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 Senior Specialist on Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) will play a pivotal role in ensuring ERA’s interventions are inclusive, equitable, and effectively support vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, youth, veterans, elderly, LGBTQI+, and other marginalized groups. The Sr. Specialist will work closely with program teams, partners, and stakeholders to design, implement, and monitor activities that address the unique challenges facing women, youth and vulnerable groups and foster the participation of these groups in building a resilient, growth-oriented economy in eastern Ukraine and other war-affected regions. The Sr. Specialist for Gender Equity and Social Inclusion reports to the Director for Business Resilience and will work across teams to build team capacity around GESI and ensure inclusion is built into ERA’s technical approach.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Design and Implementation:

• Integrate GESI principles into ERA’s Stabilization and Business Revival interventions, ensuring that project activities are inclusive and address barriers faced by women and vulnerable groups.
• Ensure ERA interventions are in line with best practices under policies such as the USAID Gender Equipment and Women’s Empowerment Policy , USAID Disability Policy , LGBTQI+ Inclusive Development Policy and Youth and Development Policy , amongst others.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and implement strategies that analyze the unique challenges facing different groups in the war-affection, target oblasts for ERA; support GESI not only from a right-based approach but by understanding the economic incentives for more includes business practices.
• Provide technical guidance to teams on designing tailored support for vulnerable communities, particularly for SME development, skills training, and access to resources.
• Bring best practices in women’s economic empowerment and gender lens investing to ERA’s private sector engagement approaches.
• Support capacity building initiatives that empower local organizations, businesses, and government entities to adopt inclusive policies and practices.
• Engage with government partners, NGOs, business associations, and international agencies, to advocate for GESI priorities in economic recovery and business revival; identify investment and gran opportunities specifically targeting women and vulnerable groups.
• Represent ERA in GESI-focused working groups, forums, and conferences, highlighting project successes, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with the M&E team to ensure disaggregated data collection and analysis (e.g., gender, age, displacement status) to assess participation, outcomes, and benefits for target groups.
• Develop and contribute to communication strategies that raise awareness about the importance of gender equity and social inclusion in economic recovery and stabilization efforts; prepare regular reports, success stories, and case studies showcasing achievements and challenges related to GESI integration.
• Ensure learning and adaptive management approaches are applied to improve GESI outcomes over time.
• Deliver training and workshops for ERA staff, partners, and stakeholders on GESI principles, best practices, and implementation strategies; build the capacity of program teams to integrate inclusive approaches into all phases of project implementation, from planning to delivery.
• Participate in routine technical meetings led by Senior Manager for Objective 1 (economic stabilization) and Objective 2 (SME development) to ensure GESI integration across all project components.
• Collaborate with grants, procurement, and business resilience teams to ensure equitable access to resources, services, and opportunities for underrepresented groups; develop creative ways to test and incentivize more inclusive business practices.
• Provide technical input on program plans, budgets, and proposals to reflect GESI considerations in program design and resource allocation.
• Other tasks as direct by supervisor, COP or their designee.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master’s degree in social science, psychology, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7-8 years of proven experience in gender equity, social inclusion, or related fields, with a strong understanding of intersectionality and systemic barriers.
• Proven experience working with international organizations, donors, or large-scale development projects. USAID-funded projects experience is a plus.
• Experience in designing and implementing GESI-focused programs, particularly in international development or community-based projects.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to develop strategies, deliver training, and engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment within the workplace and program activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders, including community members, government officials, and donors.
• Fluency in Ukrainian and English is required; proficiency in other local languages is a plus.
• Capacity to operate in dynamic and challenging environments, addressing problems proactively and innovatively.
• Willingness to travel frequently to project sites, including remote and challenging areas.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to the organization’s mission and goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and familiarity with tools is a plus.

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

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 05, 2024.

For further information about DAI GLOBAL LLC, please consult our website era-ukraine.org.ua.

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 Senior Manager for Stabilization and Small-Scale Infrastructure is responsible for leading and overseeing initiatives that support communities in rebuilding critical infrastructure and restoring essential services needed for economic activity, trade, and connectivity. This role includes managing the provision of equipment for debris removal, water, and heating system repairs, and passive protection measures, as well as overseeing projects to repair or replace damaged facilities such as storage hubs, markets, and logistics centers. The Senior Manager works closely with local authorities, partners, and technical teams to ensure timely and effective implementation while maintaining accountability, sustainability, and alignment with organizational goals. This position requires strategic planning, strong coordination, and leadership to drive impactful stabilization efforts in challenging environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Manager will lead a technical team focused on achieving ERA Objective 1. They will:

• Develop and manage intervention that support ERA Objective 1 under the supervision of the Director for Stabilization and Business Revival; contribute to work plans, budgets, and timelines to execute stabilization and infrastructure activities effectively.

• Develop grant and direct support opportunities aligned with ERA objectives; contribute to the development of solicitation documents and scope of works; and manage the due diligence process for partnerships.

• Oversee the planning and implementation of projects to repair or replace damaged infrastructure, such as storage facilities, logistics hubs, and local markets; collaborate with local stakeholders, technical teams, and contractors to assess needs, prioritize tasks, and deliver sustainable solutions for infrastructure recovery.

• Work with the ERA Grants department to evaluate applications and oversee the technical team’s co-creation of approved concepts; ensure that grant applicants have appropriate and effective monitoring and evaluation plans for the proposed project.

• Lead the identification, procurement, and distribution of critical equipment to support communities and regions (oblasts) in rebuilding essential infrastructure and services; work with the ERA procurement department to develop requests for proposals from vendors and follow through to procurement; develop relationship management tools and structures within the team to manage the delivery of direct support.

• Collaborate with ERA subcontractors in the field offices closest to the beneficiary locations; foster a collaborative, one-team approach so that ERA implements a consistent, market-driven approach to SME development.
• Compile activity reports for ERA management on a regular basis;prepare accurate and timely progress reports on a weekly, monthly, quarterly basis and contribute to preparation of the ERA annual reports;

• Coordinate with relevant teams to determine needs, identify appropriate equipment, and ensure proper utilization to safeguard assets and populations.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement corrective measures to achieve project goals while ensuring compliance with organizational standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, partner organizations, and community leaders to ensure the success of stabilization and infrastructure support initiatives.
• Manage the delivery of small-scale infrastructure projects in close collaboration with the DCOP; maintain monitoring mechanisms that track project outcomes, resource utilization, and the impact of delivered equipment and materials.; and prepare detailed progress reports for senior leadership and donors, showcasing achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Staff Supervision:

• Provide management support to Stabilization and Small-scale Infrastructure team; provide performance oversight, guidance, and quality control for interventions in the approved annual
• Build the capacity of staff in performing project activities; coach and empower staff to catalyze ideas and formulate implementation plan to reach the targets.
• Provide regular performance feedback and ensure that subordinates “do the right thing” all the time, honor commitments, do not cut corners, and stand up for what is right;.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships amongst the team and other technical and operational staff, and with the client and all external partners.
• Communicate effectively to promote a collaborative and respectful environment.
• Assist subordinates to learn and adapt from successes and failures; listen, be responsive and flexible to the needs and circumstances.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in economics, engineering, project management, international development, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in managing infrastructure, stabilization, or recovery projects, particularly in post-conflict or emergency settings.
• Proven experience working with international organizations, donors, or large-scale development projects. USAID-funded projects experience is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure rehabilitation, small-scale construction, and equipment procurement processes.
• Expertise in managing projects focused on debris removal, repair of critical systems (water, heating), and deployment of passive protection equipment.
• Familiarity with local building regulations, environmental compliance standards, and safety protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in project planning, implementation, and monitoring, including budget management and risk mitigation.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, delegate tasks, and ensure timely delivery of project goals.
• Proficiency in using project management tools and reporting systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build partnerships and engage with local authorities, technical teams, and community stakeholders.
• Proven ability to navigate complex environments and facilitate coordination between multiple partners and teams.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and documentation skills in English.
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure and rapidly changing environments, with a focus on delivering results under tight timelines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to make sound decisions in challenging conditions.
• Willingness to travel to project sites, including remote and challenging areas.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to the organization’s mission and goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and familiarity with tools is a plus.

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

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 05, 2024.

For further information about DAI GLOBAL LLC, please consult our website era-ukraine.org.ua.

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 respond 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 Senior Manager for SME Support will lead initiatives to drive the growth and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located in the East and adjacent war-affected regions impacted by the war and Russia’s destruction of critical infrastructure. The manager will develop and lead ERA market-oriented strategies to support SMEs to increase sales, revenues, and market competitiveness in a complex and dynamic environment. The role focuses on improving SMEs’ knowledge and capacity to enter new markets while fostering a safe and productive workplace environment to attract and retain employees. This position requires a proactive leader who can drive measurable results, empower businesses, and contribute to economic development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Manager will lead a technical team focused on achieving ERA Objective 2. They will:

• Develop grant and direct support opportunities aligned with ERA objectives; contribute to the development of solicitation documents and scope of works; and manage the due diligence process for partnerships.
• Increase Sales and Revenues of SMEs by developing and implementing strategies to improve SMEs’ market competitiveness and revenue growth; facilitate access to resources, partnerships, and financial opportunities for SMEs; and coordinate business development initiatives to support SME sales expansion.
• Improve SME Knowledge and Capacity in New Markets by providing targeted training programs through local partners and service providers that enhance SMEs’ knowledge of market entry strategies and compliance requirements; assist SMEs in identifying and accessing new market opportunities domestically and internationally; and promote the adoption of innovative practices to strengthen SMEs’ operational capacity.
• Improving Workplace Environment and Safety such that SMEs can attract, reskill and retain employees; lead initiatives to ensure SMEs adhere to workplace safety regulations and best practices; and develop programs to improve workplace environments, increasing employee satisfaction and productivity.
• Work with the ERA Grants department to evaluate applications and oversee the technical team’s co-creation of approved concepts; ensure that grant applicants have appropriate and effective monitoring and evaluation plans for the proposed project.
• Work with the ERA procurement department to develop requests for proposals from vendors and follow through to procurement; develop relationship management tools and structures within the team to manage the delivery of direct support.
• Collaborate with ERA subcontractors in the field offices closest to the beneficiary locations; foster a collaborative, one-team approach so that ERA implements a consistent, market-driven approach to SME development.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Management, International Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in SME development, economic growth programs, or business support services; experience in central and eastern Ukraine.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing strategies to increase SME sales, revenues, and market access and to improve workplace environments, productivity, and safety standards within SMEs.
• Strong track record of working with international donor-funded projects or private sector development programs.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and strategic planning abilities.
• 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.
• Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken); proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.
• Solid understanding of SME challenges, market dynamics, and tools to enhance business performance.
• Knowledge of international best practices in improving workplace safety and operational efficiency.
• 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

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 05, 2024.

For further information about DAI GLOBAL LLC, please consult our website era-ukraine.org.ua.