USAID ERA helps restore production facilities of pharmaceutical company from Luhansk Oblast

20 August 2024

The USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) has kicked off renovation support to Ukrainian pharmaceutical company Microchem to help them continue to deliver life-saving medications. Microchem has been in business for 33 years, providing more than 50 types of medications with a special focus on drugs to treat cardiac and neurological diseases. Until Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the company worked in Rubizhny (Luhansk Oblast) and employed 400 people. After the war started, Microchem had to relocate to a building in Kyiv. 

USAID ERA is now helping Microchem carry out a major renovation of the third floor of this building (1,000 square meters), which will be used for both production and administration. Work began in July with repairing floors, plastering walls, and installating new windows and ventilation and electrical systems. So far, 10% of the work has been completed. 

Work will continue until January 2025, during which time, contractor UkrBudEngineering will also dismantle internal partitions, install a modern elevator, and renovate the entrance to accommodate people with disabilities, among other work. The project was developed by the CDM Engineering Ukraine company and reviewed by USAID Green Powered Technology (GPTech). Microchem currently has 182 employees.  

“The assistance we receive from USAID ERA is very important for us, as a company that lost its capacity due to the full-scale invasion,” said Mikrochem Operations Director Dmytro Koval. “After this major renovation, we will be able to accommodate an additional 20 specialists, who are currently spread across Kyiv and located in various rented offices…Our task is to increase our staff by approximately 30% by the end of the repair work.” 

“2022 and 2023 were periods of testing and recovery for the company,” he explained. “We have now entered the development stage. The new production areas, created with the support of USAID ERA, will help Microchem to further scale the business both in the Ukraine market and abroad.”  

AGRI Market Linkages and Marketing Specialist

20 August 2024

Kyiv/Lviv/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.

About the job

The AGRI Market linkages and Marketing Specialist is responsible for coordinating and providing colleagues with the necessary data and information needed to effectively develop market linkages between Ukrainian Agriculture Commodity exporters and international commodity buyer, thereby helping to enhance export performance and productivity. AGRI Market Linkages and Marketing Specialist shall also help develop and coordinate capacity building interventions with Technical and Operations teams. The selected candidate shall also ensure the activities are implemented according to schedule, accuracy and to the best quality, and for monitoring and reporting on their progress. The AGRI Market Linkages and Marketing Specialist is based Kyiv / Lviv / Odesa and reports to International Market Linkages Senior Coordinator.

Market linkages, knowledge and capability development, export growth and expansion develop.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Marketing and International Linkages Development & Growth, Content Management, Knowledge and Capacity Building in coordination with the Supply Chain and Logistics Lead.

  • Develop customized marketing materials designed for publication and distributed inside Ukraine and internationally to stakeholders in the agricultural commodity global marketplace.
  • Communicate with, understand and be responsive to stakeholder needs in relation to demands for international trade applicable training programs, with particular focus on supply chain development, and commodity sales and marketing
  • Lead the organization for USAID ERA beneficiaries and participate in multiple international trade shows and events to maximize  market linkage opportunities.
  • Providing analysis, and technical input on solutions under development for implementation  international programs and market linkages initiatives;
  • Creating and rolling out the marketing materials and international events to improve agriculture commodity sales, marketing and trade performance from Ukraine;
  • Developing success stories, case studies, and marketing and trade guides;
  • Managing the sales, trade and marketing enablement content repository and ensuring accessibility;
  • Liaise with the Supply Chain and Logistics Lead and other colleagues with up-to-date market and activity information;
  • Determine content adoption metrics and define marketing and trade enablement best practices;
  • Other related program duties as assigned.

Monitoring Evaluation & Learning (MEL): in coordination with the MEL Team:

  • Support the MEL team in conducting necessary data collection to report against AGRI performance indicators. Coordinate and analyze data to measure project impact and outcomes.
  • Support identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned for organizational sharing and learning.

Communication: in coordination with the Communications Team:

  • Contribute to development of monthly event activity schedules.
  • Facilitate the organization of public events, trade mission visits, and work in close coordination with Admin/Logistics/Communications to make all necessary arrangements.

Other

  • Collect and provide weekly written progress updates to the supervisor and team as required.
  • Review and analyze market reports to ensure clear and timely information is provided to management for prompt decision-making.
  • Maintain accurate project documentation and records.
  • Prepare accurate and timely field reports and other project documentation as required.

About you

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Project Management, Economics, Sales and Marketing, or related fields.
  • 4+ years private sector experience supporting sales and marketing or project coordination or management.
  • Proficiency in office software applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)
  • Excellent professional communications and negotiation skills and who can relate to people at all levels of an organization.
  • Ability to work independently and in close cooperation with a team remotely. Ability to work cross-functionally and internationally.
  • An energetic, forward-thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image.
  • A well-organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus.
  • Multitask and manage a variety of tasks and initiatives simultaneously. Ability to plan and meet specific deadlines.
  • The successful candidate must hold a valid passport and have permission to travel freely in Ukraine, and out of Ukraine to potentially attend international trade and marketing related events as needed.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills – Fluent English and Ukrainian communication skills, both oral and written. Fluency in any other international languages relevant to the target geographies of AGRI’s market export initiatives is a plus (e.g. Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Italian or Spanish).

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 2, 2024.

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

AGRI Market Linkages Analyst

20 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.

About the job

The AGRI Market Linkages Analyst is responsible for transforming raw data into business insights that are useful for decision making, providing colleagues with the necessary data and information needed to effectively develop market linkages between Ukrainian Agriculture Commodity exporters and international commodity buyer, thereby helping to enhance export performance and productivity. AGRI Market Linkages Analyst is expected to have strong logical reasoning skills and business intelligence. The ability to communicate effectively is essential. The selected candidate shall also ensure the activities are implemented according to schedule, accuracy and to the best quality, and for monitoring and reporting on their progress. The AGRI Market Linkages Analyst is based Kyiv and reports to International Market Linkages Senior Coordinator.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for the master data set of the project, generate reports and correct any data issues and problems that may arise.

  • Gathering and analyzing data from all possible sources
  • Interpreting gathered data
  • Preparing and submitting reports
  • Finding patterns and trends in the analyzed data
  • Assist in preparing presentations and activities backgrounds

Other

  • Collect and provide data, analysis, reports, presentations as per requests.
  • Review and analyze market reports to ensure clear and timely information is provided for prompt decision-making.
  • Maintain accurate project documentation and records.
  • Prepare accurate and timely reports and other project/administrative documentation as required.

About you

  • At least one year’s private sector experience with data analysis and reporting.
  • BSc/BA in Economics, Statistics, Data Management or a related field
  • Proficiency in office software applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.). BI dashboards and tools would be a plus.
  • Brings Problem-solving attitude to assigned tasks, with attention to detail, good time-management abilities, good communication skills, and can relate to people at all levels of an organization.
  • Ability to work independently and in close cooperation with a team remotely. Ability to work cross-functionally and internationally.
  • An energetic, forward-thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image.
  • A well-organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus.
  • Multitask and manage a variety of tasks and initiatives simultaneously. Ability to plan and meet specific deadlines.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills – Fluent English and Ukrainian communication skills, both oral and written.

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 2, 2024.

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

Energy Inventory Officer

20 August 2024

Lviv/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.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Energy 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 Energy Inventory Officer receives, inspects, and accepts all goods delivered to USAID ERA. Energy 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 Energy Inventory Officer reports to the Facilities and Inventory Manager and is based in the Lviv/Odesa 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).
  • Experience in Ukrainian power energy and technical compliance procedures for the enterprises of different industries;
  • Proven experience in inventory management.
  • 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.
  • Spoken and written fluency in English and Ukrainian is a must;
  • Experience producing technical reports and managing data;
  • Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders
  • Work experience with international companies or donors- funded projects preferred;

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 2, 2024.

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

Environmental Compliance Manager

16 August 2024

Kyiv/Lviv/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 (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 Environmental Compliance Manager is a key member of the ERA team and plays a pivotal role in assuring adherence to environmental policies and regulations, environmental controls, and reporting systems. S/he            is responsible for environmental analysis support to the AGRI, BCP, and EER teams’ activities, as well as interventions under ERA grants contracts. The Environmental Compliance Manager coordinates fields examinations, reports on environmentally hazardous locations and materials, and maintains environmental documentation. S/he supervises the team of environmental experts and officers, works in close coordination with the AGRI, BCP and EER technical personnel, and reports to the Director for the Environment and Emergency Response.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Environmental Assessment and Compliance:

  • Observe USAID mandatory operating policy requirements incorporating environmental 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 environmental impact and report on compliance according to the USAID environmental policy;
  • Support the AGRI, BCP, EER and Grants programs, ensuring environmental compliance of expected procurements under AGRI, BCP, EER and grants proposals;
  • In coordination with Director for the Environment and Emergency Response, work to ensure that ERA activities are aligned with the USAID ERA’s environmental compliance standards;
  • Participate in evaluation of grants proposals submitted by subcontractors and grantees in line with their reliability and ability to achieve the goals;
  • Coordinate site visits to assess vendors’ and beneficiaries/grantees’ environmental compliance, provide guidance on environmental hazards mitigation;
  • Oversee and monitor field implementation of environmental mitigation measures;
  • Maintain environmental compliance trackers for approved documents and further submissions for review;
  • As required, conduct environmental training and technical assistance to vendors, beneficiaries and grantees;
  • Oversee reviewing tests and analysis of potential environmental hazards;
  • Undertake additional actions required by the COP and DCOP to ensure compliance with USAID and Ukraine environmental protection regulations and policies;
  • Perform other tasking as directed by the ERA senior management.

Staff Supervision:

  • Manage the team of five Environmental Compliance professionals, coordinate their travels to the construction 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 environmental compliance of the ERA activities.
  • Provide guidance, coordinate and advise on how to achieve objectives set in the ERA Environmental Compliance Workplan
  • Build the capacity of staff in performing 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 professionally to key audiences, promoting environmental attentiveness.
  • Supervise compiling of the Environmental Compliance Reports for the ERA management on a regular basis;
  • Oversee Environmental 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 Environmental Management or Project Engineering Management or similar;
  • Experience in Ukrainian environmental and technical compliance procedures, including construction;
  • Experience in project management and/or team management;
  • Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience;
  • USAID projects experience is a must, work experience with internationally funded projects is a plus;
  • 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: August 30, 2024.

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

BCP modernization: what has changed at border crossing points in Zakarpattia Oblast  

Modernization of the BCPs
14 August 2024

USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), in cooperation with the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine, and the State Customs Service of Ukraine, is working to improve infrastructure at border crossing points (BCPs) on Ukraine’s western borders. This initiative aims to increase the BCPs’ efficiency, reduce waiting times, and create comfortable conditions for travelers and BCP staff. 

BCPs on Ukraine’s western border in the Zakarpattia region have long faced infrastructure problems, such as outdated buildings, insufficient lanes, lack of modern sanitary facilities and equipment, and limited space to handle the growing traffic. These problems led to delays and inconveniences for travelers and impeded the effective implementation of customs and border procedures. 

“We understand how vital the services provided at border crossing points are. This is why ERA is working on improving the conditions of BCPs and creating a favorable environment that enables more efficient export procedures. This is important for both travelers and BCP staff. In Zakarpattia Oblast, USAID ERA has already implemented a range of important improvements,” said ERA BCP Director Cameron Berkuti.

ERA vendors installed 381 LED lights at eight road BCPs in Zakarpattia Oblast — Dzvinkove—Lonia, Kosy—Barabash, Vylok—Tiszabecs, Malyi Berezniy—U’bla, Solotvyno—Sighetu, Chop (Tysa)—Zahony, Luzhanka—Beregsurany and Uzhhorod—Vyšné Nemecké. 

At the Uzhhorod—Vyšné Nemecké and Luzhanka—Beregsurany BCPs, ERA installed 10 modern prefabricated buildings for use as offices for border officials and restrooms with handicap access for travelers and new road signs and barricades and provided garbage bins for waste sorting. ERA contractors have repaved the road pavement, made road markings, installed LED lights, and added and expanded lanes. For example, an additional traffic flow lane at the Uzhhorod—Vysne Nemecke BCP will increase the traffic capacity by 680 vehicles per month and the turnover of agricultural goods by 14,000 tons per month. 

Vasyl Tatush, acting head of customs in Zakarpattia Oblast, says: “The new modular buildings provide comfortable conditions for our staff. There is now modern furniture with comfortable temperatures thanks to the installed air conditioners, which save us in the summer heat and significantly speed up customs procedures. Thanks to the movable road barricades, we can separate traffic lanes in a way that is convenient for the border guard to organize the BCP operation and for customs officers to perform customs formalities at the BCPs. 

He noted further: “Now, we receive a lot of positive feedback from travelers. Previously, the Slovakian side of the BCP was more modern, and travelers were not pleased when they entered the Ukrainian border, to be honest. Once the passenger traffic was relaunched at the renovated UzhhorodVysne Nemecke BCP with new modular buildings, new clear road signs, and road markings, many travelers who often cross this BCP were surprised. They said that at least now they can figure out where to go and where to stop for an inspection by the border guard. We are also very pleased with the new sanitary modules. Now, there are more of them at this point, they are modern. In fact, we have only positive feedback.” 

As part of the modernization of Ukraine’s BCPs, USAID ERA aims to improve the efficiency and comfort of border crossing for both BCP staff and travelers by reducing waiting times and improving the quality of service at the border.   

Stanislav Baluyev, Deputy Head of the Department of Border Crossing Points and Infrastructure Development in Zakarpattia Oblast, highlighted: “Thanks to the cooperation with USAID ERA, we were able to implement quick solutions to improve border crossing conditions. These improvements have had a positive impact on staff performance and the speed of document processing, which in turn has increased the overall efficiency of the BCPs.  

We believe that we have done our best to improve the border crossing environment for travelers. We are grateful to our partner, USAID ERA, for making this possible in Ukraine. We look forward to further cooperation and have plans and prospects for improving the work of other BCPs. We are working, we are grateful to our partner, and we hope for fruitful cooperation in the future.”  

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).