Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the Migration and Border Governance (MBG) Programme Manager, with the direct supervision of the MBG National Programme Officer, the Consultant will be responsible for implementing the EU4SL&IBM project tasks related to the provision of support to MFA in supporting and streamlining its digital transformation processes. In addition, the Consultant will be acting in the role of the Advisor to MFA Chief Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO). The Consultant will empower the MFA CDTO office and enhance decision-making processes, enabling faster, high-quality digital transformation by ensuring robust IT and digital governance, and incorporating Agile, Lean, and Design Thinking approaches, to foster a comprehensive, integrated approach to digital service delivery. This would improve citizen interactions and foster quicker and more efficient government services.

The ICT expert will work in close cooperation and coordination with the EU4SL&IBM Lead ICT expert, and the Technical Focal Points for ICT Infrastructure and Business Process Analysis (BPA).

Project Context and Scope

One of the specific objectives of the EU-funded IOM-implemented project “EU Support to Strengthening IBM in Ukraine (EU for Solidarity Lanes and IBM)” (EU4SL&IBM), within which the Consultant will operate, is to enhance the resilience and business continuity of Ukrainian IBM actors, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and their preparation for EU integration in the context of the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine and its candidate status for EU membership through continued technical and policy development support. This will be ensured including through the deployment of relevant ICT solutions, in line with EU standards and international good practices.

The MFA CDTO requires a seasoned Advisor with a robust background in IT/Digital Governance, strategic management, Software Development Life Cycle, professional project management skills, IT/Digital policy making, and resource management, strong expertise in Agile methodologies, Lean principles, Design Thinking and Product Development skills.

The Consultant will develop, formalize, and evangelize a strategic vision for digital transformation at the MFA and conduct professional audits and assessments to identify the current state and detect issues, contributing to improved risk management and solution development.

While performing the project implementation tasks, the Consultant’s will closely cooperate with the MFA CDTO office, carrying out research and analysis as a part of designing comprehensive, user-centric solutions, leveraging Agile and Lean methodologies for iterative, data-driven decision-making process.

It is expected that the Consultant’s successful execution of audits and assessments to identify issues and inform solution development alongside with the development of the strategic vision for digital transformation at the MFA by adopting available best practices and frameworks to the public sector environment will contribute to the  demonstrated improvement in decision-making processes at the MFA CDTO office and notable increase in the speed and quality of digital service delivery for public services.

IOM Project to which the consultancy is contributing: “EU Support to Strengthening IBM in Ukraine (EU for Solidarity Lanes and IBM) (EU4SL&IBM)

1. Facilitate the timely implementation of IOM project activities aimed at supporting MFA digital transformation. Those activities include inter alia facilitating necessary MFA support in further development of e-Consul platform, modernization server capacities of MFA, and enhancing security connection with Ukrainian consular offices abroad.
2. Support the IOM project team in overseeing the work of IOM-contracted Service Providers, performing MFA-related activities under the Project.
3. Provide expert support to the MFA CDTO and CDTO Office in forming IT/Digital policy development for MFA.
4. Provide regular (weekly) update to the IOM project team on the progress in implementation of MFA-related Project activities.
5. Conduct research and analysis as a part of designing comprehensive, user-centric solutions, leveraging Agile and Lean methodologies for iterative, data-driven decision making.
6. Develop, formalize, and evangelize a strategic vision for digital transformation, supported by Design Thinking principles to ensure user-focused approaches.
7. Conduct professional audits and assessments related to MFA ICT sector to identify the current state and detect issues, contributing to improved risk management and solution development.
8. Facilitate expert discussions on risks, issues, dependencies, architectural and design decisions.
9. Jointly design additional IOM initiatives which support MFA digital transformation.
10.  Undertake duty travel related to Project implementation on a need basis. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment

1. IT/Digital Strategy development:
2. Qualification Requirements for service providers to perform MFA-related activities developed.
3. Input to the MFAICT/Digital Strategy provided.
4. Expert advice on the Strategic Vision for MFA IT/Digital development presented to the CDTO and MFA’s CDTO office.
5. IT/Digital policies, processes, and procedures.
6. System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) policy, that establishes a clear guideline for structured execution of IT/Digital related projects for MFA in the most effective and efficient manner developed and presented to the MFA CDTO and CDTO office.
7. Templates for key SDLC artifacts, that will assist projects and support teams in value delivery for key stakeholders developed.
8. Regular performance reporting:
9. Participation in weekly (jour fixé) working meetings with IOM project Technical experts to update on the current status of activities, discuss risks, issues, needs and potential solutions, set priorities and plan upcoming periods. Key findings and decisions will be shared with the IOM project team through e-mails.
10. Monthly Progress reports, elaborating on progress and planned activities, adhering to the proposed reporting template, and offering additional insights as required submitted to IOM project team.

The Consultant’s performance will be evaluated by IOM against the criteria stipulated below:

• Timeliness. Satisfactory completion of tasks indicated in this ToR within 11 months period. The fee is payable to the Consultant in respect of confirmed monthly progress report submission.
• Quality of the audits, assessments and strategic vision for digital transformation and IT/Digital policy, developed by the Consultant, is comprehensive, considering available best practices frameworks in IT domain and as well national standards in public service;
• MFA CDTO office accepts and actively uses the prepared documents for internal decision-making processes, targeting increase in the speed and quality of digital service delivery;
• Positive feedback on the Consultant’s activities received from MFA.

Education, Experience and/or skills required

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or equivalent professional experience, with at least 5 years of professional experience.

Certifications:

• Certified in Project Management Professional (PMP), COBIT, ITIL, TOGAF, or similar certifications in IT/Digital governance and project management.
•  Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or similar auditing certification.
• Agile, Lean, or Design Thinking certifications are also beneficial.

Professionalism:

•   Proven solid experience in IT governance and the implementation of frameworks such as COBIT, ITIL, and TOGAF.
• Deep knowledge of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), IT/Digital governance, strategic management, and IT/Digital policy development.
• Proficient in Agile methodologies, Lean principles, Design Thinking, and Product Development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of effectively communicating and building relationships with representatives of the governmental sector and a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, propose solutions, and make strategic decisions.
• Knowledge of the latest trends and best practices in digital transformation.
• Skills in conducting audits and assessments, along with the ability to interpret and communicate the results effectively.