Instructions for businesses on how to move businesses from active conflict zones to safer areas

29 August 2024

The USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA), in cooperation with Prozorro.Sale, created a video providing instructions for businesses on how to move from active conflict zones to safer areas. 

The business relocation platform has been operating since 2022, helping to digitize and systematize the relocation process, allowing businesses to apply online for relocation support and advice, and track the status of their application. 

Find out more and apply here.  

USAID Enhances Ukraine’s Agricultural Logistics with 300 Wagon Delivery 

AGRI-Ukraine Export Logistics Support
23 August 2024

In 2024 alone, USAID has provided 300 grain wagons to 11 Ukrainian agri-exporters, marking a significant milestone in supporting the country’s agricultural export capacity. It is estimated that these 300 wagons will increase Ukraine’s grain exports by 432,705 tons annually, support exports worth nearly $83 million yearly, and attract significant additional investments. 

The key players that received wagons in Ukraine’s agricultural sector include Agro-Region, Almeida Group, Ascet Shipping, Astarta Kyiv, Cygnet, Eridon, IMC Group, Louis Dreyfus Company, MHP, Nidera Agro, UGTC Trade.  

These agri exporters will expedite grain for export customers, enhance USAID’s partners’ market independence, and optimize logistics costs, ultimately allowing them to offer Ukrainian farmers more competitive terms. 

Background: Assistance to agricultural producers and infrastructure companies is part of the Agriculture Resilience Initiative (AGRI) – Ukraine, implemented by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It aims to help Ukraine increase its capacity to produce, store, transport, and export grain.

USAID ERA delivers 10 x-ray scanners to the state customs to enhance customs procedures

Modernization of the BCPs
23 August 2024

The USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) has procured 20 high-tech X-ray backscatter scanners to be used at Ukraine’s western border crossing points (BCPs). USAID ERA has already delivered the first 10 scanners to the State Customs, with plans to deliver the remaining 10 by mid-September. The scanners will be distributed across 12 BCPs, and ERA is planning a training to Customs officials on the use of the scanning systems, to be held by the end of August.

These scanners are a non-intrusive and quick way to scan vehicles, eliminating the need for in-depth inspections and deterring contrabands, thereby enabling Customs officials to speed up customs formalities at the BCPs and build confidence in the inspection process. Thus, they will increase the BCPs’ capacity for processing cargo for export and greatly enhance the BCP’s day-to-day operations and the users’ positive experience. 

Cameron Berkuti, ERA BCP Director, noted, “These scanners will not only help increase border security but also improve cargo processing procedures by accelerating the export process.” 

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).

The USAID Economic Resilience Activity congratulates all Ukrainians on National Flag Day and the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence!

23 August 2024

The USAID Economic Resilience Activity congratulates all Ukrainians on National Flag Day and the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence!

We continue to help restore Ukraine’s economy so all Ukrainians can live in a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous country.

Together for Victory!

BCP Infrastructure Coordinator

22 August 2024

Kyiv

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

BCP Infrastructure Coordinator will work with the BCP Director and Senior Manager for BCP Upgrades to coordinate the efforts of the BCP Upgrades Team to ensure smooth operation. The BCP Infrastructure Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of efforts in the promotion of construction and rebuilding of the BCP objects including but not limited to general logistics facilities, grain railway logistics facilities, transborder crossing infrastructure, and seaport infrastructure. The role ensures partnership with relevant governmental, and non-governmental agencies and beneficiaries in terms of construction projects for the various entities and people involved with ERA infrastructure projects. The BCP Infrastructure Coordinator is based in Kyiv and reports to the Senior Manager for BCP Upgrades.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Infrastructure Coordination:

  • Under the direction of the Senior Manager for BCP Upgrades and in cooperation with the ERA Procurement and Logistics teams schedule site visits, meetings, conference calls, and other infrastructure-related events.
  • Work with the BCP Upgrade Team to ensure that actions are conducted efficiently by promoting proper planning well before upcoming activities.
  • Coordinate infrastructure site visits between Beneficiaries, Subcontractors, Partners, and the BCP Upgrade Team, conferences, and meetings for the project staff and external parties.
  • Serve as point of contact with Beneficiaries, Subcontractors, Partners, Clients, and the BCP Upgrade Team to support ongoing project activities, ensuring that all documentation is shared in appropriate condition, following the timeframe.
  • Synchronize efforts with Beneficiaries, Subcontractors, Partners, and ERA`s components to ensure that all ERA deliverables are completed on time and of high-quality standards.
  • Log, process, and organize documents related to procurement, design and construction monitoring, and other documents related to the ERA infrastructure projects.
  • Coordinate gathering information for procurement, monitoring, and Environmental Assessments of ERA program activities related to energy production and efficiency.
  • Oversee and actively participate in the coordination and organization of the project’s major events, conferences, VIP visits, etc.
  • In coordination with the Procurement team monitor technical assistance progress and ensure that activities are aligned with the USAID ERA plans and performance indicators.
  • Ensure the partnership with relevant governmental, and non-governmental agencies, and Beneficiaries in construction projects.
  • Log, organize, and archive contact information for the various entities and people involved with ERA infrastructure projects.
  • Keep close collaboration with the Procurement Team in terms of pre-bid conference calls and pre-bid construction meetings organizing.
  • Maintain and update the BCP Infrastructure pipeline, BCP Infrastructure Procurement Tracker, and other relevant trackers and pipelines for the ERA staff and USAID Client to reflect the status of the projects.
  • Maintain documents in compliance with the USAID and DAI standards.
  • Support the Grants program ensuring environmental compliance of submitted grant proposals.

Monitoring & Evaluation:

  • Coordinate data collection to report against Activity performance indicators.
  • Respond to the M&E team on data collection progress, relying on innovative data-gathering methods when appropriate.
  • Use effective mechanisms to communicate with the M&E team for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on the ERA implementation.

Communication:

  • Introduce the BCP program to relevant stakeholders including government authorities, local business owners, and business service providers. Foster ongoing positive cooperation with these stakeholders.
  • Professionally represent ERA in coordination with the Communication team.

Reporting:

  • Maintain documents in compliance with the USAID and DAI standards.
  • Prepare activities reports, agendas, and minutes of meetings. Update BCP Infrastructure pipeline, BCP Infrastructure Procurement Tracker, and other relevant trackers and pipelines. Maintain meeting records on TAMIS.
  • Process the construction documentation and maintain control of the infrastructure progress records in TAMIS.
  • Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely progress reports monthly.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • MA/BA degree and 3 years of experience in a relevant field.
  • Technical project coordination experience in USAID-funded projects or other international projects.
  • Excellent professional communication and negotiation skills and ability to relate to people at all levels of an organization.
  • Ability to work independently and in close cooperation with a team remotely.
  • An energetic, thinking-forward, and creative individual with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image.
  • Well-organized and self-directed individual with sound coordination 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: 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 8, 2024.

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

Design Review Engineer Expert

21 August 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 (Agency for Restoration), 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 3, 2024.

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