USAID ERA builds ukrainian youth’s skills in robotics

10 September 2024

Olesia Yankiv is one of 500 students at the Lviv Polytechnic University who now have access to robotics equipment provided by the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA). With support from USAID ERA, the university was able to open a robotics laboratory in their Tech Startup School – now equipped with a robotic arm, its accessories and six desktop robots.  

About 300 students at Lviv Polytechnic are pursuing AI Systems, a quarter of them women. Olesia was part of a group of teachers and students who installed and studied the equipment. 

“A large part of our training consists of practical classes, which I really like,” Olesia shared. “When we got this laboratory, our opportunities increased significantly. We have already figured out the robot’s possibilities. It can be used in various productions, especially for automated lines and in dangerous areas for rescuing people, recognizing and searching for objects. It’s very interesting and promising and feels like a playground for my academic specialty, where I can get real experience.” 

“Now there are many opportunities for girls in technology,” Olesia explained. “Modern equipment and technologies allow them to join professions that were considered purely male in the past. International support also helps with this, which inspires me.”  

“During the war, many people left Ukraine in search of safety or a better life, but I see that we also have opportunities here,” she said. “We just need to see them and use them for our development – that’s why I stay at home.” 

Industrial mechanical engineering master’s student Yurii Spolitak also helped to configure the robots. Yurii has taken classes in the new robotics laboratory and an engineering and robotics research/educational center which opened this summer with USAID ERA assistance. Laser, milling and metal bending machines were installed in the center, which Yurii used to design and cut one of his models.  

“Practical skills are what we students need now,” Yurii said. “After all, young people looking for work are often asked by businesses if they have experience operating numerical program control machines.” 

“Currently, there are many modern factories in Lviv Oblast that have such machines,” he explained. “Some of them are relocated businesses, and all of them are looking for trained specialists. Therefore, the opportunity to acquire practical skills in laboratories significantly strengthens our competitiveness in the labor market.” 

Thanks to USAID, these newly equipped labs are improving the technical skills of young men and women to enter the engineering sector and support Ukraine’s economic recovery.” 

AGRI Market Linkages Analyst

10 September 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.

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: 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 25, 2024.

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

BCP Equipment Specialist

09 September 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 BCP Equipment Specialist will be a key member of ERA’s BCP Support Team, responsible for coordinating the end-to-end procurement process for equipment and IT systems to enhance the operational capacity of road border crossing points (BCPs). This role involves identifying, assessing, and evaluating the needs of BCPs, developing detailed scopes of work (SOW), conducting market assessments, and preparing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for procurement. The Equipment Specialist will manage relationships with end users, ensuring the smooth delivery, installation, and handover of equipment to BCPs. In addition, the Equipment Specialist will contribute to project reporting, documenting lessons learned, and work closely with Government of Ukraine (GoU) partners to ensure that all procurement activities align with Ukrainian legal requirements. The position reportto the Senior Manager for BCP Support and is based in Lviv or Odesa.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Needs Assessment and Analysis: Conduct assessments of road BCPs to identify equipment and IT system needs, ensuring alignment with operational requirements and project objectives.
  • Develop Scopes of Work for RFP: Draft detailed technical specifications for equipment procurement, clearly defining requirements, deliverables, and timelines to expedite the procurement process.
  • Market Assessments and Vendor Research: Conduct market research to identify potential vendors, evaluate available solutions, and ensure competitive and cost-effective procurement.
  • Coordinate RFPs and Procurement Process: Collaborate closely with the Procurement team to develop detailed Requests for Proposals (RFPs), ensure all technical specifications are accurately reflected, and support the evaluation of vendor submissions.
  • Quality Management: Ensure the quality of procured equipment by monitoring vendor performance and compliance with specifications during delivery and installation, coordinating with vendors and end users to address any issues.
  • End User Engagement: Liaise with end users at BCPs to ensure that procured equipment meets operational needs and facilitate any necessary training or capacity building.
  • Coordinate Equipment Delivery and Installation: Oversee the logistics of equipment delivery and installation at road BCPs, ensuring that installations are carried out efficiently and in line with specifications.
  • Handover and Closeout: in cooperation with Inventory Team coordinate the handover of equipment to BCPs, proper documentation preparation, and facilitate with Procurement and Inventory teams a thorough closeout process for each procurement activity.
  • Reporting and Documentation: Contribute to regular reporting on procurement activities, providing updates on progress, challenges, and key lessons learned for continuous improvement.
  • Compliance and Coordination with GoU Partners: Ensure all procurement activities comply with Ukrainian regulations and project guidelines, working closely with Government of Ukraine (GoU) partners to ensure compliance with Ukrainian legislation.
  • Cross-Team Coordination: Work in close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as Procurement, Finance, Inventory, and Communications to ensure alignment with project objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • BA/MA degree in Logistics and Transportation, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
  • At least 5 years of experience in transportation and logistics, with a focus on complex equipment and IT systems. Experience working with government partners is highly desirable;
  • Demonstrated professional experience in the private or public 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 appropriate 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 19, 2024.

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

Finance Officer/ Accountant

06 September 2024

Lviv

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

About you

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

WE OFFER

Contract length: 12-month employment agreement with a possibility of extension.

Benefits Package:

  • 28 calendar days of annual leave
  • 10 days of internal well-being paid leave per annum
  • Medical Insurance for ERA staff and their families
  • Life Insurance for ERA staff
  • Coverage of all expenses for the business trips
  • 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 19, 2024.

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

Modernization of the Yahodyn – Dorohusk border crossing point: USAID ERA presents large-scale reconstruction design 

Modernization of the BCPs
06 September 2024

USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA), in partnership with the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure, has unveiled a new design for the reconstruction of the Yahodyn road border crossing point (BCP). USAID ERA subcontractor Miyamoto Ukraine is currently developing this updated design. 

 Serhii Derkach, Deputy Minister of Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, Roman Komendant, Acting Head of the State Agency for Reconstruction, along with Brian Fahey, Senior Economic Growth Advisor at USAID, representatives of USAID ERA, and Miyamoto Ukraine, attended the presentation. 

Timothy Madigan, ERA Chief of Party, emphasized the strategic importance of the Yahodyn-Dorohusk border crossing for Ukraine, stating: “The renovated infrastructure will introduce modern control processes, utilizing paperless technology and automated traffic management. We expect this can increase the capacity for trucks by approximately 88.2% and for buses by 100%.” 

Under USAID ERA, the reconstruction will involve building a new freight terminal, expanding lanes for trucks, buses, and cars, and constructing administrative and engineering structures. The redesigned terminal area and freight terminal will include gender-sensitive and inclusive features, such as well-lit pathways, separate sanitary facilities, and designated areas for women with children and people with disabilities. These improvements will ensure enhanced safety and comfort for all visitors, aligning with international standards. The reconstruction is slated for completion by August 2025. 

USAID ERA and Miyamoto Ukraine are also working on a feasibility study for a new bridge, which the Ukrainian government plans to execute through the EU’s “Connecting Europe Facility-2” (CEF-2) program. The feasibility study will be completed by October 2024. 

Serhii Derkach highlighted that the Yahodyn-Dorohusk BCP, the largest in Ukraine, handles over 600 trucks daily. However, this capacity falls short, especially during the export season. He explained: “Our goal is to allow every truck to plan its departure online, days in advance, eliminating long waits. We expect the project to double Yahodyn’s capacity and significantly boost trade.”

 

Currently, the BCP processes 680 trucks and 50 buses daily. After the upgrades, which will feature up to 20 truck lanes, 12 car lanes, 4 bus lanes, and a pedestrian corridor, the capacity could increase to 1,280 trucks and 100 buses per day. These enhancements will boost efficiency, aiding Ukraine’s economic recovery. The BCP may also accommodate passenger vehicles in the future, further increasing the number of vehicles serviced. Once all the planned facilities are fully constructed, the BCP is expected to process 242,000 cars, 331,200 freight units, and 31,050 buses annually. 

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).

USAID ERA Brings Ukrainian Flavors to International Supermarket in Ireland 

05 September 2024

Walk into a LIDL supermarket in Ireland this week, and you’ll see the rich culinary flavors of Ukraine on display. Thanks to USAID’s support through the Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA), Ukrainian exporters were able to get products such as cherry dumplings, sunflower halva, creamed honey and more out of Ukraine and on to LIDL Ireland’s shelves.  

More than 25 products are currently for sale in the international supermarket chain, brought under the USAID ERA “European Shelves for Ukrainian Producers” project, which supported Ukrainian food and drink producers to start or re-start their export activities in 2023, even amid myriad export challenges wrought by Russia’s war on Ukraine. These products are being promoted as part of LIDL’s Eastern European Week, one of their renowned “Tastes of the World” campaigns, which have previously featured themes such as Italiamo, Vitasio, and Eridanous, showcasing Italian, Japanese and Greek foods, respectively. 

“I’m thrilled to find authentic Ukrainian products available here in Ireland. It’s a comforting reminder of home and one more wonderful way to stay connected to home,” said Alona Dekhtiarenko, a Ukrainian living in Cork, Ireland. 

With support from ERA over eight months, Kwayga, which specializes in connecting supermarket buyers in Europe with global suppliers, held best practice webinars with 440 participants, arranged 34 commercial meetings between EU buyers and Ukrainian suppliers, and created commercial connections between 231 buyers and sellers — ultimately leading to contracts signed with major EU supermarkets, including 5 contracts signed with Lidl Ireland, 1 contract signed with Aldi Ireland for 40,000 units of honey, and 1 contract signed with a well-established honey company for 3 orders with a total value of approximately €120,000. 

Kwayga is pioneering innovations in the marketplace with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which they used to efficiently source hundreds of Ukrainian suppliers who became part of this project. In addition to optimizing sourcing for retail buyers, this effort has helped Ukrainian producers embrace new technologies and innovations to identify buyers for their products.  

“We are very proud to have been a part of this important project and delighted to see how Kwayga’s AI-driven technology has played a role in connecting Lidl with Ukrainian food producers,” said Mike McGrath, Kwayga CEO. “This initiative not only showcases the strength of Ukrainian products but also highlights the importance of global cooperation in sustaining economies and communities during challenging times.”  

Commenting on the project’s impact, USAID ERA Chief of Party Tim Madigan said,

“This collaboration exemplifies how strategic partnerships can create meaningful economic opportunities for Ukrainian producers. By working with Kwayga, we were able to connect these businesses with new markets, helping them to not only recover but also to establish a sustainable presence in the global food industry.”  

Depending on the results of this week’s sales, LIDL Ireland may repeat the promotion every four to six months and potentially sign a long-term contract. Negotiations with other major retailers are also underway, providing a hopeful future for Ukrainian sellers – and more flavorful foods on shelves throughout Europe.