I'm a multilingual communications expert with 20+ years of experience in public relations, media, and strategic communications across international organizations, government-funded projects, and global media. I'm EPSO- and UN-tested, with deep knowledge of EU, UN, and donor-driven initiatives, and I've led high-impact campaigns, managed multi-stakeholder projects, and built cross-cultural engagement strategies. I speak several languages, edit multilingual content, and specialize in translating complex policy or development messaging into clear, compelling communications. Over the years I've steered editorial strategy, content development, and digital campaigns across Ukraine, Belarus, and the broader region, collaborating with United Nations agencies, USAID, and European partners. I thrive in cross-functional teams and mentoring others, delivering narratives that inform, persuade, and inspire action while adapting to fast-changing environments.

Jurijs Svirko

I'm a multilingual communications expert with 20+ years of experience in public relations, media, and strategic communications across international organizations, government-funded projects, and global media. I'm EPSO- and UN-tested, with deep knowledge of EU, UN, and donor-driven initiatives, and I've led high-impact campaigns, managed multi-stakeholder projects, and built cross-cultural engagement strategies. I speak several languages, edit multilingual content, and specialize in translating complex policy or development messaging into clear, compelling communications. Over the years I've steered editorial strategy, content development, and digital campaigns across Ukraine, Belarus, and the broader region, collaborating with United Nations agencies, USAID, and European partners. I thrive in cross-functional teams and mentoring others, delivering narratives that inform, persuade, and inspire action while adapting to fast-changing environments.

Available to hire

I’m a multilingual communications expert with 20+ years of experience in public relations, media, and strategic communications across international organizations, government-funded projects, and global media. I’m EPSO- and UN-tested, with deep knowledge of EU, UN, and donor-driven initiatives, and I’ve led high-impact campaigns, managed multi-stakeholder projects, and built cross-cultural engagement strategies. I speak several languages, edit multilingual content, and specialize in translating complex policy or development messaging into clear, compelling communications.

Over the years I’ve steered editorial strategy, content development, and digital campaigns across Ukraine, Belarus, and the broader region, collaborating with United Nations agencies, USAID, and European partners. I thrive in cross-functional teams and mentoring others, delivering narratives that inform, persuade, and inspire action while adapting to fast-changing environments.

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Language

Russian
Fluent
Belarusian
Fluent
English
Fluent
Ukrainian
Fluent
Latvian
Fluent
French
Advanced
German
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
Bulgarian
Advanced
Polish
Advanced
Czech
Advanced
Kazakh
Intermediate
Kirghiz, Kyrgyz
Intermediate
Uzbek
Intermediate
Turkish
Intermediate

Work Experience

Associate Press Officer at United Nations
September 1, 2023 - Present
Drafting daily UN meeting summaries in English; supporting global communication efforts. Concurrent short-term consultancy for Meta, Samsung (AI projects), Pyxera Global and HIEx.
Digital Campaigns Officer at IOM, UN Migration Agency
November 1, 2022 - August 31, 2023
Led global 'It Takes a Community' campaign; coordinated partnerships and storytelling.
Social Media Consultant at UN Resident Coordinator Office
May 1, 2022 - November 30, 2022
Created digital content and media narratives supporting UN system messaging in Belarus.
Communications Manager at EU4DigitalUA (E-Governance Academy)
January 1, 2021 - November 30, 2022
Developed strategic communications for EU digital transformation support in Ukraine; managed multi-channel campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
Media & Comms Expert at USAID Ukraine (DAI, Deloitte)
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2020
Oversaw editorial strategy, managed content and led campaigns across financial and health sectors.
Communications Adviser at GIZ / U-LEAD with Europe
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2019
Managed a nationwide communications team; organized high-profile visits (e.g., Angela Merkel, Johannes Hahn); edited decentralization.gov.ua.
Journalist / Editorial Leader at BBC, RFE/RL, Reuters, Telegraaf; Obzor; Ekonomicheskiye Izvestia; Kommersant-Ukraine
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 2010
Senior editorial roles across international and Ukrainian media, shaping coverage and editorial direction.
Journalist / Editorial Leader at BBC, RFE/RL, Reuters, Telegraaf, Obzor, Ekonomicheskiye Izvestia, Kommersant-Ukraine
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 2010
Served in senior editorial roles with major outlets.
Journalism & Editorial Leadership at BBC, RFE/RL, Reuters, Telegraaf, Kommersant-Ukraine
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 2010
Senior editorial roles with leading international and Ukrainian media outlets.
Media & Communications Expert at USAID Ukraine (DAI, Deloitte)
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2020
Oversaw editorial strategy, managed content and led campaigns across the financial and health sectors.
Senior Editor / Journalist at BBC, RFE/RL, Reuters, Telegraaf, Kommersant-Ukraine
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 2010
Senior editorial roles across international and Ukrainian media outlets.

Education

MA in Journalism at Belarusian State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2018
Diploma with Distinction, EU-certified at Belarusian State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2018
MA in Journalism (Diploma with Distinction) at Belarusian State University
January 11, 2030 - February 13, 2026
MA in Journalism at Belarusian State University
January 11, 2030 - March 27, 2026

Qualifications

EU-certified
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2018
Diploma with Distinction
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2018

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Education