Security Project Implementation Expert

IREX is seeking proposals from qualified individuals to support short-term program operations in Ukraine. Project activities may include facilitating trainings, advising on individual risk mitigation strategies, and playing key role in workshops tailored to local contexts. The consultant will provide strategic guidance, meet requirements for reporting and compliance, and collaborate with local stakeholders. The remaining time of the projects in need of the Expert is between 1-4 months. Please note this position is a consultancy-based job with a timeline depending on the needs of the projects and funding.

IREX will prioritize local nationals based in Ukraine with experience of working in the region and continent on journalist safety or holistic safety issues.

IREX reserves the right to withdrawal this request for proposals at any time up to the award of the contract.

Proposal Requirements

Individuals interested in providing this service must submit a CV which demonstrates the consultant's experience and capacity to:

• Provide expert guidance and recommendations on project implementation, including provision of technical assistance to media workers and social communicators, as agreed in the scope of work;
• Execute tasks and high-quality project deliverables, including two projects’ closeout requirements;
• Contribute to program reports and evaluations and advise on project strategy;
• Serve as technical resource and communicate with local partners;
• Perform digital safety risk assessments for individuals and organizations as needed;
• Communicate recommendations to DC team, local staff and stakeholders to support project implementation;
• Flag any budgetary concerns, when necessary;
• Additional tasks may be agreed upon in writing as part of the consultant’s scope of work.

The ideal consultant will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required; Master’s degree preferred. Illustrative relevant fields include Management, Journalism, Communications, Education, Evaluation and Learning, Business, Finance, Security-related fields, Information Technology/Computer Science, as well as any Sciences or Social Sciences.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive job experience or a master’s degree and 9 years of experience.
• In-depth knowledge of journalism sector as well as operating environment and media landscape in Ukraine;
• Proven track record of working effectively with other projects, media and civil society, high-level host country and host government counterparts, and other international partners.
• Must possess the skills to independently execute project components and provide expert-level support.
• Experience conducting trainings, preferably experience training individuals in emergency protocols, risk management, digital security, or psychosocial care;
• Experience interacting and developing relationships with media professionals;
• Experience developing risk assessments, management and mitigation plans for organizations and individuals;
• Ability to travel within Ukraine
• Proficiency in Ukrainian and English is required.
• Effective oral and written communication credentials.
• Strong representational and organizational skills

IREX may at its discretion ask for additional information, including references. Issuing this call does not commit IREX to select any applicant/expert. IREX might select more than one candidate from this call. IREX reserves the right, based on availability of funding and consultant(s) performance, to enter into subsequent contractual agreements with the winning vendor(s) for a period of up to three years without issuing a new call for applications.

Proposal Submission Requirements

If you decide to submit a proposal, it must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on March 4, 2026. Late submissions will only be considered if in the best interests of the project, and then at IREX’s sole discretion. All proposals submitted must be valid for a period of not less than sixty (60) calendar days from the closing date indicated above.

Candidate Evaluation

The criteria are listed in descending order starting with the most important factors to be evaluated.

• Matching “ideal” (see above) qualifications (70%)
• Immediate Start Availability (15%)
• Value (15%)