Senior Public Opinion & Media Consultant - Energy Tariff Reform in Ukraine, Ukraine

## Senior Public Opinion & Media Consultant - Energy Tariff Reform in Ukraine, Ukraine - Organization:European Climate Foundation (ECF) The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a major philanthropic initiative working to foster the net-zero transition and ensure a healthy, thriving planet for current and future generations. Since 2022, the ECF Ukraine Programme has supported Ukraine's green and climate-smart reconstruction and its integration into the European Union. Household energy tariffs have been one of the most politically sensitive and contested issues in Ukraine for decades. While prices for some energy products, such as gasoline, are market-based, household electricity and natural gas tariffs have remained below market levels. This has contributed to market distortions, corruption risks, significant state subsidies, and has slowed investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Reforming household energy tariffs remains politically challenging, especially now during the war. Many households experience genuine energy poverty, while public concerns about affordability, fairness and corruption continue to undermine trust in tariff reforms. As a result, even well-founded policy proposals often face strong public resistance. The way the government prepares, frames and communicates future reforms will be critical for building public understanding, political feasibility and long-term sustainability. ECF is searching for a senior and experienced public opinion and media expert to analyse challenges surrounding tariff reform, conduct an in-depth assessment of public opinion, gaps in information, gaps in transparency of the system, etc; test communication messages, voices and channels and provide recommendations on how to deal with the issue, addressing both systematic reforms enabling trust and communication gaps. The work should be conducted in cooperation with analytical non-governmental organizations working in this field to ensure synergy and alignment. The assignment is expected to combine policy analysis, public opinion research and strategic communications to support evidence-based policymaking. 1. Assessment and analysis - Review the current regulatory framework and institutional arrangements governing household energy tariffs in Ukraine. - Review existing analytical studies, sociological research and public opinion data. - Review previous tariff reforms and assess their political, social and communication impacts. - Identify key stakeholders, existing narratives, communication gaps and barriers to public acceptance. - Produce an analytical assessment summarising key findings and recommendations for further work. 2. Public opinion research - Design the methodology and questionnaires for public opinion research. - Facilitate consultations with key partners and experts to validate the research approach. - Coordinate external research providers conducting public opinion surveys - Analyse survey results and identify: - key communication narratives surrounding tariff reform; - major sources of public concern and resistance; - knowledge gaps and misinformation; - disinformation narratives and their sources; - audience segments with differing attitudes, concerns and information needs; - non-communication barriers that influence public acceptance, including issues related to transparency, accountability, affordability and fairness. - Produce an analytical report with conclusions and recommendations. 3. Communication strategy development - Design an evidence-based approach for testing communication messages, narratives, trusted messengers and communication channels. - Support the development and testing of communication products through focus groups and other appropriate research methods. - Develop practical recommendations for a communication strategy that could support future government decisions on household energy tariff reform. 4. Stakeholder engagement and dissemination - Lead media and social media monitoring using appropriate monitoring tools and prepare regular analytical summaries. - Facilitate consultations and coordination meetings with partner organisations throughout the assignment. - Present findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders. - Contribute to knowledge sharing across ECF and partner organisations. Expected deliverables The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs: Inception note, including methodology, workplan and stakeholder mapping. Analytical assessment report, covering: - existing tariff framework; - previous reform experience; - public opinion evidence; - political and communication context. Public opinion research package, including: - draft questionnaires; - coordination of implementation; - analysis of survey findings. Media and public narrative assessment, including: - communication narratives; - misinformation and disinformation analysis; - trusted communication channels and voices; - recommendations for addressing communication barriers; - recommendations for addressing non-communication systemic trust and transparency issues; Strategic communication recommendations, including: - audience segmentation; - tested communication messages; - recommendations for message framing; - recommendations on communication channels and trusted messengers; - recommendations for stakeholder engagement; - recommendations for sociological initiatives, addressing the issue; Final report and presentationsummarising findings and practical recommendations for future trust building and communication on tariff reform. The successful consultant should demonstrate: - At least 5 years of professional experience in strategic communications, media, public affairs, journalism or public opinion research. - Proven experience designing and implementing communication campaigns, preferably related to public policy or government reforms. - Experience managing external contractors and coordinating multidisciplinary teams. - Experience working with public opinion research, sociological surveys and/or focus groups. - Experience interpreting public opinion and behavioural research to inform communication strategy. - Experience using media monitoring and social listening tools. - Experience working with government institutions, think tanks or international organisations would be an advantage. - Good understanding of Ukraine's media landscape and political environment. - Understanding of communication strategy development and behavioural communication approaches. - Strong analytical and research skills. - Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills. - Ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible public messages. - Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. - Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills. - Proactive mindset with the ability to identify innovative approaches and opportunities for collaboration. - High attention to detail and commitment to quality. - Excellent written and spoken English. Ukraine (hybrid) - possibility to travel to Berlin for meetings - 120 working days within 6-12 months; - Consultancy contract for 6-12 months with possibility for extension; - Preferred start date: 1 October 2026 (flexible). - Daily fee (depending on profile match): 200-250€ Please send your CV and a short message explaining why you're applying for the role to[email protected] Rolling applications untilSeptember 15. All applications will be treated confidentially.