Employees of NADRA GROUP companies see themselves as successors of the great traditions of Ukrainian geology, which provides them with high motivation in their work. Since 1991, the initial workforce of private NADRA GROUP companies has been shaped by former managers and leading specialists from state geological enterprises joining their ranks. During this period, the State Geological Sector of Ukraine experienced rapid degradation and disintegration due to the shift from a planned to a market economy. State funding for the geological sector was drastically reduced, leaving thousands highly qualified professionals unemployed, many of whom emigrated in search of work or changed professions. The formation of the workforce in private NADRA GROUP companies with highly qualified specialists ensured their high level of professionalism from the outset. Gradually, new specialized companies were established to provide a wide range of geological exploration services, manufacture relevant tools and equipment. Clients of NADRA GROUP companies included investors, industrial firms, and governments.
Having acquired high-tech equipment not previously available in Ukraine, NADRA GROUP companies have become leaders in providing integrated services in the oil and gas industry. Specifically, NADRA GROUP companies were the first in Ukraine to introduce 3D seismic exploration, processing, and interpretation of seismic survey results, construction of 3D models of fields and underground gas storage facilities, high-tech research, and operations in oil and gas wells, among others. During the acquisition of this equipment, over hundred of employees from NADRA GROUP companies underwent training courses at software and equipment suppliers outside Ukraine.
While implementing groundbreaking technologies, NADRA GROUP companies encountered the challenge of the lack of expertise among geological service specialists of client companies to utilize the results of these studies, as they lacked appropriate training. To address this issue and enhance qualifications, both for their own employees and clients, NADRA GROUP companies established a specialized postgraduate education institution called the Tutkovsky Institute. Over 5,000 specialists, both foreign and Ukrainian, have been trained in the departments of the Institute, ensuring that the professional level of NADRA GROUP company employees meets global standards.
The development of HSE standards by ARS (UK) and the corresponding training of NADRA GROUP's seismic company employees enabled the adoption of global standards and the signing of contracts to provide services to international companies like SHELL in Ukraine. Working according to the highest global HSE standards has allowed NADRA GROUP companies to enter the international market for geophysical services.
Following the acquisition of a former state-owned industrial enterprise during privatization, NADRA GROUP companies established their own design bureau, developed, and launched the production of modern industrial-geophysical devices and drilling equipment that meet world standards. Partnerships were established with SONDEX (UK) and Halliburton Company (USA), enabling the exchange of expertise and significant improvement in the professional level of Ukrainian specialists.
As a result of raising the professional standards of NADRA GROUP company employees to international industry norms, NADRA GROUP companies have implemented several thousand independent production projects for exploring and supporting the extraction of energy, mineral, and water (underground) resources, manufacturing corresponding tools and equipment, both in Ukraine and in more than 20 countries worldwide.
In addition to their own specialized services, production, and supply of tools and equipment, NADRA GROUP companies provided customers with integrated solutions to ensure the implementation of their projects as a whole. These integrated solutions were provided by both affiliated companies within the NADRA GROUP and third-party, non-affiliated service and equipment providers. NADRA GROUP companies acted as general contractors for projects and were fully responsible to the customer for the entire range of integrated solutions.
Thus, alongside their own linear business of affiliated companies, NADRA GROUP initiated a network business and became the operational centre of a wide network of partner enterprises. These enterprises collaborated to ensure the interests of service and product providers and their consumers during the implementation of projects and programs aimed at the efficient and balanced use of natural resources in various countries around the world.
The experience and expertise gained by NADRA GROUP companies in executing integrated projects in the oil and gas sector have allowed them to develop project management within the partner network as a separate business direction and significantly expand their scope of activities. This endeavour required upskilling company employees in project management. Numerous employees of NADRA GROUP companies underwent relevant training by certified instructors according to international standards. This enabled the implementation of the classical project management methodology PMBOK (initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure).
Project management was carried out by a cross-functional team of specialists from NADRA GROUP's operational company (implementing the project), involved subcontractors (affiliated or independent), and independent experts (supervision). The basic project management documentation included: project charter, project network schedule and milestone achievement plan, work breakdown structure, project staffing schedule and responsibility matrix, creation and analysis of production and sales chains, including the project resource procurement plan, budget, and primary project documentation flow.
The technical specifications of the projects were based on international technical standards, such as the American Petroleum Institute (API) standard, for example. All participants in the partnership network adhered to the same requirements for high professional ethics and ESG criteria (environmental responsibility, social responsibility, quality corporate governance). The project management software environment was flexible and allowed customization for projects implemented in different industries and countries.
All project stages were coordinated with the clients, and all project documents were stored in the project's electronic document management system, allowing the project team to interact in real-time, including remotely. The main advantages for the clients included maximum project transparency, including regular progress reports and project results provided by the project office.
The NADRA GROUP companies consistently implemented principles of corporate citizenship and social responsibility and executed a strategy for business engagement with society.
As leaders in the geological sector, NADRA GROUP companies actively contributed to its development by organizing numerous scientific and practical conferences, particularly in partnership with influential international organizations such as AAPG, EAGE, EFG, as well as the Public Organization "Ukrainian Association of Geologists (UAG). " At the VI Congress of Ukrainian Geologists, the International Platform "Implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU on the effective and balanced use of natural resources" was approved. NADRA GROUP companies participated in numerous research and innovation international projects of the EU.
To meet the industry's needs in implementing modern technologies and innovative solutions, NADRA GROUP companies established cooperation with leading companies worldwide. Within the partnership network, they organized Technology Days in the field of natural resource management, where suppliers demonstrated their latest developments and solutions to clients.
Corporate events are a key element in fostering a unified team within NADRA GROUP companies. They embodied the company values, promote unity among employees, unlocked creative potential, and motivated staff to pursue common objectives.
The anniversary celebrations of NADRA GROUP companies' founding are significant occasions that not only review past achievements and outline ambitious plans but also serve as platforms for informal networking with partners and the professional community. They also recognize and honour the contributions of top professionals. Such events are the most effective way to inspire other professionals to pursue careers within NADRA GROUP companies.
Traditional celebrations of Geologist's Day (first Sunday of April) for NADRA GROUP companies offer an opportunity to honour the history and achievements of Ukrainian traditional geology, motivate the professional community to preserve and build upon them, identify collective actions in advancing New Geology to meet global development goals, engage suppliers, clients, partners, and youth in corporate values, and recognize professional accomplishments in the field through awards.
Corporate excursions introduce employees of NADRA GROUP companies to significant cultural and historical landmarks and museums, including geological sites. Innovative trips have become a new trend, providing employees with the opportunity to visit cutting-edge centres of technological development and be inspired by new professional ideas and pathways for company development.
A highly professional and cohesive team of like-minded individuals is a key asset and the foundation for the sustainable growth of NADRA GROUP companies, which strived to attract top talent to ensure project success, enhance operational efficiency, and stimulate innovative development. In matters of recruitment and professional development, NADRA GROUP companies adhere to international labour standards, ethical norms of socially responsible business, and principles of inclusivity. The corporate talent management system aims to unleash the professional and personal potential of each employee. To achieve this, NADRA GROUP companies created a comfortable work environment, offer attractive working conditions, implement effective management practices, ensured fair compensation, provided opportunities for professional growth, motivational programs, and comprehensive social support.
Under the influence of the Paris Climate Agreement decisions, an international initiative to combat global warming, in 2015 NADRA GROUP companies stopped their production activities in the oil and gas industry and are focused on the development of green transition and green transformation projects. Professionals who received professional qualification during their employment at NADRA GROUP companies and were subsequently laid off due to NADRA GROUP's business restructuring, later secured top managerial positions in leading oil and gas companies in Ukraine.