Job Details
Description
PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006 and works to catalyze change makers within the Ugandan private sector, civil society and government to create economically dynamic, healthy and secure communities. Our works focus on building resilience and enable economic growth, improve opportunities to attain better health and nutrition, and improved governance and conflict management. We implement programs in the Acholi, West Nile and Karamoja as well as eastern Uganda with funding from USAID, US Department of State, Sida, SDC, DFID, ECHO, as well as other private donations.
After more than a decade of operation in Uganda, the Mercy Corps country team has differentiated itself as a forward-thinking, market-driven agency, having implemented or currently implementing nearly 40 programs, valued at over $141 million, changing the lives of over 2.5 million Ugandans and refugees.
Mercy Corps has secured funding to continue our work on strengthening agricultural and basic goods markets within Rhino Camp and Bidi Bidi Settlements. Strong and resilient markets within the settlements have become even more crucial as WFP reduces food rations and starts to switch from in kind to cash distribution. Mercy Corps Uganda has been strengthening the local market capacity to respond to need of the population, particularly in Bidi Bidi settlement (zones 3-4) where 100 small ‘last mile’ vendors have been engaged in an e-voucher program that aims to build their capacity to stock and sell quality goods at affordable prices, and 18 agro-agents across Rhino Camp have been linked to agro-dealers. To maximize on this initial support, Mercy Corps proposes an intervention to strengthen these markets further to support vulnerable households and improve their food security in these critical times. With the current funding, MC proposes to extend the agro-agent network and market linkages to further strengthen provision of inputs and extension advice in the settlements and continue to support market vendors to improve their services – to make sure local populations are able to access affordable, quality foods, hygiene and agricultural inputs which enable them to improve their food security. In addition, the program will support mother care groups, to improve nutrition practices with pregnant, lactating women and mothers of children under five. In response to the growing issues with deforestation in the settlements, this program will also provide technical assistance to Pesitho, a solar-cooker company, to adopt Pay as you Cook technology and scale this within the settlements.
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GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Mercy corps is looking for two (2) experienced, qualified Program officers who will be responsible for the implementation of the project activities in Rhinocamp and Bidibidi settlement. The PO is responsible for the implementation of the two projects; from identification of opportunities, development of concept notes, development of SOW, working together with partners and monitoring of activities. As most of the work will happen in the field it’s required to travel at least 70% to the field.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Planning, developing and implementing activities
- Introduce program to relevant stakeholders including local business owners, local representatives and community members.
- In coordination with program team, plan, implement and monitor activities according to workplan
- Mobilize targeted beneficiaries to fully participate in the program.
- Make sure all activities will be implemented according scope, budget and time
- Participate in assessments in the target geographic areas to assess current situation, economic opportunities and resources, needs and potential programs as well as challenges.
- Make daily field visits to settlements to ensure good implementation of activities as well as partners’ activities.
2. Collaboration/Networking with partners
- Establish and maintain good coordination and working relationships with sub-county leaders, UNHCR, OPM, district and representing Mercy Corps and soliciting participation in activities where appropriate and as directed.
- Ensure close coordination and sharing of information with relevant stakeholders such as local government, NGOs and local authorities, as appropriate and advised by the line manager.
- Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps Uganda and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
3. Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
- Work closely with M&E to capture data for measuring output and impact of the program; and to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field.
- Support with post-distribution monitoring, market assessments and price monitoring activities.
- Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports and workplans that will be indicative of program progress during implementation.
- Respond to queries if and when necessary.
- Maintain proper filing system of all activities.
4. Accountability to Beneficiaries: Al Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to direct program participants, engaging them as equal partners in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of our field activities.
Organizational Learning:
As part of Mercy Corps Uganda’s commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve – we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit the program as well as themselves.
Any other related duties assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None
ACCOUNTABILITY
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Senior Program Officer
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Finance and Operations Team, MEL team and partners
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor degree in development, economic development, business management, social studies or a closely related field is required.
- At least three years of experience implementing similar projects with a focus on agriculture, economic strengthening, entrepreneurship and/or digital skill training.
- Experience in working in refugee settlements is preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, writing and oral presentation skills in English are required.
- Experience in building and maintaining strong/productive relations with implementing and strategic partners is required.
- Strong leadership and proven team building experience is a must.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
- Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
- Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups.
- Knowledge of monitor and evaluation and know how to implement and conduct assessments during the project lifetime
- Able and willing to drive a motorbike safely on a daily basis (having a valid license is required).
- Speaking a local language is preferable: e.g. Lugbara, Kakwa, Arabic etc.
The ideal candidate will have the ability and curiosity to work comfortably and effectively in the cultural, relatively poor infrastructure of West Nile. S/he will be an excellent communicator, have a strong sense of humor, multi-tasker, and able to work difficult and often stressful environments. S/he will be committed to the work of Mercy Corps and the objectives of this program. They will demonstrate their dedication with a strong work ethic, attention to detail and creative problem solving.
Closes: 7th Feb 2021