Senior Manager for Small and Medium Enterprises Support in DAI

Senior Manager for Small and Medium Enterprises SupportKyiv / OdesaThe vacancy is for Ukrainian nationals. All applicants must send a cover letter and updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English to [email protected] BACKGROUNDThe 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 REVIVALERA 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 Senior Manager for SME Support will lead initiatives to drive the growth and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located in the East and adjacent, war-affected regions, who have been impacted by the war and Russia’s destruction of critical infrastructure. The manager will develop and lead ERA market-oriented strategies to support SME to increase the sales, revenues, and market competitiveness in a complex and dynamic environment. The role focuses on improving SMEs' knowledge and capacity to enter new markets while fostering a safe and productive workplace environment to attract and retain employees. This position requires a proactive leader who can drive measurable results, empower businesses, and contribute to economic development.RESPONSIBILITIES:The Senior Manager will lead a technical team focused on achieving ERA Objective 2. They will:Develop grant and direct support opportunities aligned with ERA objectives; contribute to the development of solicitation documents and scope of works; and manage the due diligence process for partnerships.Increase Sales and Revenues of SMEs by developing and implementing strategies to improve SMEs' market competitiveness and revenue growth; facilitate access to resources, partnerships, and financial opportunities for SMEs; and coordinate business development initiatives to support SME sales expansion.Improve SME Knowledge and Capacity in New Markets by providing targeted training programs through local partners and service providers that enhance SMEs' knowledge of market entry strategies and compliance requirements; assist SMEs in identifying and accessing new market opportunities domestically and internationally; and promote the adoption of innovative practices to strengthen SMEs' operational capacity.Improving Workplace Environment and Safety such that SMEs can attract, reskill and retain employees; lead initiatives to ensure SMEs adhere to workplace safety regulations and best practices; and develop programs to improve workplace environments, increasing employee satisfaction and productivity.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.Collaborate with ERA subcontractors in the field offices closest to the beneficiary locations; foster a collaborative, one-team approach so that ERA implements a consistent, market-driven approach to SME development.QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Management, International Development, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in SME development, economic growth programs, or business support services; experience in central and eastern Ukraine.Proven experience in designing and implementing strategies to increase SME sales, revenues, and market access and to improve workplace environments, productivity, and safety standards within SMEs.Strong track record of working with international donor-funded projects or private sector development programs.Excellent leadership, team management, and strategic planning abilities.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to design tailored solutions for SMEs.Proficiency in stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and managing relationships with SMEs, government agencies, and development partners.Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.Fluency in English (both written and spoken); proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.Solid understanding of SME challenges, market dynamics, and tools to enhance business performance.Knowledge of international best practices in improving workplace safety and operational efficiency.Familiarity with digital tools, data analysis, and platforms for market research and business development.WE OFFERContract length: 12-month employment agreement with a possibility of extension.Benefits Package:28 calendar days of annual leave10 days of internal well-being paid leave per annumMedical Insurance for ERA staff and their familiesLife Insurance for ERA staffCoverage of all expenses for the business tripsStart date: January 2025Application processAll applicants must send a cover letter and updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English to [email protected] 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 05, 2024.For further information about DAI GLOBAL LLC, please consult our website era-ukraine.org.ua. Show more Show less Посадовий рівень Старший середній рівень Тип зайнятості Повний робочий день Посадові обов’язки Розвиток бізнесуIndustries International trade and development