Small Engines for a Big Cause: Collaboration Between USAID ERA and Dneproresurs LLC

Modernization of the BCPs

08 October 2024

Amid the unprecedented challenges brought on by the war, Ukrainian enterprises have demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovative approaches to restoring critical infrastructure. A prime example is the collaboration between USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) and the Ukrainian manufacturer Dneproresurs LLC.

This summer, USAID ERA procured 27 electric motors that were installed in gantry cranes and railway jacks at three border railway border crossing points (BCPs) in Lviv, Chernivtsi, and Zakarpattia Oblasts. These are the Mostyska II, Chop, and Vadul-Siret rail BCPs. This was one of the factors that improved Ukrzaliznytsia’s (UZ) technical capabilities for handling freight transportation.

Gantry cranes are used to lift and move heavy cargo containers between different transport modes, while railway jacks are used to lift train carriages for maintenance tasks such as changing wheelsets or performing repairs.

Dneproresurs LLC, a Ukrainian company operating for over 20 years in the electrical equipment market, manufactures these motors under the brand name ELMO. The company specializes in producing and supplying industrial electrical equipment used in various sectors of Ukraine and beyond. These include general-purpose electric motors of the AIR series, explosion-proof motors, and overhauling electric motors ranging from 0.12 kW to 8000 kW. Additionally, they manufacture pump equipment, mainly for water supply, and also fan equipment for various uses including ventilation, air heating, and air conditioning systems.

Cameron Berkuti, ERA BCP Director emphasized the significance of these electric motors:

“While they may seem modest at first glance, these motors are crucial for bogie lifts that are used in changing wheelsets, allowing trains and wagons to transition between Ukraine’s wide gauge (1520 mm) and Europe’s standard gauge (1435 mm), and vice versa. These compact engines significantly boost the efficiency and speed of cranes and bogie lifts. Without functioning motors, this equipment often stood idle or operated at reduced capacity.”

Despite the devastating impact of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine, Dneproresurs has managed to overcome the crisis and maintain high production standards. Their expertise and high-quality products have ensured their leading role in supplying electrical equipment not only to the Ukrainian market but also internationally. Smart-Grid LLC, an ERA vendor, supplied the Dneproresurs products under the USAID ERA contract, thereby confirming the high-quality standards and recognition of the ELMO branded products. This collaboration has underscored the trust USAID places in Ukrainian manufacturers and marked Dneproresurs as a company of quality, opening new horizons for further development and strengthening its position in international markets.

The successful installation and operation of these electric motors have allowed UZ to significantly increase productivity at the three BCPs. This improvement has not only ensured the smooth flow of cargo but has also boosted export volumes, particularly of grain crops, which are vital for the country’s economic stability.

Nataliia Kolesnychenko, Director of Dniproresurs LLC noted:

“USAID ERA has catalyzed the development of Dneproresurs’ production capabilities and opened new opportunities for expanding sales both domestically and internationally. Our collaboration vividly demonstrates how international aid, combined with local innovation and enterprise resilience, can contribute to the restoration and development of critical infrastructure, even under the most challenging conditions.”

Dneproresurs continually implements the latest technologies in its production processes, ensuring high product quality and increased energy efficiency, while supporting its employees and local communities through social projects to overcome the consequences of the war. The company plans to continue expanding its production capacities and entering new international markets, further strengthening the position of Ukrainian manufacturers on the global stage.

For more details about Dneproresurs and its products, visit the official website: https://elmo.ua/uk/.

USAID equips lab at university to attract engineering students

Increasing Opportunities

03 October 2024

On September 27, teachers and students of the Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University (EUNU) presented the new USAID-equipped Digital Prototyping and Manufacturing Laboratory (FabLab) to 15 students from the Kyiv Technical School of Electronic Devices and representatives of USAID.

The FabLab is one of three new labs equipped by USAID through its Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) to help EUNU attract more students to study engineering and provide a space where they can gain practical skills working with cutting-edge equipment. Originally located in Luhansk Oblast, EUNU was forced to move twice following Russia’s invasions of Ukraine in 2014 and again in 2022, eventually settling in Kyiv. More than 5,200 students are currently studying at EUNU in eight different departments.

At the event, EUNU teachers and students demonstrated a 3D printer making engine parts and a laser cutter creating a phone holder out of plywood. The university also presented a mockup of an agricultural drone produced with the USAID-provided equipment. Attendees discussed the lab’s possibilities and professional prospects for engineering graduates, and EUNU invited students to join their new “scientific circle,” a free club that will host workshops.

“I have been studying software engineering for several years and am particularly interested in using a 3D printer for design,” said Bohdan Ihnatiuk, a 4th-year student at the Kyiv Technical School of Electronic Devices. “I think that in the future engineering will be in great demand, especially for the reconstruction of Ukraine, and workshops like the one today help us understand certain aspects of the profession, and even try to make something practical.”

From September to November 2024, EUNU plans to hold 10 similar events for applicants of various educational institutions of Kyiv to help attract more students to the university and the field of engineering.

Serhii Kudryavtsev, Dean of the Engineering Faculty, said,

“Through such events, we popularize engineering majors among applicants and promote the reorientation of young people to the professions needed for the economy of Ukraine.”

X-ray scanners purchased by USAID ERA will speed up vehicle inspections at the borders

Modernization of the BCPs

02 October 2024

USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) has purchased and delivered 10 of 20 handheld scanners to the State Customs Service. The total cost of the equipment is about $1 million euro. The scanners will be deployed at the following 12 road BCPs: Yahodyn, Porubne, Uzhhorod, Luzhanka, Krasnoilsk, Diakivtsi, Chop (Tysa), Mamalyha, Rososhany, Starokozache, Mohyliv-Podilskyi, and Rava-Ruska BCPs.

Customs officials will use the U.S.-made hand-held scanning systems to detect third-party objects in vehicles. The use of these portable scanners is expected to speed up vehicle inspections and help prevent the movement of prohibited substances across the state border.

Cameron Berkuti, USAID ERA BCP Director, noted: “USAID ERA is actively modernizing Ukraine’s borders to expedite customs processes and overall border crossings. The scanners will enhance border security, speed up vehicle inspections at the borders.“

Handheld X-ray scanners are a fast and effective way to scan vehicles, eliminating the need for in-depth inspections and preventing contraband.

“Thanks to USAID ERA, modern scanners will now help us inspect vehicles and buses, detecting prohibited or undeclared goods that might be transported across the border. Previously, Сustoms officials relied on other technical means and visual inspections, but these new devices will increase the efficiency of Сustoms officers and speed up inspections at the border,” said Valerii Zhaldak, Director of the Department of Logistics and Property Management of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

A tablet is used along with the scanner to show what the scanner “sees” on its screen, allowing Customs officers to work together to screen vehicles and luggage.

“The detailed inspection of one passenger car now takes up to thirty minutes because, if suspicious objects are detected, the paneling must be removed and hard-to-reach places checked. With this scanner, the inspection time will be reduced to ten minutes, significantly speeding up traffic,” shares Artem Mulenko, head of the department of mobile scanning systems at the Volyn Customs Service. “This scanner is designed to scan, for example, a single bag or the side wall of a car.”

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).

Technical Assistance Coordinator

27 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.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Technical Assistance Coordinator will play a pivotal role in ERA’s mission by overseeing and coordinating technical assistance efforts within the BCP Equipment and System Support team. This position is essential in supporting the team to ensure the successful implementation of activities and the timely completion of reporting requirements related to improving the efficiency of border crossing points (BCPs). The focus will be on optimizing BCP operations to handle increased cargo volumes, particularly grain and other essential commodities. Based in Kyiv or Lviv (preferable), the Technical Assistance Coordinator will report directly to the Senior Manager for BCP Support and work closely with the BCP Director to ensure alignment and consistency in reporting and follow-up activities across the team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordinate Technical Assistance Efforts: Oversee and facilitate the coordination of technical assistance activities within the BCP Equipment and System Support team to ensure efficient implementation.
Stakeholder Communication: Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and collaboration across teams and with relevant authorities.
Support Activity Implementation: Assist team members in planning, executing, and monitoring activities related to enhancing BCP operations, ensuring timelines and objectives are met.
Reporting and Documentation: Prepare, review, and submit regular reports on project progress, challenges, and outcomes to the Senior Manager for BCP Support and the BCP Director.
Data Collection and Analysis: Gather, analyze, and report data related to BCP performance, ensuring that insights are used to inform decision-making and improve operational efficiency.
Deliverable Management: Track and manage the timely completion of project deliverables, ensuring all outputs meet the required standards and are properly documented.
Team Coordination: Facilitate regular team meetings and coordinate follow-up actions, ensuring all team members are aligned and informed on project priorities and deadlines.
Problem Solving and Troubleshooting: Identify potential issues in project implementation and work with team members to develop and implement effective solutions.
Compliance Monitoring: Ensure that all technical assistance activities comply with USAID regulations, project guidelines, and local legal requirements.
Continuous Improvement: Proactively seek opportunities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of BCP operations, recommending and implementing process improvements where applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS

BA/MA degree in International Development, Project Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Economics or a related field;
At least 5 years of experience providing technical assistance to humanitarian or development programming in Ukraine or similar country context;
Demonstrated technical experience in the private 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 appropriately 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: October 11, 2024.

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

USAID ERA Installs 1,909 Energy-Efficient LED Lamps at 25 Ukrainian Border Crossing Points

Modernization of the BCPs

19 September 2024

USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) has successfully installed 1,909 LED lamps, along with necessary equipment such as switches, cables, and brackets, at 25 road and rail border crossing points (BCPs) across Volyn, Lviv, Zakarpattia, Chernivtsi, Vinnytsia, and Odesa Oblasts. Ukrainian manufacturers VATRA and Beta Light supplied the LED lamps.

The newly installed LED lamps are highly energy-efficient, using 80% less power than the incandescent lamps they replaced. With 10 hours of darkness each day, the LED technology saves up to 300,000 kWh per month. These lamps also consume up to 50% less energy compared to the halogen and fluorescent lamps replaced. These improvements are vital for ensuring smooth operations at the BCPs, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of goods and travelers.

In the long term, these upgrades will offer significant benefits, such as reduced maintenance costs and lower energy consumption. Overall, the newly installed LED lamps consume just 200 kWh compared to 1,000 kWh for incandescent bulbs, providing stronger light efficiency and greater durability for border infrastructure.

USAID ERA Strengthens Three Railway Border Crossing Points with ICT Equipment and Generators

Modernization of the BCPs

17 September 2024

USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) is actively enhancing the operational capacity of Ukraine’s railway border crossing points (BCPs) with Romania and Moldova. To improve the country’s logistics infrastructure, USAID ERA has supplied generators and ICT equipment, streamlining cargo processing and speeding up freight flows at these crucial railway BCPs.

ERA delivered 34 units of ICT equipment, including printers, computers, laptops, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), to the railway BCPs at Reni, Kuchurhan (in Odesa Oblast), and Vadul Siret (in Chernivtsi Oblast). This equipment will help optimize cargo handling and improve administrative operations at these transport hubs.

Additionally, ERA provided one 6 kW petrol generator and two 17.6 kW diesel generators to the Kuchurhan rail BCP, along with three 17.5 kW diesel generators to the Reni rail BCP. These generators ensure uninterrupted operations during power outages. Ukrainian Railways (UZ) covered the costs of building protective canopies for the equipment.

Earlier, ERA supplied similar ICT equipment and generators to railway BCPs on Ukraine’s western border, including those at Yahodyn, Mostyska, and Chop.

Between 2023 and 2026, USAID, through ERA, is committing $115 million to directly support the Government of Ukraine. This funding will assist the Ministry for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development (Ministry for Restoration), the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure, the State Customs Service, and Ukrainian Railways (UZ) in modernizing 42 of Ukraine’s BCPs.