Foresight Researcher – Prospects for business development in Ukraine in the context of European integration.

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (“WFD”) is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy around the world. Operating internationally, WFD works with parliaments, political parties, and civil society groups as well as on elections to help make political systems fairer, more inclusive and more accountable.

Objective

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.

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 and Deliverables: The individual consultant will collect and analyze 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.

The Analytical materials they will develop 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.

Location: The consultant can be based remotely with online conversations. No in-country travel is expected.

Timeline: Between 1st of October 2024 and 30th November 2024.

Minimum Experience and Expertise: Relevant experience in organising and conducting at least 4 foresight studies in the public and/or private sectors in a similar position. In-addition

· Degree (bachelor’s or master’s) in economics, law, public administration, statistics, political science, or any other related field.

· Familiarity 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.

· Data analysis, quantitative analysis skills.

· Ability to perform in-depth quantitative and statistical analysis.

· Mobile data collection tools using Open Data Kit (ODK), KOBO toolbox, or other data collection platforms skills.

· Data visualization using GIS software such as QGIS, ArcGIS, etc skills.

· Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills and working professional fluency in English.

· Excellent interpersonal skills and working in a team-oriented environment.