Kyiv, Odesa, or remote Dnipro
ERA BACKGROUND
The USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) is designed as an adaptive and flexible mechanism that supports Ukraine’s immediate development needs and overall economic resilience. Ukraine’s efforts to win the future – emerging from Russia’s full-scale war ready to accelerate its development as a sovereign, independent, democratic, and prosperous state – require a dynamic, inclusive economic recovery.
STABILIZATION AND BUSINESS REVIVAL
ERA participates in developing a resilient, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy in severely damaged areas. ERA empowers Ukrainians to establish and develop micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in promising economic sectors, innovate, and enter new markets in Ukraine, the European Union (EU), and other regions. ERA emphasizes the inclusion of internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, young adults, veterans, the elderly, LGBTQI+ and other vulnerable groups to ensure that these people also participate in building the region’s economic success.
Starting in 2025, ERA is reviving its interventions around Stabilization and Business Revival and re-establishing a core focus on 4 eastern oblasts (Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson) and 3 adjacent oblasts (Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv); and, to a lesser extent, in 4 war-affected areas (Sumy, Poltava, Chernihiv, Odesa). This Stabilization and Business Revival intervention area aims to improve the economic resilience of eastern Ukraine by achieving the following goals:
- OBJECTIVE 1: Provide assistance to stabilize the economy of Ukraine; and
- OBJECTIVE 2: Support the sustainable development of micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine.
Consequently, the economy of eastern and frontline communities in Ukraine will be able to withstand and respond to the challenge presented by Russia’s invasion and destruction of critical infrastructure; and individuals, businesses and government partners will be able to rebuild their lives and operation in these regions, thereby improving the economic resilience of the region.
In addition to Stabilization and Business Revival in the east and frontline oblasts, ERA continues to support complementary intervention areas:
- AGRI-UKRAINE GRAIN EXPORT LOGISTICS; USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) is one of USAID’s core partners implementing the $350 million Agriculture Resilience Initiative – Ukraine (AGRI) that was established in 2022 to bolster Ukrainian agricultural exports and alleviate the global food security crisis exacerbated by the war. Under AGRI-Ukraine, ERA partners with public and private companies to complement and leverage urgently needed grain transportation and transshipment investments.
- BORDER CROSSING POINTS (BCP) IMPROVEMENTS; ERA directly supports the Government of Ukraine, including the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (SARDI), the State Customs Service and Ukrainian Railways, to upgrade 42 of Ukraine’s BCPs. Modern and more efficient border infrastructure and customs procedures will reduce export costs and increase export capacity, enabling Ukraine to scale trade and advance its path to EU integration.
- ENERGY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE SUPPORT; As one of USAID’s most flexible activities that responds to emerging and/or emergency needs, ERA is expanding its interventions that assist Ukraine businesses, communities or individuals in the fall and winter (September 2024-December 2025). The goal is to minimize the impact on the Ukrainian people and economy given recent power deficits. This is an adaptive component and ERA may also need to respond to other emergency needs in the face of ongoing Russian aggression and attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
JOB OVERVIEW
The Specialist for Small and Medium Enterprises Support is critical in supporting the sustainable development of Ukraine’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs). This position focuses on fostering innovation, strengthening local economies, and enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs to ensure long-term growth and resilience. The SME Specialist contributes to the economic empowerment of local communities by supporting SMEs to grow, create jobs, and drive innovation. Their work ensures that Ukrainian SMEs can operate effectively and sustainably in both local and global markets, strengthening the country’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity. The Specialist for Small and Medium Enterprises Support reports to the Senior Manager for SME Support and is based in the Kyiv, Odesa office or Dnipro remotely of USAID ERA.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
SME Development and Access to Finance:
- Assist SMEs in identifying new market opportunities, both domestic and international.
- Support SMEs in preparing business plans, grant applications, and proposals for funding.
- Promote the adoption of sustainable practices in operations and supply chains.
- Collaborate with financial institutions, investors, and donors to facilitate access to credit, grants, or equity funding for SMEs.
- Provide SMEs with tools and strategies to improve financial management and reporting.
- Develop and deliver tailored training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to enhance SMEs’ managerial, financial, and operational capacities.
- Provide guidance on market trends, digital transformation, and business model innovations to improve competitiveness.
Policy Advocacy and Networking:
- Engage with government bodies, industry associations, and international organizations to advocate for policies that support SME growth and reduce administrative barriers.
- Build and maintain networks to connect SMEs with stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and business support organizations.
- Support SMEs in crisis overcoming and resilience building, adapting to challenges such as economic instability, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainties.
- Provide strategic advice on risk management, diversification, and contingency planning.
Monitoring and Impact Assessment:
- Track and evaluate the impact of programs and initiatives on SME performance and local economic development.
- Collect and analyze data to inform decision-making and measure progress against development goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Management, International Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
- Minimum of 6-7 years of progressive experience in SME development, economic growth programs, or business support services.
- Strong understanding of SME challenges and opportunities in Ukraine, including knowledge of the regulatory and economic environment.
- Proven experience in business development, economic development, or entrepreneurship support.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and project management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, and development organizations.
- Knowledge of sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to design tailored solutions for SMEs.
- Proficiency in stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and managing relationships with SMEs, government agencies, and development partners.
- Ability to conduct capacity-building programs, workshops, and mentoring sessions for SME owners and staff.
- Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Fluency in English and Ukrainian (both written and spoken).
- Familiarity with digital tools, data analysis, and platforms for market research and business development.
WE OFFER
Contract length: 12-month employment agreement with a possibility of extension.
Benefits Package:
- 28 calendar days of annual leave
- 10 days of internal well-being paid leave per annum
- Medical Insurance for ERA staff and their families
- Life Insurance for ERA staff
- Coverage of all expenses for the business trips
- USAID ERA project is classified as critical infrastructure, reservation from military service is possible
Start date: January 2025
Application process
All applicants must send a cover letter and updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English to ukraine@dai.com
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.
Closing date for applications: January 31, 2025 (on a rolling basis).
For further information about DAI GLOBAL LLC, please consult our website era-ukraine.org.ua.