Kyiv

ERA BACKGROUND

The USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) is designed as an adaptive and flexible mechanism that supports Ukraine’s immediate development needs and overall economic resilience. 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.

STABILIZATION AND BUSINESS REVIVAL

ERA participates in developing a resilient, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy in severely damaged areas. ERA empowers Ukrainians to establish and develop micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in promising economic sectors, innovate, and enter new markets in Ukraine, the European Union (EU), and other regions. ERA emphasizes the inclusion of internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, young adults, veterans, the elderly, LGBTQI+ and other vulnerable groups to ensure that these people also participate in building the region’s economic success.

Starting in 2025, ERA is reviving its interventions around Stabilization and Business Revival and re-establishing a core focus on 4 eastern oblasts (Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson) and 3 adjacent oblasts (Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv); and, to a lesser extent, in 4 war-affected areas (Sumy, Poltava, Chernihiv, Odesa). This Stabilization and Business Revival intervention area aims to improve the economic resilience of eastern Ukraine by achieving the following goals:

• OBJECTIVE 1: Provide assistance to stabilize the economy of Ukraine; and
• OBJECTIVE 2: Support the sustainable development of micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine.

Consequently, the economy of eastern and frontline communities in Ukraine will be able to withstand and respond to the challenge presented by Russia’s invasion and destruction of critical infrastructure; and individuals, businesses and government partners will be able to rebuild their lives and operation in these regions, thereby improving the economic resilience of the region.

In addition to Stabilization and Business Revival in the east and frontline oblasts, ERA continues to support complementary intervention areas:

• 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) 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.
• BORDER CROSSING POINTS (BCP) IMPROVEMENTS; ERA 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 BCPs. Modern and more efficient border infrastructure and customs procedures will reduce export costs and increase export capacity, enabling Ukraine to scale trade and advance its path to EU integration.
• ENERGY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE SUPPORT; As one of USAID’s most flexible activities that responds to emerging and/or emergency needs, ERA is expanding its interventions that assist Ukraine businesses, communities or individuals in the fall and winter (September 2024-December 2025). The goal is to minimize the impact on the Ukrainian people and economy given recent power deficits. This is an adaptive component and ERA may also need to respond to other emergency needs in the face of ongoing Russian aggression and attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Director for Stabilization and Business Resilience provides technical leadership and team management for ERA’s Objective 1 and Objective 2 intervention. They support the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) in overseeing the development and execution of the work plan, ensuring alignment with project objectives to stabilize the economy and support SMEs. This role will include leading the staffing and management plan and coordinating with internal teams to build a high-performing team. The Director will spearhead stakeholder outreach, foster partnerships, and identify opportunities to strengthen SME resilience and sustainability, ensuring a robust pipeline of initiatives to drive economic stabilization and growth. They will be responsible for routine updates and communications to USAID and ensure high quality deliverables and interventions that achieve ERA results.

The Director will supervise the team of twelve people and be based in Kyiv.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Leadership

• Contribute to the overall project strategy to achieve ERA Objectives 1 and 2 in the East and conflict-affected regions; focusing on regional stabilization initiatives and long-term economic development goals driven through inclusive SME growth and resilience.
• Identify and oversee the development of opportunities, projects, and initiatives that support SME growth and economic stabilization; and oversee the development and implementation of the work plan to align activities with project goals focused on economic stabilization and SME support.
• Monitor progress, set milestones, and ensure timely results delivery, adapting priorities and strategies as needed; and develop and improve systems for partnership tracking and budget forecasting.
• Coordinate outreach to key stakeholders, including government entities, private sector partners, and donors, to build relationships and identify areas for collaboration; represent ERA in high-level discussions, fostering partnerships strengthening SME resilience and sustainability.
• Work with DCOP and ERA subcontractors to develop grant and direct support opportunities aligned with ERA objectives; oversee the development of solicitation documents and scope of work and lead the selection and due diligence process for partnerships under this intervention area.
• Work with the ERA Grants department to evaluate applications and oversee the technical team’s co-creation of approved concepts; ensure that grant applicants have appropriate and effective monitoring and evaluation plans for the proposed project.
• Work with the ERA procurement department to develop requests for proposals from vendors and follow through to procurement; develop relationship management tools and structures within the team to manage the delivery of direct support.
• Coordinate with the ERA Communications and MEL teams to develop communication strategies for events, digital content, publications, and information materials, including project success stories, publications, videos, promotional and marketing materials, regional, national, and international level outreach events, and other public relations products and activities.
• Prepare detailed weekly progress reports for USAID, showcasing achievements, challenges, and lessons learned; maintain routine communication channels with internal departments and project leadership to ensure cross-functional alignment and integration.
• All other tasks as necessary or requested by the COP, DCOP, COO, Tech Leads, and HR Director.

Team Leadership and Management:

• Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of 12+ professionals, ensuring effective coordination, task delegation, and professional development.
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and goal-oriented team environment to achieve project objectives.
• Lead the staffing and management plan, identifying skill gaps, driving recruitment efforts, and onboarding new team members to build capacity within the Business Resilience team.

Promote accountability and efficiency by implementing clear performance metrics and regular reporting structures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree and minimum 9 years of experience (or a bachelor’s degree equivalent and at least 12 years of experience) in economics, business, finance, project management, international development, or a related field. A degree is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing relevant SME development and economic stabilization, or recovery projects for international organizations, donors, or large-scale development projects, USAID-funded projects experience is a plus.
• Technical background and knowledge of best practices in private sector engagement, market system development, market systems resilience, investment and finance and workforce development.
• Demonstrated experience in project planning, implementation, and monitoring, including budget management and risk mitigation. Proficiency in using project management tools and reporting systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, able to make sound decisions in challenging conditions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build partnerships and engage with local authorities, technical teams, and community stakeholders. Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, delegate tasks, and ensure timely delivery of project goals.
• Proven ability to navigate complex environments and facilitate coordination between partners and teams.
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure and rapidly changing environments, focusing on delivering results under tight timelines.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and documentation skills in English and Ukrainian; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites, including remote and challenging areas.
• High integrity, accountability, and commitment to the organization’s mission and goals.

WE OFFER

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

• 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
• USAID ERA project is classified as critical infrastructure, reservation from military service is possible USAID ERA project is classified as critical infrastructure, reservation from military service is possible