USAID looks for АGRІ Deputy Director

USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) was designed to foster Ukrainian economic resilience in the face of Russia`s invasions. ERA supports displaced businesses and persons, and the newly liberated areas of Ukraine, to rebuild their lives and livelihoods and capitalize on entrepreneurial opportunities; and local institutions to rebuild a resilient post-war economy. Also, ERA is now one of the implementers of a U.S. government interagency Agricultural Resilience Initiative (AGRI) to bolster Ukrainian agricultural production and exports and to help alleviate the global food security crisis exacerbated by Putin`s brutal war on Ukraine, and USAID`s Economic Stability and Recovery Initiative (ESRI), focusing on keeping and creating jobs and helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) survive and grow.

ERA`s objective is to improve Ukraine`s economic resilience in response to Russia`s aggression, including the expanded invasion that began on February 24, 2022, which has disrupted critical market linkages, catalyzed the economic decline of previously dominant industries, and caused massive population disruption. ERA`s focus is to support Ukrainians forced to flee eastern Ukraine.

The activity aims to improve Ukraine`s economic resilience, specifically those Ukrainians impacted by Russia`s expanded invasion, by accomplishing the following objectives:

1) Stabilization and Inclusion: provide assistance to stabilize the economy of Ukraine;

2) Business Revival: support the sustainable development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and

3) New Economy: build confidence in the future of the Ukrainian economy.

About the job

The main objective of the role is to support AGRI Director and ERA Chief-of-Party in managing AGRI program of the USAID ERA in advancing the exports of Ukrainian Agricultural Commodities. The AGRI Deputy Director plays a critical role in advancing the AGRI initiative’s mission, contributing to Ukraine’s agricultural resilience, and addressing global food security challenges through strategic leadership and impactful initiative goals. The AGRI Deputy Director should have a comprehensive skill set, including technical knowledge, leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and effective communication to drive the success of AGRI initiatives while supporting the Ukrainian agricultural sector and local authorities. This role helps to enhance export logistics using a deep knowledge of the agricultural export market from Ukraine. The AGRI Deputy Director supervises the team of technical specialists and consultants, ensuring transparency and thorough due diligence while building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders (government agencies, industry partners, and international organizations). The AGRI Deputy Director reports to AGRI Director and is based in one of the USAID ERA’s office’s locations: Kyiv, Lviv or Odesa.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leveraging in-depth knowledge of agricultural practices, technologies, and trends, guides the implementation of initiatives that enhance logistics, storage, and transport capabilities within the Ukrainian agricultural sector.
• Provides technical know-how and develop specifications and RFPs for solutions developed, requested, and suggested by the donor and private and public sector beneficiaries (general logistics infrastructure, grain railway logistics facilities, trans-railway connections, road networks, and port border crossings via sea and river).
• Collaborating with the AGRI Team, elevates agricultural logistics and transportation capabilities, facilitating the streamlined and punctual export of agricultural commodities to global markets.
• Under close coordination with AGRI Director and ERA Chief-of-Party, establishes and maintains close communication with relevant government officials and authorities in Ukraine (GOU) to garner support, drive alignment, and advance the initiative’s objectives while ensuring that the program aligns with the government’s priorities and policies.
• Manages coordinating the efforts of the AGRI team in promoting, reconstructing, and repairing various agricultural commodities export facilities.
• Works closely with the Procurement Team and AGRI management to ensure thorough due diligence, justification analysis, required document gathering, and technical verification is applied diligently and expeditiously to all RFPs.
• Provides real-time insights into AGRI’s activities, accomplishments, and challenges, showcasing its support for the Ukrainian government and local authorities to facilitate transparent communication, identify trends, and enable continuous improvement for AGRI’s initiatives.
• Contributes to project planning, monitoring progress, and ensuring that objectives are met within budget and time constraints.
• Together with the AGRI Director, supervises the technical AGRI team and consultants.

About you

• MBA/MA degree or equivalent in Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Logistics, or related disciplines.
• At least 15 years of experience in the agricultural logistics sector; USAID or other donors’ project experience is preferable.
• Technical knowledge and deep understanding of modern agricultural practices, emerging technologies, and industry trends to effectively guide and enhance production, storage, and transportation capabilities in the Ukrainian agricultural sector.
• Proven ability to provide technical expertise, formulate specifications, and create Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for a diverse range of agricultural logistics solutions, including general infrastructure, grain railway facilities, trans-railway connections, road networks, and sea/river ports.
• Seamless cross-functional teamwork skills to elevate agricultural logistics and transportation capabilities, facilitating the smooth and timely export of agricultural products to global markets.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills, both in conveying information clearly and listening actively to USAID management, as well as private and public sector beneficiaries, team members, and stakeholders.
• Must have English and Ukrainian language proficiency, verbal and written, including the ability to present the project at high-level events.
• Strong leadership skills, being able to inspire and motivate team members, set a clear vision and direction, and lead by example.
• Able to prioritize competing tasks, set realistic deadlines, and manage time efficiently. The ability to make well-informed and timely decisions, considering various factors and potential outcomes, is crucial for effective management.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to see the bigger picture, aligning team efforts with overall organizational goals and long-term strategies.

WE OFFER

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

Benefits: all benefits envisaged by the Labor Code of Ukraine, corporate medical insurance for employees and immediate family members.

Start date: September 2023

Application process

All applicants must send a cover letter and updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English to [email protected]

Closing date for applications: August 21, 2023. 

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