Consultancy Services for the Development of the Kremenchuk 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, strengthen capacities for recovery and reconstruction, and promote sustainable long-term development. As an important industrial, economic, transport and service centre of Poltava Oblast, Kremenchuk requires a new Development Strategy for the period 2028–2034 that responds to the impacts of the ongoing war while addressing economic transformation, demographic change, infrastructure and service needs, resilience, environmental challenges and evolving investment priorities. Objective The objective of the assignment is to support the Kremenchuk 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, transformation and long-term development and translate strategic priorities into a manageable portfolio of prioritised projects, programmes and organisational measures, linked to public 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 Kremenchuk 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, economic, spatial, infrastructure, environmental, governance, institutional and financial dimensions; ● assessment of Kremenchuk's key challenges, opportunities, competitive advantages, economic and industrial potential, resilience and recovery needs; ● analysis of development scenarios and strategic alternatives, taking into account war-related uncertainty, demographic trends, economic transformation, industrial restructuring, investment potential, climate and environmental challenges and long-term development opportunities; ● extensive stakeholder mapping, consultations, interviews, workshops and other engagement activities involving municipal institutions, municipal enterprises, businesses, industrial companies, SMEs, business associations, civil society, residents, educational and research institutions, development partners and other relevant stakeholders; ● development of a shared strategic vision, strategic priorities and objectives for Kremenchuk 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 strategic 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 planning, 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 Kremenchuk City Council. Methodology The Consultant shall apply an integrated, multidisciplinary, evidence-based and participatory methodology combining desk research, review of existing strategic and policy documents, quantitative and qualitative analysis, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, scenario development 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, financing opportunities and monitoring arrangements. Team Composition The assignment shall be implemented by a multidisciplinary team with demonstrated experience in strategic planning, territorial and socio-economic development, municipal governance, public investment management and recovery planning. Additional expertise may be provided in areas relevant to Kremenchuk's development priorities, including infrastructure, environment and climate, energy, transport and mobility, social development and human capital, culture and tourism, digital transformation, investment mobilisation, industrial development, innovation and European integration. Timing The contract is expected to be implemented over a period of seven (7) months, from November 2026 to May 2027, with an estimated level of effort of approximately 300 expert working days. The services shall be delivered through a combination of remote work and on-site activities in Kremenchuk, including a minimum of eight structured missions, in accordance with the agreed Detailed 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