Infrastructure Manager, Ukraine Harvest (Proposal)

The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity

Abt Associates seeks an Infrastructure Manager for the upcoming, 5-year, $250 million USAID/Ukraine Harvest Activity. Harvest will provide technical assistance and other support to enable male and female grain and oilseed farmers, including marginalized and underserved groups, to return production and income for target commodities (wheat, maize, barley, sunflower and soybean) to at least pre-war levels while improving production efficiency and profitability and position farmers to market their crops more successfully and profitably in the wartime context. The Harvest activity will include at least $30 million to expand the use of modern and efficient irrigation and/or drainage technologies in territories controlled by the government of Ukraine.

The Infrastructure Manager will be a full-time project staff member and will be responsible for assisting the Chief of Party (COP) with implementing the activity’s infrastructure and construction plan. The Infrastructure Manager must be an experienced and independent professional who helps the project meet its goals and objectives by designing and managing the architecture and engineering (A&E) and construction activities in a timely manner**.** This position will be based in Kyiv, Ukraine and is an unaccompanied post.

This position is contingent upon a project award to Abt Associates.

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure that all construction work adheres to the approved construction implementation plan (CIP) and initial environmental examination conditions.
• Lead and manage procurement of the Architectural and Engineering (A/E) services contractors (including project design and technical supervision) and construction contractors.
• Provide expert guidance to the chief of party (COP)/project director as well as to A/E Services Contractors and Construction Contractors.
• Review A/E services and construction contractor contractual documents for technical soundness.
• Monitor and inspect construction activities to certify quality and adherence to benchmarks.
• Provide recommendations to the COP and relevant technical team leaders on actions that affect scope, budget, or time.
• Follow USAID’s preferred approach to construction, complying with all required analyses and steps.
• Cooperate with the project’s technical and grants teams and the local community authorities to ensure proper infrastructure planning.
• Participate in the review panel for all infrastructure contract competitions.
• Develop A/E and construction contract change orders or modifications.
• Ensure compliance with international engineering norms, Government of Ukraine procedures, and USAID standards.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for construction contractors.
• Support capacity strengthening for operators of the completed irrigation works and systems.

What We Value

• A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is required; an advanced degree preferred.
• Professional Engineer license issued by authorities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, OR New Zealand is required.
• At least 10 years of experience in small-scale infrastructure development.
• At least 5 years of experience in low-cost, context appropriate infrastructure design and management of related procurements.
• Demonstrated experience on irrigation and drainage construction projects.
• Proven experience in the complete construction project life cycle, including contract award, defects liability periods, project completion, and handover.
• Strong understanding of USAID standards and regulations for construction.
• Experience on USAID or other donor-funded infrastructure projects preferred.
• Recent experience and working knowledge of Ukraine preferred.
• Experience effectively managing teams in a supervisory role.
• Proven ability to deliver under pressure and in short timeframes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in the Ukrainian language is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and integrity.

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.