Modernization of the BCPs

USAID ERA improves lighting at road border crossing points in Zakarpattia oblast

Modernization of the BCPs
02 July 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, USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) has begun upgrading lighting systems at key border crossing points (BCPs) to improve illumination at night. A total of 875 LED lights are planned to be replaced or installed at road BCPs on Ukraine’s border with Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and Romania.  

Between April and May 2024, ERA vendors installed 381 LED lights at eight road BCPs in Zakarpatiia Oblast – Dzvinkove—Lonia, Kosyno—Barabash, Vylok—Tiszabecs, Malyi Berezniy—U’bla,  Solotvyno—Sighetu, Chop (Tysa)—Zahony, Luzhanka—Beregsurany and Uzhhorod—Vyšné Nemecké. The enhancement of lighting systems at Ukraine’s BCPs is a vital step in improving operational efficiency, safety, and security. Previously, in December 2023, the USAID Project had already upgraded lighting at two border crossing points on Ukraine’s borders with Poland (Volyn Oblast) and Slovakia, installing 479 LED lamps, which significantly improved lighting at night. 

“We are thankful to our partners for their support of Ukraine and the rapid implementation of important projects for our country,” said the first deputy head of the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration.  

These BCPs are part of the 44 priority crossing points on Ukraine’s western borders being modernized through ERA to strengthen the export logistics infrastructure of Ukraine. The lighting system improvements are essential for the smooth functioning of border operations and ensuring the safe and efficient flow of goods and travelers. The long-term benefits of this initiative include reduced maintenance costs, lower energy consumption, and a more robust and resilient border infrastructure.

“The upgrade of the lighting system at the BCPs managed by the Zakarpattia Customs contributed to improving the quality of customs control and clearance in the dark, improving the working conditions of the customs and border guard services, as well as the comfort of citizens crossing the border,” commented Oleksandr Semyrga, Head of the Zakarpattia Customs.

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).

USAID ERA finalizes predesign work of the Yahodyn–Dorohusk road border crossing point 

Modernization of the BCPs
14 June 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, USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) subcontractor Miyamoto Ukraine finalized the predesign work for the reconstruction of the Yahodyn–Dorohusk road border crossing point. 

The predesign work consisted of completing a feasibility study (FS)/Technical economic Justification (TEJ) and pre-design work for the new cargo terminal at the BCP.  

The new facility will enable the implementation of an enhanced system of modern control processes based on paperless technologies and automated traffic management that will increase throughput capacity by 10-15%.  

Therefore, the completed pre-design and FS/TEJ is a significant milestone that paves the way for the next stage of work, the detailed design work, which has already begun. The final stage of the process is the major construction of the new cargo terminal, supported by USAID. Major construction of the new cargo terminal at the additional territory includes constructing new transport and pedestrian routes and building necessary structures and control locations, to be completed by the end of 2025.  

“The specialists of our company cooperated closely with all the relevant stakeholders during this important process of improving the operation of the BCP. We are also introducing international experience into the BCP’s operation, and the newest materials and technologies.  We make every effort to achieve the set goals within the specified timeframe in compliance with the requirements of Ukrainian and international legislation. We aspire to improve the process of our western border crossings through comfortable conditions for travelers and BCP staff members,” Nataliia Chukanova, the chief engineer of Miyamoto International Ukraine said.

Further, ERA and Miyamoto Ukraine will develop limited FS for the current BCP and proposed bridge by October 2024 and provide these to the Government of Ukraine for future implementation through the EU-funded Connecting Europe Facility-2 (CEF-2) Activity.

Both the newly reconstructed area of the existing terminal and the new cargo terminal will incorporate gender-sensitive and inclusive design features such as well-lit pathways, separate sanitation facilities, and designated areas for women, children, and persons with disability to enhance safety and comfort for all users, in alignment with international best practices. 

Currently, the Yahodyn-Dorohusk BCP processes 340 trucks, 25 buses, and 550 cars during a 12-hour shift. After the reconstruction, the addition of a cargo terminal and pedestrian crossing (as well as the reorganization and optimization of the transport scheme to 20 lanes for trucks, 12 lanes for cars, four lanes for buses, and a pedestrian corridor) will potentially increase the BCP’s capacity to 640 trucks, 50 buses, and 1,000 cars per each 12-hour shift. The expected results are that the BCP will operate permanently with an annual flow of 3,519,000 people, 242,000 car units, 331,200 cargo units, and 31,050 buses, significantly boosting Ukraine’s export and economic recovery.  

 Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This 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 improves the efficiency of rail cargo operations at the Railway Border Crossing Points

Modernization of the BCPs
14 June 2024

USAID improves the efficiency of rail cargo operations at the Railway Border Crossing Points

 USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is providing 20 bogie exchange lifts to the Railway Border Crossing Point (BCP) operated by Ukrainian Railways (UZ) in Lviv Oblast on Ukraine’s border with Poland.  

Bogie exchange lifts are used to efficiently change wheel bogies to move trains and wagons from wider gauges (1520 mm) used in Ukraine to standard gauges (1435 mm) used in Europe and vice versa.

Using these new lifts will contribute to more precise rail car rearrangement and, ultimately, to the efficiency of rail freight transportation between Ukraine and the European Union. It will also increase transshipment capacity by 40 wagons per day. 

At the beginning of June, the USAID ERA contractor installed the first three sets of four, each with the capacity to lift railcars weighing more than 100 tons, at the rail BCP in Lviv Oblast. The remaining two sets are to be installed by the beginning of July.   

 In February 2024, USAID ERA also supported the installation of 12 bogie exchange lifts at the rail BCP in Chernivtsi Oblast, on the Ukrainian-Romanian border, to boost rail operations.  

 Ongoing upgrades at the rail BCPs will collectively contribute to a more robust and efficient transportation network, bolstering trade and economic growth for Ukraine. 

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).   

 

A modernized border crossing point on the border with Slovakia was opened in Zakarpattia Oblast

Modernization of the BCPs
06 June 2024

On May 30, 2024, representatives of the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) visited the Uzhhorod –Vyšné Nemecké road border crossing point (BCP) to meet with representatives of the Zakarpattia regional state administration and regional State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (Agency for Restoration) and the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

USAID ERA completed the rapid upgrade improvements of the BCP, which involved the installation of fully fitted prefabricated buildings for use as offices and restrooms, traffic organization tools such as road signs and barricades, cargo weighing scales, LED lighting, and pavement repairs, which will increase the car processing capacity of the BCP from an average of 630 to 900 cars per day. The passenger terminal opened to traffic on May 31, 2024.  

“The Agency for Restoration oversees 29 border crossing points on Ukraine’s western and southern borders. Some of them have already been modernized, while repair work is ongoing on the rest. Our partners, USAID ERA, provide significant support. The Agency’s task is to improve export logistics, ensure the quick delivery of humanitarian and military cargo, and make border crossing more comfortable for passengers and drivers. We thank USAID for their consistent and systematic support of the Agency for Restoration’s activities,” the Head of the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine emphasized.

A construction fence along the BCP’s passenger terminal previously limited space for cars passing from Ukraine into Slovakia, which caused longer wait times. ERA’s rapid upgrade improvements widened the asphalt pavement and created an additional lane through which passenger vehicles could cross. ERA also equipped Uzhhorod BCP with an additional office for the Passport and Customs clearance to manage the increased traffic. USAID ERA’s completed works have connected the Border Guard post to a waiting lot where cars can queue before crossing into Slovakia.

  

Earlier in May, ERA completed modernization work at one of Ukraine’s largest road BCP, Yahodyn-Dorohusk, which borders Poland.  

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

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.