ukraine. WFD is looking for an Expert(-s) to support implementation of the RANG program in this area. 

Background information

In August 2022 the VRU established a Parliamentary Research Service (the PRS) which is an institution that provides information research and analytical support for the activities of the VRU, its bodies, members of parliament of Ukraine and, parliamentary factions (MPs’ groups) in the parliament. The PRS carries out research and experimental development in the field of social sciences and humanities; advanced training and professional development of the VRU representatives.

The PRS supports the parliamentary Committee on Economic Development in analysing prospects for business development in Ukraine, in particular in part of public regulation of business environment in Ukraine given Ukraine’s aspiration to acquire the EU membership and its obligation on this way. 

Scope of work 

WFD is looking for an individual Consultant. The task will be to collect and analyse data on forecasting business development in Ukraine, developing scenarios for the public and private sectors on legal regulation policy and investment planning, as well as for the development and application of new projects.

Analytical materials to be developed by the Expert should be systematized into categories corresponding to the STEEPEDD horizon scanning model, i.e. divided into 8 thematic headings: society, economics, technology, ecology, politics and law, ethics, demography, nationals’ security and defence. 

This is a home-based assignment, with online conversations, and no in-country travel.

Main tasks

• To support a semi-independent and independent foresight modeling group set up by the PRS in analysis and modeling. 
• To facilitate discussions of the foresight group.
• To be responsible for collecting, verifying and analysing data.
• To conduct a desk review of documents, design the literature for modeling and analysis of scenarios.
• To coordinate the work of team members, collaborators and partners in the aspects of science and project management.
• To conduct initial data collection using online data collection tools (ODK) for statistical research.
• To plan and conduct stakeholder consultations and other research-related activities (both scientific and managerial aspects).
• To assist in the preparation of presentations for seminars, conferences and meetings as planned.
• To collect and analyse data, participate in the preparation of reports.
• To take part in the preparation of the final analytical and information material based on the results of the foresight research.

Timeframe and remuneration  

This work is anticipated to take place between 1 October and 30 November 2024, and it will require 10 full business days of the Expert’s work. The finance remuneration is up to 6,000 USD.

The expert will have

• Experience in organizing and conducting at least 4 foresight studies in the public and/or private sectors in a similar position.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in economics, law, public administration, statistics, political science, or any other related field.
• Be familiar with foresight methodologies for the public sector (e.g. The Futures Toolkit, STEEPED, Futures Wheel, etc.).
• Ability to work with STATA, GAMS, Python, software for databases and Microsoft Office applications.
• Skills in data analysis, quantitative analysis.
• Ability to perform in-depth quantitative and statistical analysis.
• Skills for mobile data collection tools using Open Data Kit (ODK), KOBO toolbox, or other data collection platforms.
• Skills for data visualisation using GIS software such as QGIS, ArcGIS, etc.
• Have excellent research, analytical, and writing skills and working professional fluency in English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and working in a team-oriented environment.

Submission of expression of interest

1. A cover letter of at most two pages stipulates how the Expert’s experience, skills, and competencies meet the above requirements.
2. Enclose one sample of previous work, written in English, in this area conducted by the Expert.
3. Submit curriculum vitae.
4. Proposed research budget.

Interested parties are requested to submit their proposal responding to the terms of reference by close of business on 15 September 2024 to procurement@wfd.org. The subject of the email should be EoI – Foresight research Ukraine.