Uganda: Market Development Officer- 2 Vacancies based in Moroto (Open to Ugandan Nationals Only)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006. It has and continues to implement programs in Karamoja, Acholi and West Nile regions. Mercy Corps is taking a community-led, market driven approach to address poverty and food insecurity needs through interventions that get to the root causes and contributing factors of economic vulnerability. Among the many country programmes is the Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters (BRACED) whose implementation period is 2015-2019.

BRACED is being implemented in the Karamoja Region of Uganda, as well as Wajir County Kenya. The BRACED Mercy Corps programme is designed around three integrated thematic focus areas – Lands/Natural Resources Management, Market Systems Development and Governance. Mercy Corps recently received an 18-month extension operating from January 2018-June 2019.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Market Development Officer will be responsible for setting up systems that will support farmer access to agricultural inputs during the roll out of the seed and other farm inputs subsidy activity. The incumbent will manage the relationships between the agro-input dealers, seed companies and the farmers for a successful subsidy program. S/he will also lead the identification and selection of successful private sector actors and the program target beneficiaries. S/he will ensure BRACED program’s objectives and results are fully accomplished, documented and meet expected standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

· Design and implement strategies to facilitate establishment of agro- inputs and services providers through the networks of stakeholders for various private, government and civil sector engagements and linkages in Karamoja

· Work with the seed companies and agro-input dealers to establish demonstration plots to test various varieties of seeds through organizing farmer field days to aid learning and adoption of new technologies

· Support the development of a detailed implementation plan for agro-input manual voucher system to be implemented with clear activities, milestones and targets, in collaboration with other service providers and stakeholders.

· Together with the seed companies, provide technical support and capacity building to agro-input dealers and other relevant stakeholders on how the voucher system operates

· Lead identification and selection of primary schools to participate in the junior farmer schools activities

· Coordinate and maintain good working relationships with government, private sector and civil society with interventions in agricultural value chains and market development including CRS, UNFAO, GIZ, ACTED, KALIP, ISP, OWC, DPO

· Together with the M& E team design and develop and tools to assist with market development analysis, program design, activities’ implementation and M&E

· Train and provide technical assistance to program field agents

· Provide input to M&E activities related to all activities conducted

· Plan, implement, evaluate and ensure that reports on field activities are properly drafted and timely submitted to the Projects Manager.

· He/she will take part in periodic BRACED monthly and quarterly review meetings to share successes, challenges and lessons learnt to inform overall program objectives

· 70%+ Travel in Karamoja required

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

· Degree in Economics, Entrepreneurship, Agribusiness, Social Sciences, and Development Studies, or related fields.

· Possession of a post-graduate qualification in Entrepreneurship or Project Planning & Management, rural development and agri-enterprise is preferred

· A minimum of 3 years of experience of livelihoods or income generating projects, managing economic empowerment projects with ability to deliver sustainable community-based business entrepreneurships

· Experience working in Karamoja Region

· Ability to network, build relationships and establish collaboration with different partners most especially local government staff, agencies local and international networks.

· Experience and proven track record in rural development and participatory methods (including participatory integrated development plans)

· Fluency in N’Karamojong preferred

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful candidate will have the following characteristics:

· A strong team player, with good communication and diplomatic skills.

· Proven ability to work independently as part of a national team and with international professionals.

· Excellent analytical and information management skills.

· Good organizational skills and ability to work under stress and in austere contexts of remote locations.

· Flexible and creative in planning and problem solving.

· Attention to detail, ability to follow procedures and meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

· Proven excellence maintaining professional internal and external relationships.

· Ability to ride a motorcycle is required.

Applications: Submit your application through email to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org addressed to the Senior HR and Legal Manager, Mercy Corps Uganda. Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Wednesday, 24^th January, 2018. Subject of email should include the position you are applying for**.** Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.