Uganda: Senior Commodity Specialist, Uganda

Since 1963 and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has 44 active projects in 31 countries and total revenues of approximately $151 million.

The USAID Title II Development, Food Assistance Program (DFAP) in Uganda is anticipated to be a multi-year $35 million proposal in the Karamoja region to improve and sustain the food and nutrition security of vulnerable populations through work at the individual, household and systems level. The proposal seeks to address the underlying causes of chronic food insecurity and strengthen transformative opportunities.

ACDI/VOCA is currently seeking a Senior Commodity Specialist for the anticipated USAID Title II Development, Food Assistance Program (DFAP) in Uganda. This position is based in Moroto, Uganda. Travel is expected to be over 50% of the time in-country.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct Lead the planning and implementation of commodity procurement, through local food procurement, cash, vouchers, asset transfers, or “smart subsidies” (e.g., improved inputs).
• Supervise and support the staff in market analysis, commodity acquisition, stocking, inventory management, delivery/distribution; ensure proper systems of control and coordinate with partner in charge of distribution to final beneficiaries
• Perpetuate the acceptance of the ACDI/VOCA program and assure its smooth functioning. Establish and maintain positive relationships with representatives at USAID/Uganda; GoU ministries and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that commodity management procedures are properly documented and in line with USAID and ACDI/VOCA requirements; work with HQ to ensure timely and accurate responses to FFP requests
• Manage logistics and storage of commodities for food distribution.
• Prepare budgets and plans for commodity operations
• Oversee regular market analyses, price monitoring, and commodity procurement, including survey markets to ensure fair and non-disruptive sales price, Survey stocks, negotiation with buyers; prepare procurement forms and contracts, and coordinate payment verification and delivery authorization with finance and logistics staff
• In coordination with the health and nutrition implementing partner, prepare monthly needs, rations requirements, financial reports as well as program quarterly reports on commodity needs, and acquisition, as requested by USAID or ACDI/VOCA.
• Keep up to date on the local, national and international market trends of commodities,
• In collaboration with headquarters, prepare reports required by USAID and ACDI/VOCA and ensure compliance with regulations
• Maintain and develop strong professional relationships with and directly liaise with Mission and FFP Washington for commodity-related
• Coordinate with other Title II programs involved in direct distribution activities in country to ensure consistency, complementarity, and avoid duplication of efforts
• Perform additional assignments as requested

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in economics, humanitarian assistance, agricultural economics, business, marketing, or other relevant subject with strong quantitative background.

• At least ten years’ commodity, and cash management experience, including warehouse management, preferably with food commodities and grain in particular.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• At least five-year experience in the commodity management of Title II program.

• Commodity sales and marketing experience preferably in Africa

• Experience negotiating with host country governments and on goods clearance issues.

• Experience supervising and leading teams, monitoring staff performance.

• Systems-oriented ability to design, implement and train.

• Budgeting and analytical skills.

• Strong computer skills, must be confident in Microsoft applications, particularly MS Excel; database experience preferred.

• Experience managing programmatic and financial reporting requirements;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and other language(s)

• Ability to travel within the country and internationally, as required

Please apply online at www.acdivoca.org/international-jobs or at http://acdivoca.bosmaxhire.net/cp/?E55565361D43717B7E59192F77501D6203627B4D. No phone calls please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply. ACDI/VOCA will never solicit a payment from any applicant .