Consultancy Services for the Development of the Mykolaiv Development Strategy 2028–2034 and the Action Plan for its Implementation

The EU4Reconstruction Programme is supporting the preparation and strengthening of Development Strategies for selected partner municipalities to enhance strategic planning, support recovery and reconstruction, and promote sustainable long-term development. As a major Ukrainian Black Sea city and an important industrial, economic, transport, educational, healthcare and maritime centre, Mykolaiv requires an updated Development Strategy for the period 2028–2034 that responds to the profound changes caused by the ongoing war, recovery and reconstruction needs, demographic and economic shifts, infrastructure challenges, environmental pressures, and evolving investment priorities. The objective of the assignment is to support the Mykolaiv City Council in developing a comprehensive, evidence-based and implementation-oriented Development Strategy for 2028–2034 and the first Action Plan for its implementation. The assignment shall establish a shared strategic direction for the City's recovery and long-term development and translate strategic priorities into a manageable portfolio of prioritised projects, programmes and organisational measures, linked to investment needs, financing opportunities, responsibilities, timelines, expected results and monitoring arrangements. Scope of Work The Consultant shall undertake a comprehensive strategic planning and development process for the City of Mykolaiv in accordance with the Terms of Reference. The assignment shall include, inter alia: ● collection, verification and systematisation of relevant quantitative, qualitative, spatial, institutional and policy data; ● review of existing municipal, regional, national, sectoral, spatial planning, recovery and other relevant strategic documents; ● comprehensive baseline and needs assessment covering demographic, socio-economic, spatial, infrastructure, environmental, governance, institutional and financial dimensions; ● assessment of the City's key challenges, opportunities, competitive advantages, development potential, resilience and recovery needs; ● analysis of development scenarios and strategic alternatives, taking into account war-related uncertainty, demographic trends, economic transformation, climate and environmental challenges and long-term development potential; ● extensive stakeholder mapping, consultations, interviews, workshops and other engagement activities involving municipal institutions, businesses, civil society, residents, development partners and other relevant stakeholders; ● development of a shared strategic vision, strategic priorities and objectives for Mykolaiv to 2034; ● alignment of the Strategy with relevant national and regional policies, recovery frameworks, European integration priorities and other applicable planning frameworks; ● identification and prioritisation of strategic projects, programmes and organisational measures based on relevance, expected impact, feasibility, implementation capacity, investment readiness, resource requirements and potential financing; ● development of the first Action Plan, translating strategic objectives into concrete tasks, projects, programmes and organisational measures with defined responsibilities, timelines, expected results and resource and investment requirements; ● integration of the Strategy and Action Plan with municipal public investment management, budget and programme planning, project development and potential financing mechanisms; ● development of an implementation, monitoring and evaluation framework, including indicators, responsibilities, reporting arrangements and mechanisms for periodic review and adaptation; ● consolidation, stakeholder validation and finalisation of the Development Strategy and Action Plan for consideration and approval by the Mykolaiv City Council. Methodology The Consultant shall apply an integrated, multidisciplinary, evidence-based and participatory methodology combining desk research, policy and strategic document review, quantitative and qualitative analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning and project prioritisation tools. The methodology shall ensure a clear logical sequence from evidence and stakeholder needs through strategic choices, priorities and objectives to concrete implementation measures, investment priorities and monitoring arrangements. Team Comp. The assignment shall be implemented by a multidisciplinary team with demonstrated experience in strategic planning, territorial and socio-economic development, municipal governance and recovery planning. The team shall collectively provide expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, socio-economic development and competitiveness, spatial and urban development, public investment and municipal finance, institutional development and local governance, and monitoring, evaluation and implementation. Additional expertise may be provided in areas relevant to Mykolaiv's development priorities, including infrastructure, environment and climate, energy, transport, social development, human capital, culture, digital transformation, investment mobilisation and European integration. The Consultant shall designate a Team Leader responsible for overall coordination, stakeholder communication, quality assurance and timely delivery of the assignment. Timing The contract is expected to be implemented over a period of seven (7) months, from November 2026 to May 2027. The services shall be delivered through a combination of remote work and on-site activities in Mykolaiv, including a minimum of eight structured missions, in accordance with the agreed Work Plan and applicable security requirements. Estimated Budget The maximum budget for the assignment is EUR 100,000 (net of VAT). Interested Consultants can request to get the instructions prepared for applicants by e-mail. Criteria for selection A minimum of three and a maximum of five applicants with references best suited for the assignment will be invited to submit a tender.