Design Review Engineer Expert

04 September 2024

Consultancy Assignment

ERA BACKGROUND

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-Ukraine) 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.

INFRASTRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS

ERA also 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 border crossing points (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.

CONSULTANCY OVERVIEW

The main objective of the consultancy is to provide available resources in support of tasks associated with the provision of design documentation review for the project’s biddability, constructability, and maintainability before advertising project tenders on a periodic and as-needed basis to ensure a cost-effective design that is biddable, buildable, and maintainable with reduced overruns and delays.

PERFORMANCE TASKS AND REQUIREMENTS

The Consultant will support and assist the Ukraine ERA Infrastructure Component in engineering and technical issues based on need. The role is designed to remain flexible to the incoming challenges that will accompany the growth of the BCP construction component throughout the assignment. The Design Review Expert should apply his/her specialized experience in construction procedures, design regulations, procurement of construction services practices in Ukraine, USAID’s regulations, and DAI’s policies to the position. The consultant expert should know Ukrainian engineering and construction rules, regulations, practices, techniques, and estimates of construction costs.

The consultant shall complete the tasks as follows:

  1. Conduct engineering Design Review (Design Documentation Review (DRE)). Almost all the Design Documentation will be in the Ukrainian language. The DRE consultant is expected to provide comprehensive inputs into providing feedback on design documentation (DD) packages (volumes) submitted to DAI by its subcontractors during the design phase of the project, within the following aspects:
    • Review of completeness of DD in terms of its biddability for construction tendering;
    • Review particular sets of drawings (volumes), as indicated in an ad hoc DAI’s requests – for their comprehensiveness and alignment with Ukrainian standards, regulations, construction norms, techniques, and practices;
    • Review DD in terms of their adequacy and alignment with USAID’s policies and regulations (ad hoc requests for particular volumes);
    • Review DD in terms of its adequacy for construction (ad hoc requests for particular volumes);
    • BOQs review in terms of their adherence to market rates in Ukraine (ad hoc requests for particular line items, features of work, materials)

The deliverable will be checklists of specific items checked, comments, suggestions for improvements with evidence-based justification, DD with comments indicated, and a summary report.

  1. Assist through the procurement of Construction Services and Bills of Quantities (BOQ) Review. Almost all documents will be in the Ukrainian language. The DRE consultant is expected to provide the following services/feedback, as needed, within the construction services procurement and initial phases of the construction of the project:
    • Review of construction services tender packages in terms of their completeness and adherence to tendering procedures of the project
    • Review of the construction contractors’ mobilization process, scheduling, sequencing, and staging and BoQ, QA/QC plans and its adherence to the project’s timelines and Ukrainian legislation, including, but not limited to, legal framework, completeness of insurance documentation, and completeness of certification documentation—allowing for the successful and timely mobilization of construction contractors to their designated site.

Deliverables will be reviewed, and comment on documents with recommendations and alternatives along with a summary report.

  1. Support the BCP team in engineering and construction administration processes, as needed. The services needed could be to review claims, change orders, and disputes between A/E and construction subcontractor to check cost, delivery time and mechanism, and the liable party for the change orders.

Deliverables will be reviewed, a short report on the issues and analysis and recommendations on each issue.

Services are anticipated to be remote, although onsite services may be required if necessary. The consultant’s deliverables are expected to facilitate successful BCP infrastructure planning, design, and procurement of construction services and ensure the project’s compliance, efficiency, and value engineering.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • MA/BA in Civil or Infrastructure Engineering or a related field.
  • A category certification as “architect/engineer” and/or “expert” level CC2 or higher.
  • Technical supervision certification (Technahlyad) is also acceptable if supported by professional experience consistent with design review, construction supervision, and compliance verification experience.
  • A minimum of 10 years of specific experience in design and construction supervision.
  • Mid-level English is required. Verbal English skills will be tested during the interview process.
  • Experience with international donor-funded projects is preferred.
  • Based in Ukraine and ready for site visits along the western border of Ukraine.

JOB EXPECTATIONS:

In this position, you are expected to share the DAI four core values:

  • Integrity: commit to civil and ethical behavior, play by the rules, and do the right thing;
  • Responsibility: be accountable to clients, partners, grant recipients, beneficiaries, colleagues, and communities where we work. If you fall short, you own up, fix the problem, and get it right the next time;
  • Excellence: adhere to the highest technical and professional standards in innovation, learning, and service;
  • Global Citizenship: respect the cultural diversity and treat everyone everywhere with professionalism and dignity to make the world a better place.

WE OFFER

Contract terms:

  • 12-month independent consultancy agreement.
  • Level of Effort – up to 230 working days.
  • Reimbursement of travel expenses.

Start date: September 2024

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: September 17, 2024.

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

New terminal and traffic lanes: How modernization of the Uzhhorod border crossing point will impact the Ukrainian-Slovak border  

Modernization of the BCPs
03 September 2024

The Uzhhorod-Vyšné Nemecké border crossing point (BCP) in the Zakarpattia region on Ukraine’s western border with Slovakia, has long struggled with infrastructure challenges, including outdated buildings, insufficient traffic lanes, lack of modern sanitary facilities, and limited space to handle increasing traffic. These issues have led to delays, inconveniences for travelers, and hindered the efficient execution of customs and border control procedures.  

As part of the initiative to modernize BCPs in Ukraine, USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) aims to make border crossing faster and more comfortable for both the BCP workers and users, such as vehicle drivers transporting goods for export and passengers, by reducing wait times and improving service quality at the border.  

In June 2024, USAID ERA subcontractor Miyamoto Ukraine completed the feasibility study for the reconstruction of the existing passenger terminal and building a new one at the Uzhhorod-Vyšné Nemecké BCP. 

Detailed project documentation will be completed later this year in collaboration with the Agency for Restoration, the State Customs Service, and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Miyamoto has conducted surveys of all existing facilities and calculated the engineering capacity requirements.  
Reconstruction and construction work are scheduled to begin in Spring 2025.  

Natalia Chukanova, Chief Engineer, Miyamoto International Ukraine noted, “The Uzhhorod BCP is located in an area with a slight elevation difference due to the mountainous relief. This makes it quite non-standard, and it requires additional design features to protect the area from waterlogging. Our specialists use the latest technologies to improve the level of comfort and efficiency of customs and border control, as well as shorten the border crossing procedure. We are making significant efforts to accelerate the implementation of this project at this BCP and plan to complete all design work with the appropriate agreements by the end of this year.” 

The infrastructure upgrade at the Uzhhorod-Vyšné Nemecké BCP will improve border crossing conditions for passengers and help eliminate passenger vehicle and bus congestion at the cargo terminal. The BCP serves both passenger and cargo traffic and is one of the main BCPs on Ukraine’s western border, with a current monthly export volume of 60,500 tons and a monthly cargo flow of 4,300 trucks (as of June 2024).

The BCP’s modernization being undertaken by USAID ERA will enhance the BCP’s capacity, improve the efficiency of control procedures, and ensure comfortable conditions at the site. According to estimates by Ukrainian Government partners, by 2026, USAID ERA support will increase the BCP’s capacity by an additional 680 trucks per month, and the agricultural goods turnover will grow by 14,000 tons per month.

The project involves the reconstruction of an unfinished building, specifically a service facility for customs and border control services. As part of the reconstruction, all necessary rooms and facilities will be equipped to ensure the continuous operation of the checkpoint, taking into account the norms and standards for barrier-free access for people with limited mobility. The project also includes strengthening the structures in the service area, partial or complete replacement of structures, completion of construction, and bringing the facilities up to modern energy efficiency standards, as well as updating the landscaping.

To improve traffic flow at the BCP, one lane for passenger buses and four lanes for passenger cars will be created for entry and exit from Ukraine. The project also includes the construction of a pedestrian corridor, installation of modular buildings for border guards and customs officers in both directions, canopies for inspecting passenger cars, a bay for in-depth inspection of vehicles and passenger buses, and a public restroom. The implementation of modern technologies will allow for the automation and standardization of processes at all stages of border crossing.

“The Modernization Project of the Uzhhorod-Vysne Nemecke checkpoint is an important step towards improving the infrastructure on Ukraine’s western border. This project will significantly increase the throughput capacity, which will help both reduce queues at the border and increase cargo turnover. Comfortable and safe conditions will be created for passengers and employees of the BCP that meet modern standards and norms.  We are pleased to thank our partners for their systematic support of the Agency for Restoration,” said Roman Komendant, Acting Head of the Agency for Restoration. 

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).

Emergency Response Manager

02 September 2024

Kyiv/Odesa

ERA BACKGROUND

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-Ukraine) 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.

INFRASTRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS

ERA also 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 border crossing points (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 Emergency Response Manager will be responsible for ensuring the development and management of critical emergency response and energy interventions from the design, procurement, delivery and monitoring of equipment and related installation service. The Emergency Response Manager is a key member of the ERA team and plays a pivotal role in assuring adherence to power energy regulations, energy solutions development, and power engineering systems. He/ She is responsible for technical energy needs analysis, beneficiary selection process and planned impact in close collaboration with ERA AGRI, BCP, and EER teams. The Emergency Response Manager coordinates field visits, reports on locations, equipment, and materials necessary to assembly and commission power energy installations, and maintains power- and energy-related documentation. The Emergency Response Manager supervises energy specialist(s) and coordinators, works in close coordination with the AGRI and BCP technical personnel, and reports to the Director for the Environment and Emergency Response.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Emergency Response Assessment:

  • Observe USAID mandatory operating policy requirements incorporating energy response factors and mitigative measures identified in IEEs, EAs, and EISs, as appropriate, in the design and the implementation instruments for ERA activities.
  • Monitor project’s activities regarding energy response impact and report on compliance according to the Ukrainian power energy regulations and USAID environmental policy;
  • Maintain beneficiary trackers for the location, budget and impact of EER support.
  • In coordination with Director for the Environment and Emergency Response, work to ensure that ERA activities are aligned with the USAID ERA’s energy response and environmental standards;
  • Coordinate site visits to assess vendors’ and grantees’ energy response compliance, and provide guidance on energy response and environmental hazards mitigation;
  • Oversee and monitor field implementation of energy response and environmental mitigation measures;
  • As required, conduct energy response training and technical assistance to vendors, beneficiaries and grantees;
  • Oversee reviewing tests and analysis of potential energy response and environmental hazards;
  • Undertake additional actions required by the COP and DCOP to ensure compliance with USAID and Ukraine power energy and environmental protection regulations and policies;
  • Perform other tasking as directed by the ERA senior management.

Staff Supervision:

  • Manage the team of three energy response professionals, coordinate their travels to the site fields and beneficiaries locations;
  • Manage the workload for each of the team, set clear goals for each year period, monitor performance and evaluate results provided by each employee for energy response and environmental compliance of the ERA activities.
  • Provide guidance, coordinate and advise on how to achieve objectives set in the ERA Energy Response Workplan
  • Build the capacity of staff in performing Energy Response and Environmental compliance procedures; 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 in 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, cultivating meaningful relationships withing ERA team and external partners.

Communication and Reporting:

  • In close collaboration with the Director for Communication, represent ERA in a professional manner to the key audiences promoting energy response attentiveness;.
  • Supervise compiling of the Energy Response Reports for the ERA management on a regular basis;
  • Oversee Energy Response Compliance of the awards through the review of reports, correspondence, site visits, etc.
  • Prepare accurate and timely progress reports on a quarterly basis and contribute to preparation of annual reports;
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director for the Environment and Emergency Response, DCOP and COP.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Advanced degree in Power Engineering, Power Mechanical Engineering, Power Engineering Project Management, Renewable Energy Sources Management or similar.
  • Practical experience in Ukrainian power energy and technical compliance procedures, including construction.
  • Experience in project management and/or team management.
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Work experience with internationally funded projects and USAID is an advantage.
  • Spoken and written professional fluency in English, Ukrainian.
  • Experience producing technical reports and managing data.
  • Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.

JOB EXPECTATIONS:

In this position, you are expected to share the DAI four core values:

  • Integrity: commit to civil and ethical behavior, play by the rules, and do the right thing;
  • Responsibility: be accountable to clients, partners, grant recipients, beneficiaries, colleagues, and communities where we work. If you fall short, you own up, fix the problem, and get it right the next time;
  • Excellence: adhere to the highest technical and professional standards in innovation, learning, and service;
  • Global Citizenship: respect the cultural diversity and treat everyone everywhere with professionalism and dignity to make the world a better place.

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
  • Military reservation is possible and granted if you are on a relevant military register

Start date: September 2024

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: September 16, 2024.

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

Technical Assistance Coordinator

02 September 2024

Kyiv/ Lviv (preferable) 

ERA BACKGROUND 

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. Through partnerships with the government and robust private sector engagement, ERA has supported economic growth and resilience in Ukraine since 2018. Following Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and subsequent occupation of the part of Ukraine, ERA shifted from its focus on Eastern Ukraine to cover development priorities across the country that address Ukraine’s urgent needs in export logistics and infrastructural improvements. 

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-Ukraine) 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. 

INFRASTRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS 

ERA also 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 border crossing points (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 (EER) 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 Technical Assistance Coordinator will play a pivotal role in ERA’s mission by overseeing and coordinating technical assistance efforts within the BCP Equipment and System Support team. This position is essential in supporting the team to ensure the successful implementation of activities and the timely completion of reporting requirements related to improving the efficiency of border crossing points (BCPs). The focus will be on optimizing BCP operations to handle increased cargo volumes, particularly grain and other essential commodities. Based in Kyiv or Lviv (preferable), the Technical Assistance Coordinator will report directly to the Senior Manager for BCP Support and work closely with the BCP Director to ensure alignment and consistency in reporting and follow-up activities across the team. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Coordinate Technical Assistance Efforts: Oversee and facilitate the coordination of technical assistance activities within the BCP Equipment and System Support team to ensure efficient implementation. 
  • Stakeholder Communication: Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and collaboration across teams and with relevant authorities. 
  • Support Activity Implementation: Assist team members in planning, executing, and monitoring activities related to enhancing BCP operations, ensuring timelines and objectives are met. 
  • Reporting and Documentation: Prepare, review, and submit regular reports on project progress, challenges, and outcomes to the Senior Manager for BCP Support and the BCP Director. 
  • Data Collection and Analysis: Gather, analyze, and report data related to BCP performance, ensuring that insights are used to inform decision-making and improve operational efficiency. 
  • Deliverable Management: Track and manage the timely completion of project deliverables, ensuring all outputs meet the required standards and are properly documented. 
  • Team Coordination: Facilitate regular team meetings and coordinate follow-up actions, ensuring all team members are aligned and informed on project priorities and deadlines. 
  • Problem Solving and Troubleshooting: Identify potential issues in project implementation and work with team members to develop and implement effective solutions. 
  • Compliance Monitoring: Ensure that all technical assistance activities comply with USAID regulations, project guidelines, and local legal requirements. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Proactively seek opportunities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of BCP operations, recommending and implementing process improvements where applicable. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • BA/MA degree in International Development, Project Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Economics or a related field; 
  • At least 5 years of experience providing technical assistance to humanitarian or development programming in Ukraine or similar country context; 
  • Demonstrated technical experience in the private sector;  
  • Excellent communication skills with people at all levels of an organization and partners; 
  • An energetic, forward-thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards and appropriately professional image; 
  • An extremely well organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus; 
  • Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required. 

JOB EXPECTATIONS: 

In this position, you are expected to share the DAI four core values:  

  • Integrity: commit to civil and ethical behavior, play by the rules, and do the right thing;  
  • Responsibility: be accountable to clients, partners, grant recipients, beneficiaries, colleagues, and communities where we work. If you fall short, you own up, fix the problem, and get it right the next time; 
  • Excellence: adhere to the highest technical and professional standards in innovation, learning, and service; 
  • Global Citizenship: respect the cultural diversity and treat everyone everywhere with professionalism and dignity to make the world a better place.  

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 
  • Military reservation is possible and granted if you are on a relevant military register 

Start date: October 2024 

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: September 15, 2024. 

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

USAID ERA supports creation of a new business center in Volyn Oblast

30 August 2024

The USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) has provided nearly $52,000 in construction materials to help Novovolynsk, Volyn Oblast create a new business center to support entrepreneurs in the community.

USAID ERA provided materials such as windows, doors, water pipes, tiles, putty foam, insulation, cables lamps and more. With these materials, along with labor financed by the Novovolynsk City Council, new windows, tiles, partitions and a water heater were installed in the 1960s-era building where the new Novo Business Center is located. USAID ERA also purchased a generator to help the center continue its operations during power cuts, and equipped kitchen and bathrooms.

Renovation began in February 2024, and the City Council plans to furnish the center with furniture and office equipment provided through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). In addition, GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) developed a strategy for the center focused on networking, attracting grant funds for businesses, and training entrepreneurs. The center plans on officially opening in December of this year. 

“There are 3,900 business representatives in our community; almost 800 are enterprises, and the rest are small businesses, that is individual entrepreneurs who produce something or provide services,” said Mayor of Novovolynsk, Borys Karpus. “We hope that this business center will become a good platform for the establishment of public-private partnerships and ties between the local government and local businesses.” 

The center will host a co-working space, and specialists will be available to help small businesses with preparing grant applications to attract financing, prepare their taxes and other services. 

“We have already ordered a step-by-step action plan for the development of this center from a company in Lviv,” Mayor Karpus explained. “On behalf of the community, they are ready to form a policy to promote the development of business. I believe that this center will fulfill this role and become self-sufficient in the long run.” 

Residents of the community and internally displaced persons (IDPs) will be able to use business center services free of charge. Currently, about 60,000 people live in the community; 4,000 of them are IDPs.  

Security and Safety Manager

29 August 2024

Kyiv (with travels to Lviv and Odesa)

ERA BACKGROUND

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. Through partnerships with the government and robust private sector engagement, ERA has supported economic growth and resilience in Ukraine since 2018. Following Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and subsequent occupation of the part of Ukraine, ERA shifted from its focus on Eastern Ukraine to cover development priorities across the country that address Ukraine’s urgent needs in export logistics and infrastructural improvements.

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-Ukraine) 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.

INFRASTRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS

ERA also 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 border crossing points (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 (EER) 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 Security and Safety Manager in close coordination with Senior Security Manager in Ukraine will advise and support the USAID Economic resilience Activity in Ukraine on overall security and safety programs, plans, and policies relevant to ERA, including detailed security procedures that comply with DAI security policies. This will include collecting and sharing information regularly, providing guidance, and supporting the emergency response drills, communication procedures, and rollout implementing security measures for each Activity. The Security and Safety Manager is based in Kyiv and reports directly to Safety and Security Senior Manager in Ukraine / ERA Chief of Party.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • With the Senior Security Manager and Security and Logistics Specialist, distribute threat warnings to all staff as appropriate.
  • Ensure that appropriate risk mitigation measures are taken by the project to respond to the threats or changes in threats faced by the project, in consultation with senior project management and the Senior Manager and Regional Security Director. This is to include physical protection measures, safe working routines, movement restrictions, protection equipment, evacuation, and security staff provision, as required.
  • Provide security, safety, and risk mitigation guidance and support
  • Monitor and analyze the ongoing threat environment faced by the project, provide daily SITREP (situational reports), and brief leadership, including DAI Global Security Team. Distribute threat warnings to all staff as appropriate. Ensure that appropriate risk mitigation measures are taken by the project to respond to the threats or changes in threats faced by the project, in consultation with senior project management and the DAI Global Security Team. This is to include physical protection measures, safe working routines, movement restrictions, protection equipment, evacuation, and security staff provision, as required.
  • Advise on domestic travel and route planning in coordination with SFP and project logistics teams. Analyze and provide guidance on movement and coordination for the project, including driver and vehicle deployment and staff whereabouts.
  • Develop and manage security screening process for sub-contractors and partners, in coordination with the Regional Security Manager.
  • Analyze, oversee and provide guidance to the DAI project operations in Ukraine to ensure the systems adheres to the requirement and are up-to-date.
  • Conduct security training for staff including personal security, road movement procedures, information security, first aid, etc.
  • Report security incidents, violations and recommended corrective actions, as appropriate, to the COP, SFP, Senior Security Manager, and DAI Global Security Team. Investigate serious breaches of security protocol and incidents.
  • Verify and test all security devices such as satellite phones, alarms, access systems, etc.
  • Inspect physical force protection measures are operational or reported for repair.
  • Work with the Senior Security Manager to maintain the project Crisis Response Plan, country risk management system and evacuation plan in coordination with the COP and SFP and ensure that the contact information contained therein is always up to date.
  • Provide, a weekly security report to the COP, SFP, Senior Security Manager, and the DAI Global Security Team.
  • Be able to assist with out-of-hours emergency response for project staff and partners, if needed.
  • Assist the project with business continuity planning, as required.
  • All the above includes ensuring security protocols are understood and security drills are periodically conducted with staff in all locations, including regional offices.
  • Other duties assigned by the ERA Chief Operating Officer and ERA Chief of Party.

Job Expectations

In this position, you are expected to share the DAI’s four core values:

  • Integrity: commit to civil and ethical behavior, play by the rules, and do the right thing;
  • Responsibility: be accountable to clients, partners, grant recipients, beneficiaries, colleagues, and communities where we work. If you fall short, you own up, fix the problem, and get it right the next time;
  • Excellence: adhere to the highest technical and professional standards in innovation, learning, and service;
  • Global Citizenship: respect cultural diversity and treat everyone everywhere with professionalism and dignity to make the world a better place.

About you

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and/or specialized certification in safety and security, risk management or similar.
  • 9 years’ experience overseeing safety and security programs, preferably with an international NGO or development company.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of safety codes.
  • Experience in military, police, INGOs/development organizations, diplomatic security, protection, and intelligence is an asset.
  • Strong leadership capabilities including organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to form effective working relationships at all levels.
  • Willingness to travel as needed, including to higher risk areas.
  • Developed network in the Ukrainian security, military and intelligence community.
  • Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English. Native/fluent Ukrainian speaker preferred.

Skills

  • Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and proven capacity to carry out multiple tasks concurrently.
  • Adaptability in responding to changing priorities and needs.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Professionally proficient and fluent in written and spoken Ukrainian and English.

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
  • Military reservation is possible and granted if you are on a relevant military register

Start date: October 2024

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: September 12, 2024.

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