Coordinator for Small and Medium Enterprises Support in DAI Global LLC

Coordinator for Small and Medium Enterprises Support

Kyiv / Odesa

Resume submission processsummary

All candidates should send a cover letter and an up-to-date CV (no more than four pages) in English only to the email address []. Only selected candidates with relevant work experience will be invited to an interview.

PROJECT INFORMATION
The USAID project "Economic Support to Ukraine" (hereinafter - the USAID Project) is adaptive and flexible a mechanism that meets the urgent needs of Ukraine's development and supports general economic stability. Ukraine seeks to win a full-scale war against Russia and be ready to accelerate its development as a sovereign, independent, democratic and prosperous state. These aspirations require a dynamic and inclusive economic recovery.

BUSINESS STABILIZATION AND RECOVERY

The USAID project is involved in the development of a sustainable and inclusive economic growth model in hard-hit regions. The USAID project enables Ukrainians to create and develop micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in promising sectors of the economy, implement innovations and enter new markets in Ukraine, the European Union (EU) and other regions. The USAID project emphasizes the inclusion of internally displaced persons (IDPs), women, youth, veterans, the elderly, LGBTQI+ and other vulnerable groups to ensure that these people also participate in building the region's economy.

Starting from 2025, the USAID Project resumes its activities in the field of business stabilization and revival in 4 eastern regions (Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Kherson) and 3 adjacent regions (Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv); and to a lesser extent in 4 regions affected by the war (Sum, Poltava, Chernihiv, Odesa). The program "Stabilization and revival of business" is aimed at increasing the economic stability of eastern Ukraine by performing the following tasks:

? GOAL 1: To help stabilize the economy of Ukraine; and

? OBJECTIVE 2: To support the sustainable development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ukraine.

In this way, the economy of the eastern and frontline regions of Ukraine will be able to withstand the challenges associated with the invasion of Russia and the destruction of critical infrastructure. Individuals, businesses and state authorities will be able to resume their lives and work in these regions, thereby improving the economic sustainability of the region.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Coordinator with of Small and Medium Business (SME) Support is responsible for promoting the growth, sustainability and development of SMEs through the implementation of programs, coordination of initiatives and provision of strategic recommendations. This role is key to creating an enabling environment in which businesses can thrive. The SME Support Coordinator acts as a bridge between businesses and resources, helping to overcome challenges, access opportunities and make significantcontribution to the development of the economy. The position of coordinator reports to the senior SME support manager and involves a place of work in the ERA office in Kyiv or Odesa.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the overall implementation ERA initiatives to support SMEs in eastern and surrounding war-affected communities.
• Coordinate tasks and processes for the SME Support Senior Manager, including the use of project management tools, processes and coordination between teams and subcontractors.
• Ensure quality control of timely completion of project tasks, preparation of communications and regular updates.
• Directly coordinate activities with stakeholders and partners to coordinate activities and programs.
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• Organize master classes, training programs and seminars to improve the qualifications and competencies of representatives of SMEs.
• Support SMEs in responding on ERA opportunities by involving ERA stakeholders in the platform and providing information about grants and direct support opportunities.
• Create platforms for networking and cooperation of SMEs with potential investors, suppliers and partners.
• li>Assist the team in organizing events and forums to promote SMEs entering new markets and demonstrating their products.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree and 7 years of experience (or bachelor's degree and 10 years of experience) in the field of economic growth , infrastructure development, project management, international development or related fields.
• Experience in business development and management of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
• Knowledge of financing mechanisms and financial planning.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder interaction skills.
• Analytical skills to monitor and evaluate the performance of SMEs.
• Understanding digital tools, market trends and political framework.
• Experience working with USAID or other international development organizations will be an advantage.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Free knowledge of English and Ukrainian languages ​​is mandatory. WE OFFER

Duration of the employment contract: 12 months with the possibility of extension.

A package of benefits:

• 28 calendar days of annual leave;
• 10 days of paid sick leave per year;
• Medical insurance for USAID project employees and their families;
• Life insurance for USAID project employees and one family member;
• Covering all travel expenses;

Start date: January 2025

All qualified applicants will be eligible for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected status veteran.

Summary submission deadline: January 312025. p>

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.

JOB OVERVIEW 

A Coordinator for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Support is responsible for facilitating the growth, sustainability, and development of SMEs by implementing programs, coordinating initiatives, and offering strategic guidance. The coordinator plays a vital role in creating an enabling environment for SMEs to thrive. The Coordinator for SME Support serves as a bridge between SMEs and resources, helping them overcome challenges, access opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. The Coordinator for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Support reports to the Senior Manager for SME Support and is preferably based out of ERA’s Kyiv, Odesa office.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support overall implementation of ERA interventions under SME Support in eastern and adjacent war-affected communities. 
• Coordinate tasks and processes for the Senior Manger for SME support with the operational management, including project management tools, process management, coordination across teams and subcontractors.
• Provide quality control for the timely delivery of project deliverables, communications and routine updates.
• Coordinate directly with stakeholders and partners to align activities and programming. 
• Organize workshops, training programs, and seminars to enhance the skills and competencies of SMEs.
• Support SMEs to respond to ERA opportunities through engagement in ERA stakeholder platform and by sharing information on ERA grants and direct support opportunities.
• Create platforms for SMEs to network and collaborate with potential investors, suppliers, and partners.
• Support the team with the organization of events and forums to help SMEs access new markets and showcase their products.

QUALIFICATIONS

• MA degree and 7 years (or a BA with 10 years) of experience in economic growth, infrastructure development, project management, international development, or a related field. 
• Experience in business development and SME operations.
• Knowledge of funding mechanisms and financial planning.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Analytical skills for monitoring and evaluating SME performance.
• Understanding of digital tools, market trends, and policy frameworks.
• Experience working with USAID or other international development organizations is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluent English and Ukrainian are required.

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

Start date: January 2025

Application process

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

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: January 31, 2025 (on a rolling basis)

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