Luzhanka BCP Upgrade Boosts Ukraine-Hungary Logistics Efficiency 

Modernization of the BCPs
15 January 2025

With the support of USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), the Luzhanka BCP has undergone comprehensive modernization, transforming its infrastructure and operations. 

Key improvements include road surface repairs, refreshed road markings, and the installation of new permanent modular facilities for border and customs officials. Additionally, 36 LED light bulbs and fixtures were installed, along with 53 traffic signs, enhancing visibility and navigation. ERA also supplied 150 traffic barricades, four one-cubic-meter garbage containers, and four trash bin sets, improving environmental management at the site. To further strengthen operations, USAID ERA provided essential equipment including a commodity scale, two advanced backscatter scanners for security screening, and a forklift to support the flow of goods.  

USAID ERA’s modernization of western Ukraine BCPs is an important step in strengthening cross-border logistics. Luzhanka is the only Ukrainian border crossing with Hungary that imposes no weight restrictions on empty trucks weighing more than 7.5 tons. This unique feature helps optimize transport flows and reduces congestion at other BCPs, particularly at the nearby Chop BCP. By redirecting empty trucks to Luzhanka, wait times for vehicles carrying raw materials to enterprises with foreign investments are significantly shortened. Over 60 extra vehicles are expected to pass through Luzhanka daily, alleviating traffic pressure on Chop and improving overall efficiency. 

In addition to Luzhanka, ERA has also successfully completed rapid upgrades and equipped the Yahodyn, Uzhhorod, Porubne, Chop (Tysa), and Mohyliv-Podilskyi BCPs. At the Mamalyha, Starokozache, Rososhany, and Rava-Ruska BCPs, the rapid upgrade work and deliveries are being finalized. 

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (SARDI), Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and State Customs Services, to upgrade border crossing points (BCPs) to improve trade and export volumes.   

USAID ERA completes rapid upgrade improvements at Rava-Ruska/Hrebenne road border crossing point in Lviv Oblast 

Modernization of the BCPs
10 January 2025

In January 2025, USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) completed a planned rapid upgrade at the Rava-Ruska/Hrebenne road border crossing point (BCP) in Lviv Oblast, on Ukraine’s border with Poland. 

USAID ERA contractors undertook site and miscellaneous improvements, including strengthening the road base through cold recycling, improving road and parking lot infrastructure and surface, repairing and painting metal structures and inspection bridges, restoring the stormwater drainage system, repairing fence and site electrical system, and applying road markings. ERA also installed eight traffic arms, 150 road signs, and 176 LED lights, and provided 10 garbage containers, 18 recycling bins, and 28 road barriers to improve traffic control, safety, and security, and boost safety and cleanliness. ERA also provided two commodity scales and two handheld backscatter scanners to enhance cargo handling procedures at the BCP. Furthermore, ERA will deliver 38 pieces of ICT equipment and three permanent modular prefabricated buildings to enhance the operations of border officials. 

   

In addition to rapid upgrade improvements, Rava-Ruska is also under a design contract for major infrastructure improvements, including rehabilitation of buildings, facilities, and structures, for an estimated construction cost of $2.04 million. The monthly average export at Rava-Ruska/Hrebenne BCP has been about 66,099 tons from May 2024 to November 2024.   

Background:
Between 2023 and 2026, USAID is allocating $115 million through the Economic Resilience Activity to support the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure, Ukrainian Railways (UZ), and the State Customs Service. This funding aims to modernize border crossings, enhance trade, and increase export volumes. 

USAID ERA’s Generators Ensure Rail Border Crossing Points Remain Operational Amid Electricity Outages 

Modernization of the BCPs
08 January 2025

As part of its mission to strengthen Ukraine’s economic resilience, USAID, through its Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), delivered high-capacity generators to key rail border crossing points (BCPs). This critical intervention supports Ukraine’s power systems amid Russia’s ongoing attacks on vital infrastructure, ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods and passengers between Ukraine and its European neighbors. 

ERA delivered and installed 10 generators in total, ranging from 6-kW to 50-kW total, at the Chop (Zakarpattia Oblast, Hungary border), Mostyska II and Yahodyn (Volyn Oblast, Poland border), Vadul-Siret (Chernivtsi Oblast, Romania border), Reni (Odesa Oblast, Romania border), and Kuchurkhan (Odesa Oblast, Moldova border) rail BCPs. The average monthly cargo export through these six BCPs has been 1.12 million tons from December 2023 to November 2024.

Cameron Berkuti, ERA Border Crossing Point (BCP) Director, emphasized: “These generators provide reliable backup power for critical infrastructure systems, such as lighting, heating, signaling, and IT networks. Most importantly, they ensure the timely processing of documents, minimizing the risk of train delays, and keeping rail operations efficient and uninterrupted.” 

Ukrainian Railways (UZ) upholds high transportation standards. Trains rarely experience delays and consistently arrive at their destinations on time. Maintaining this level of service is essential, especially during times of crisis, and a stable power supply to BCPs plays a significant role in preserving this quality of operations. 

By ensuring round-the-clock reliability during extended power outages, these generators enable seamless customs processing, uninterrupted operations, and timely train movements. This helps maintain Ukraine’s reputation as a reliable transit partner for both cargo and passengers. 

 

This initiative supports Ukraine’s international trade by keeping key export and import routes open, contributes to economic stability for local and regional markets, and upholds UZ’s high operational standards. With support from ERA, Ukraine’s border infrastructure continues to withstand ongoing challenges, ensuring the continuity of economic activities, protecting livelihoods, and fostering regional development and long-term prosperity. 

Between 2023 and 2026, USAID, through ERA, is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This support includes the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration), the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (Agency for Restoration), the State Customs Service, and Ukrainian Railways (UZ) to upgrade 42 of Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs).

Facilities and Inventory Officer

06 January 2025

Kyiv

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 Facilities and Inventory Officer plays an instrumental role in ensuring the meticulous recording, vigilant monitoring, and accurate reporting of inventory items, all while maintaining strict compliance with USAID ERA’s Fields Operations Manual stipulations. This role encompasses a wide spectrum of responsibilities, from comprehensive inventory audits to meticulous asset labeling and diligent software license management. works in close coordination with the AGRI and BCP technical staff and Environmental Compliance team to ensure power- and energy-related and environmental assessment for ERA’s interventions; In collaboration with the Procurement team, the Facilities and Inventory Officer receives, inspects, and accepts all goods delivered to USAID ERA. The Facilities and Inventory Officer possesses a keen eye for detail, impeccable organizational skills, and strong communication abilities to collaborate with vendors, clients, and project teams effectively. The Facilities and Inventory Officer reports to the Facilities and Inventory Manager and is based in the Kyiv office.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Acceptance of Goods and Asset Management:

  • Ensure precise and systematic inventory of all items procured or transferred to the project, aligning with project and contract requirements.
  • Periodically travel to the offsite location to check the delivery of procured products and equipment, as needed, conduct thorough physical inventories, and get signed all Acts of Acceptance as per the Project Schedule of Authority (PSOA) and the Field Operations Manual(FOM).
  • Coordinate delivery schedules with Procurement and Communications team members responsible for ensuring that all documentation is prepared, and acceptance of goods/equipment is organized in a proper order.
  • Apply USAID stickers (mandatory for USAID-funded projects) and allocate a unique project inventory or identification number to all physical assets via the TAMIS system.
  • Effectively implement and oversee procedures for the checkout of items used for workshops, training sessions, or other offsite purposes, utilizing the TAMIS checkout record.
  • In cooperation with the ICT team, meticulously record all software acquisitions within the TAMIS inventory module. Ensure the inclusion of irrefutable proof of licensing for future audits.
  • Adhere rigorously to established guidelines for software licensing.

Inventory and Records Keeping:

  • Systematically input all items procured or received from clients or other projects into the TAMIS inventory module. This should encompass non-expendable, expendable, and consumable items.
  • Maintain exhaustive inventory records, updating details such as location, condition, responsible person, or disposal information as needed.
  • Rigorously document any changes in status, location, disposition status, responsible person, or missing information within TAMIS (e.g., price, date purchased, serial number, etc.).
  • Ensure strict adherence to procedures for reporting and addressing lost, damaged, or stolen project property.
  • Establish a robust access control system to safeguard property and equipment from unauthorized use or disposition.

Reporting and Communication:

  • Effectively communicate with relevant project stakeholders (Grants Manager, Procurement Manager, Technical Lead, etc.) to ensure they are aware of impending inventory reports and deadlines.
  • Prepare and submit all required inventory reports to USAID, adhering to the specified timelines and formats.
  • Collaborate closely with other relevant ERA staff and HO managers for any additional reporting or compliance matters as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., logistics, supply chain management, economics, finance).
  • Proven experience in inventory management and facility oversight.
  • Familiarity with inventory management software is advantageous.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
  • Proficiency in procurement procedures and property management.
  • Capability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Fluent English and Ukrainian are required.

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
  • The USAID ERA project is classified as critical infrastructure, reservation from military service is possible

Start date: Janyary 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 22, 2025

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

USAID ERA’s Solutions to Tackle Winter Challenges at Ukraine’s Border Crossing Points 

Modernization of the BCPs
03 January 2025

Winter in Ukraine brings not only biting cold and heavy snow but also logistical hurdles that significantly impact border operations. Sub-zero temperatures and icy conditions create a daunting environment for travelers and discomfort at work for customs officials and border guards, causing a general slowdown of operations.   

By the end of 2023, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), had commenced delivery of critical infrastructure upgrades and equipment that were aimed not only at modernizing Ukraine’s road and rail border crossing points with European Union countries, but also to support border staff to better manage challenges posed by the harsh winter conditions.  

To address these challenges, USAID ERA has procured, installed, and fully equipped 62 permanent modular buildings at six key road border crossing points (BCPs). Furthermore, an additional 121 modular permanent units are in the process of procurement or installation at 21 more BCPs on Ukraine’s western and southern borders. Of the 183 prefabricated modular structures, 174 are fitted for customs and passport control services and constructed and insulated to withstand extreme weather while providing modern, comfortable facilities for border personnel. Each building is equipped with air conditioning and heaters, ensuring optimal working conditions during both freezing winters and hot summers. The inclusion of ergonomic office furniture further supports the health and efficiency of customs officials, passport controllers, and border units, fostering productivity in all seasons. The benefits of the modular facilities also extend to travelers. The rest of the nine prefabs are fitted for use as restrooms, equipped for high durability and comfort, creating a more accessible environment for disabled persons navigating these critical transit points, often made tougher by the cold winter conditions.  

 

“The installation of these modern prefabricated facilities represents a significant step forward for our border operations,” said a State Customs Service personnel member at the Chop (Tysa) BCP. “These buildings provide our personnel with comfortable, climate-controlled conditions year-round, regardless of the extreme weather we often face. Now, the workspaces enable us to perform our duties efficiently and effectively, directly contributing to trade and travelers’ safety and seamless flow. These upgrades foster an environment where operations naturally become smoother and more effective.” 

The unique advantages of prefab technology make it an ideal solution for Ukraine’s infrastructure needs. Constructed off-site in controlled environments, these buildings are quality-controlled, rapidly deployable, and highly adaptable to specific requirements, easily fitting in small areas. This minimizes on-site construction time and ensures consistent quality, even in challenging weather conditions. Prefab structures are designed with durability and insulation in mind, enabling them to maintain stable internal temperatures during Ukraine’s winters, which is essential for both personnel comfort and operational efficiency. 

 

USAID ERA’s efforts underscore the critical role of advanced technology in fostering economic growth and regional connectivity. By improving Ukraine’s border facilities, the modernization not only boosts trade but also strengthens ties with neighboring EU countries, paving the way for greater economic integration and long-term development. 

Between 2023 and 2026, USAID, through ERA, is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This support includes the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration), the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (Agency for Restoration), the State Customs Service, and Ukrainian Railways (UZ) to upgrade 42 of Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs).   

Finance Officer/ Accountant

02 January 2025

Kyiv

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.

About the job

The Finance Officer will be pivotal in supporting financial management and compliance within the USAID ERA project. This position will maintain accurate financial records, prepare financial reports, and ensure adherence to USAID regulations and guidelines. The Finance Officer will collaborate with the finance team to allocate and utilize resources for various projects and programs. The Finance Officer is based in Kyiv and reports to the Finance Manager /Senior Finance and Compliance Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Ensures that accounting policies and practices are carried out in accordance with GAAP standards and local accounting standards; project internal controls are established and implemented by DAI policies, USAID rules/regulations, and the contract terms.
  • Monitors and reports on partner/vendor payment schedules and obligations.
  • Assists in preparing information for any contractual financial reporting requirements (if applicable);
  • Conducts daily reviews of backup documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and full compliance with DAI’s regulations.
  • Initiates wire requests for field project implementation.
  • Verifies vendor invoices for accuracy.
  • Verifies the accuracy of expenses and project accounting codes.
  • Audits travel requests and expense reports for accuracy and compliance.
  • Prepares and submits monthly financial reports for review to the Finance Manager and Senior Finance and Compliance Manager.
  • Responsible for recording and assigning costs based on approved budget in the field accounting system (vFER);
  • Uses field accounting system (vFER), cloud software for backup documentation, and DAI’s operations system (TAMIS), etc., regularly.
  • Supports preparation of internal and external audits.
  • Analyzes and reconciles project inventory regularly, ensuring that the value/purchase price of project assets reflected in the inventory register agrees with the total shown in the cumulative non-expendable account balanc
  • Ensures accurate and timely processing of invoices, advances and reimbursements, checks, and wire transfer payments.
  • Performs monthly bank reconciliations and routinely monitors bank account balances.
  • Compiles backup documentation for all project-related transactions and ensures completeness and appropriate review and approvals are documented; scans and uploads the backup documents in DAI archiving systems.
  • Maintains files on grant/ procurement/subcontractor documents and modifications as applicable.
  • Responsible for maintaining file management systems for soft and hard copy documentation.
  • Ensures taxes are paid, tracked, recorded, and reported to Ukraine tax authorities and USAID.

About you

  • A. Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent.
  • 4+ years of relevant experience and progressive responsibility in finance and accounting, office administration, and project operations at the mid-level of an organization
  • Experience with enterprise accounting software and Microsoft Office suite
  • Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls and audit processes (e.g., procurement, local subcontract agreements, etc.)
  • Demonstrated report writing skills in English is required.

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
  • The USAID ERA project is classified as critical infrastructure, reservation from military service is possible

Start date: Janyary 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 20, 2025.

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