USAID ERA delivered grain wagons to Cygnet

AGRI-Ukraine Export Logistics Support

05 June 2024

USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) delivered 15 grain wagons to Cygnet, a group of agri-companies growing grain and oilseeds in Ukraine. Cygnet expects these 15 wagons will increase grain exports, optimize logistics costs and reduce transportation service provider dependence. These wagons were produced in Ukraine by the Ukrainian manufacturer Karpaty Plant.

Cygnet uses wagons to transship grain via rail within Ukraine and it usually rents wagons from third-party providers. Renting wagons during the peak season subjects Cygnet to rates fluctuations and availability, leading to periodic disruptions in transshipping. The USAID-funded wagons, the first owned by Cygnet, will reduce Cygnet’s demand for rented wagons by 10%, provide consistent shipping capacity, and reduce disruptions.

In 2022, after Russia’s full-scale invasion, Cygnet pivoted to alternative export routes. All alternative routes proved less efficient and more expensive, so when the Grain Corridor reopened, Cygnet returned to the traditional Black Sea port channels.

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 provided six one-ton commodity scales to four border crossing points

Modernization of the BCPs

05 June 2024

The USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) delivered six commodity scales with a load capacity of one ton to four road border crossing points (BCPs) to improve customs operations for cargo exports. Two scales were installed at the Kosino—Barabash and Vylok—Tisabech BCPs on the border with Hungary, while one scale each was installed at the Maly Berezny—Uzhhorod (Slovakia) and Solotvyno—Sighet (Romania) BCPs.

By quickly and accurately weighing quantities of goods, the scales will help expedite the customs clearance process, allowing customs officers to focus on other critically important tasks. Reducing the waiting time for vehicles to undergo customs procedures at the border will facilitate smoother traffic flow at the crossing points, ensuring that goods crossing the borders meet customs requirements.

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine, including 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).

How to provide the world with ukrainian food was discussed at the Grain Ukraine conference

AGRI-Ukraine Export Logistics Support

05 June 2024

On May 30-31, USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) and 14 of USAID ERA’s agri-exporting partners took part in the 9th annual Grain Ukraine International Conference in Kyiv. The theme this year was “Grain in the Time of Chaos” and participants focused on finding new ways (political, economic, and logistical) to promote Ukrainian agribusiness on the global market.

USAID ERA’s Supply Chain and Expert Logistics Lead, Thomas O’Callaghan and AGRI Private Partnerships Relations Specialist, Elvira Aleksyeyeva attended to meet with partners to understand the latest market trends.

The conference focused on reviewing global trends which influence Ukrainian exports to the global market, the prospect of EU integration, the challenges of the war, and creative solutions to tough logistical problems.

Petr Krogman, the owner of Agromino—USAID ERA’s partner—and President of the Czech-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, spoke on a panel discussion citing challenges Agromino faces during the war and ways to overcome the regional imbalance. Mr. Krogman had just come from Kharkiv Oblast, where Agromino had just sowed their fields for the season. Mr. Krogman noted that

“We sow to preserve economic life in these regions. It is necessary for the border regions to survive.”

Unfortunately, businesses like Agromino, operating in Kharkiv Oblast are severely disadvantaged. Overall, the average cost of production on fields on the eastern boarder are 40-50% higher than in the western regions of Ukraine. Many agricultural areas are now militarized zones and unfit for use and companies face additional costs to demine their land. Mr. Krogman believes that incentives and compensation programs from the government can significantly help companies continue to work near the contact line.

Another USAID ERA partner feeling the heat of the war is Nibulon. On a panel, Mykhailo Rizak, Nibulon’s Director of Interaction with Authorities discussed the negative impact of legislative changes on Nibulon’s land bank. He continued by explaining how Nibulon is reviving mined land back to a safe field suitable for cultivation and he emphasized the need to demine water areas to ensure the safety of sea vessels.

Moreover, USAID ERA’s partner Kernel, represented by Oleksandr Golovin, Commercial Director spoke about the importance of the Black Sea on a panel. Mr. Oleksandr also predicted the next marketing year will be the manufacturer’s year.

Looking forward, USAID ERA’s partner Ukrainian Grain Trading Company (UGTC) emphasized training programs which will help future businesses. UGTC’s co-owner, Serhiy Verenkiotov, was grateful for the equipment USAID provides but stressed the significance of developing labor potential at the conference.

Similarly, Kateryna Rusina, the owner USAID ERA’s partner Ascet Shipping, is looking forward to create future reliable business connections at the Grain Ukraine conference.

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. 

Events and Graphic Design Associate

30 May 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 Events and Graphic Design Associate will support the ERA Communications team with their events and graphic design needs. He/She will work with the Communications team, Technical teams, and Operations teams to conceptualize, plan, select venues, organize and execute events such as VIP visits, training, conferences, round tables, media events, public outreach activities, etc. He/She will also be expected to contribute to the production of graphic materials in support of events and other ERA activities to clearly convey sectors, results and lessons learned. This may include the production of banners, infographics, presentations, reports, newsletters and other communications products. Events and Graphic Design Associate will report to the Events Coordinator.

Responsibilities:

In collaboration with communications team, the Events Coordinator, and operations teams, the Events Associate will help plan events, including identifying, scoping and booking venues, arranging invitations, proposing ideas for and managing logistics, organizing catering, preparing event materials, set up venues, facilitate data collection,
Support the team to strictly following ERA’s security and procurement policies and ensuring quality of execution throughout the event;
Collaborate effectively with technical teams to ensure optimal event design, format etc.;
Travel to support the preparation and implementation of events as required;
Assist with taking meeting minutes and transcribing meeting notes and handwritten notes from hard copy into electronic format; and
Collect information about future events, including those organized by national and international stakeholders, and prepare monthly activity and delivery calendars;
Ensure the proper branding of ERA external/public documents at events or on other deliverables;
Format ERA’s publications and reporting documents in accordance with USAID branding and graphic identity requirements;
Create graphic materials to be used in online resources, social media, traditional media, and web pages of partners and beneficiaries;
Other activities as requested.

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:

BA in communications, journalism, international relations, graphic design, or related field;
3 years of experience working in a similar capacity on USAID or other international donor-funded projects (desirable but not essential);
Excellent time-management, organizational skills, and attention to detail required;
Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) in English and Ukrainian, and experience preparing high quality written and graphic design materials;
Exceptional English writing skills, including grammar, syntax, and punctuation;
Experience in developing social media content desired;
Proficiency with MS Office (Word and PowerPoint), graphic arts, and/or desktop publishing software;
Diplomatic and professional skills are required to liaise with ERA stakeholders and technical teams.

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: July 1, 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: June 16, 2024.

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

BCP Infrastructure Project Manager

Modernization of the BCPs

30 May 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.

BCPs Renovation and Upgrade:

Infrastructure Improvements: deliver equipment, architecture and engineering design and construction services at 9 priority (6 road and 3 rail) and up to 12 additional BCPs that improve traffic management systems, cargo processing, and terminal infrastructure and equipment for cargo and passenger processing, to increase exports and manage traffic more efficiently along the borders of Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
Standardization and Efficiency with Rapid Upgrades: target total of 42 BCPs with immediate upgrades such as prefabricated office structures and restrooms, pavement repairs, signage, barricades, and equipment for weighing and scanning that address urgent needs and improve user experience and perceptions of Ukraine.
Equipment and Traffic Management Systems: procure mobile truck scanners, fixed and dynamic scales, luggage and hand-held scanners, and rail cargo equipment to increase export capacity and meet international standards for cargo processing; and develop and implement modern traffic management systems at select, high volume BCPs.

About the job

BCP Infrastructure Project Manager will work with the BCP Director and Senior Manager for BCP Rapid Upgrades to oversee and coordinate project design management performed by engineering firms and construction from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and according to specifications. The position requires travel to BCP at the western border of Ukraine. The role is placed in Kyiv or Lviv and reports to Senior Manager for BCP Upgrade.

Responsibilities:

Project Planning and Scheduling:

Develop project scope of work, schedule, estimated cost, and resource allocation requirements.
Define project objectives, deliverables, and milestones.
Identify and mitigate project risks.
Review and monitor the level of effort (LOEs) submitted by the engineering subcontractors for reasonableness and time frames during the pre-design, design, and construction phases.
Develop and update progress monitoring control schedules (MS Project, Excel) for design and construction work for multiple projects.
Track work progress using several factors such as time, cost, actual progress, etc., and monitor compliance with workplan timing and budget.

Project Execution:

Lead project kick-off meetings and regular status meetings.
Coordinate activities among team members and stakeholders.
Monitor project progress and performance using various methods such as time, cost, and physical progress.
Resolve issues and conflicts as they arise.

Communication:

Communicate project status, issues, and risks to ERA, USAID, and stakeholders.
Provide regular updates to the project team and management.

Resource Management:

Review and track resource allocation by the engineering subcontractors on multiple projects simultaneously against approved LOEs and detect any overlaps.
Review the engineering developed estimated construction cost.

Quality Assurance:

Ensure that deliverables meet quality standards and Government of Ukraine and USAID requirements.
Implement quality assurance processes and procedures.
Conduct quality reviews and audits as necessary.

Budget Management:

Develop project budget, track expenses, and review progress payments
Ensure that projects are completed within budget.

Stakeholder Management:

Build and maintain relationships with project stakeholders.
Manage stakeholder expectations and address their concerns.

Documentation:

Develop simultaneous document review and filing process.
Maintain accurate project documentation, including plans, schedules, and reports.
Ensure that project documentation is up-to-date and accessible
Archive project documentation upon project completion.
Keep respective activity records in the DAI corporate system (TAMIS).

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:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Project management certification (e.g., PMP) is desirable.
At least 8 years of experience in managing engineering design projects and preferably donor-funded projects in Ukraine or abroad
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational, time management, multi-tasking and multiple project management abilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Project Management tools and software and ability to add LOE, and cost in addition to time to the Microsoft PM.
Knowledge of engineering and construction principles and practices.
Familiarity with relevant GoU and USAID regulations and standards of design and construction, as well as knowledge of international technical assistance.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills in English and Ukrainian are required.
Excellent computer skills in MS Excel and MS Project; able to develop Microsoft Project Gantt charts to monitor engineering level of effort (LOE), schedules, and cost for several projects environment.
Strong technical, financial, analytical, quantitative, critical thinking, and conceptual skills to analyze issues, develop monitoring and control tools, and recommend and present solutions and/or options.

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: July 1, 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: June 16, 2024.

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

USAID completes basic upgrade of Yahodyn–Dorohusk road border crossing point to boost processing of cargo for export

Modernization of the BCPs

29 May 2024

In cooperation with the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine, the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) has completed work on modernizing the Yahodyn-Dorohusk road crossing point (BCP) in Volyn Oblast, which borders Poland.

USAID ERA contractor installed 10 modular or prefabricated buildings, including four up-to-date restroom facilities with handicapped access and six modern offices for passport and document processing for truck drivers and passengers traversing the BCP. Each modular office is fully insulated and furnished, equipped with heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, and connected to utilities (electricity, water, and heating), providing excellent working conditions for the State Customs and Border Guard Services of Ukraine.

Simultaneously, USAID ERA contractor repaired damaged sidewalks and curbs, rainwater drainage pipes, painted metal fences, and replaced the road surface, updated road markings, fences, and signs. The road repairs improve safety and provide significant cost savings for people crossing the border by reducing wear and tear on tires and vehicles in general.

USAID ERA also provided waste sorting trash bins to enhance cleanliness and safety and installed 459 LED lights and fixtures, significantly boosting illumination and enhancing safety and security at nighttime. Furthermore, USAID ERA installed two mobile dynamic vehicle scales, vital and versatile equipment that can be used to supplement the fixed scales to weigh vehicles and cargo, providing flexibility in handling different weighing requirements.

Additionally, USAID ERA is upgrading the Yahodyn-Dorohusk rail BCP to meet Ukrainian Railways’ (UZ) needs of improving the processing of cargo and passenger movements. USAID ERA has so far installed one 50-KW diesel generator to ensure continuous operation during power outages and delivered 26 pieces of ICT equipment and other supplies, including multifunctional devices (MFD), printers, laptops, computers, notebooks, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the supports the Government of Ukraine, including 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).