UNLA is initiating the creation of professional standards for lobbyists and GR specialists in Ukraine

The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association (UNLA) is launching a systematic effort to establish two new professions in Ukraine— “Lobbyist” and “Government Relations (GR) Professional.”

This involves formalizing activities that already exist in practice within the Ukrainian economy. In particular, GR professionals currently work at large Ukrainian and international companies, energy and industrial corporations, retail chains, real estate development groups, and other sectors. For large businesses, the field of Government Relations has long since become a distinct professional discipline.

The next step is to develop a comprehensive professional standard for GR specialists in Ukraine that will meet both the actual needs of businesses and current international practices.

The professional standard will be shaped by professional practices

NALU’s fundamental position is that the future standard should not be developed solely by government officials or theorists. It should be based on the practical experience of those who work daily in the field of business-government relations.

This study aims to identify the key characteristics of the profession:

• the competencies required of a GR professional;
• basic knowledge and practical skills;
• qualification requirements;
• ethical standards of the profession;
• a clear distinction between GR, lobbying, advocacy, and other forms of interest representation;
• approaches to education and professional training for future specialists.

The goal is not to create a mere formal document, but rather a high-quality professional standard that will serve as the foundation for market development, increased transparency in interactions between business and the government, and the institutionalization of the profession.

Next Steps

Once the expert review is complete, the draft standard will be submitted to the National Qualifications Agency for the relevant procedures.

UNLA is already launching a process aimed at fostering a broad professional dialogue and encourages everyone to get involved:

• GR directors;
• heads of GR departments;
• specialists from major Ukrainian and international companies.

“The profession should be shaped by those who practice it every day,” emphasizes Oleksiy Shevchuk, chairman of the association’s board.

The initiative is aimed not only at creating new job titles, but also at establishing a system of rules, competencies, ethics, and professional culture that will shape the development of the lobbying and government relations sector in Ukraine for years to come.