Procurement Assistant - Асистент/ка відділу з закупівель for Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity

1. Activity Background:

The purpose of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity is to strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure from cyberattacks by establishing trusted collaboration between key cybersecurity stakeholders in the government, private sector, academia, and civil society. The activity aims to achieve this goal by implementing the following activity components: 

Component 1: Strengthen the cybersecurity enabling environment 

The legal, regulatory, and institutional framework for national cybersecurity in Ukraine needs to be strengthened and aligned with international standards and best practices. This component will strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure sectors by addressing legislative gaps, promoting good governance, enabling collaboration between stakeholders, and supporting cybersecurity institutions. This component will also build the technical capacity of key sectors through increased access to cybersecurity technology and equipment.  

Component 2: Develop Ukraine’s cybersecurity workforce 

Ukraine suffers from a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals. This component of the USAID Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure in Ukraine Activity will address workforce gaps through activities that develop new cybersecurity talent and build the capacity of existing talent. These activities will address the entire workforce pipeline, the quality of education received by cybersecurity specialists, and industry training programs to rapidly upskill Ukraine’s workforce to respond to immediate cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 

Component 3: Build a resilient cybersecurity industry 

A growing cybersecurity industry in Ukraine will contribute directly to national security and prosperity. This component will seek to build trust and collaboration between the public and private sector to develop innovative solutions for future cybersecurity challenges; spur investment and growth in the broader cybersecurity market in Ukraine through greater access to financing; support smaller cybersecurity companies to rapidly increase the number of local cybersecurity service providers; and offer mechanisms for Ukrainian firms to connect with industry partners to enable better access to innovations and business opportunities.  

Together the above components will improve short-term cybersecurity resilience in Ukraine and establish a solid foundation for long-term cybersecurity independence and leadership. Lessons and best practices from key critical infrastructure sectors will extend to all parts of the public sector, as well as to the private sector and civil society. 

2. Role’s Purpose:

The Procurement Assistant will provide procurement support to the procurement manager. The Procurement Assistant will also play a pivotal role in ensuring integrity, fairness, and openness in procurement processes as well as adherence to policies, procedures, and controls. S/he will assist the procurement manager in conducting the procurement of goods and services and ensure that complete procurement-related backup documentation is provided prior to submission to the Finance Team. The procurement assistant will also assist the procurement manager in conducting solicitations and price/cost/reasonability analyses and performing any other related duties as assigned.

3. Tasks/responsibilities:

• Assist the procurement manager with operations procurements and procurements under in-kind grants.
• Assist the procurement manager in reviewing incoming procurement requisitions to ensure accuracy and compliance with DAI requirements and appropriateness for the proposed action.
• Assist procurement manager in drafting Requests for Quotations/Proposals and other documents that shall be circulated to potential vendors or suppliers.
• Assist the procurement manager in carrying out procurement related to logistical services, i.e., organizing events.
• Perform regular spot audits of procurement files to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Ensure procurements align with DAI/USAID and FAR policies and that procedures are followed and enforced. 
• Monitor and track project procurement activities and delivery status of goods/services.
• Assist the procurement manager in conducting market research and identifying and qualifying potential suppliers (and products/services).
• Ensure that beneficial, ethical, and open supplier relationships are created and maintained according to procurement policies.
• Assist procurement manager in conducting price/cost/reasonability analyses.
• Assist the procurement manager in determining source selection methods to ensure compliance.
• Maintain procurement file system in DAI’s system.
• Ensure complete backup documentation for procurement actions is submitted to the procurement manager and Finance Team.
• Assist the procurement manager in the preparation of inventory reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

4. Qualifications

• Must have at least 1-2 years of experience in procurement, logistics or another related field.
• USAID or other donor-funded projects experience is preferred
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, such as accounting, finance, business administration, project management, or another related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Totally self-reliant and disciplined to follow through on assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Excellent time management
• Demonstrated versatility, and integrity.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent tasks and competing priorities, excellent organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal communication and collaborative teamworking skills. 
• Fluency in Ukrainian with excellent oral and written communications skills required; professional proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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. 

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work.  DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. 

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.”

DAI promotes workforce diversity and encourages persons from excluded groups, including persons with disabilities, to apply.

Position is Kyiv-based, long-term

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

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

Qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter to  Відправити резюме . by February 13, 2025 6:00pm Kyiv time. Interviews will be conducted on the rolling basis. Only short-listed candidates will receive notice requesting additional information.