Uganda: Project Officer-01 Vacancy based in Yumbe (Open to Ugandan Nationals Only)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

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.

Mercy Corps is looking for qualified candidates to fill the position of Project Officer for the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace,12-months program on Strengthening Access of Refugees to Renewable Energy. In Uganda’s West Nile Region. The STARRE Program will increase access to and use of off-grid renewable energy products that directly improve the well-being of refugees and host communities in Uganda. Vulnerable female refugees and host community members will access improved cook stoves and solar home kits using vouchers. The program will also partner with private sector renewable energy providers to expand the availability of affordable off-grid renewable energy in refugee settlements. The program will be implemented in 3 refugee settlements in West-Nile district.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Planning, developing and implementing activities

• Introduce program to relevant stakeholders including local business owners, local representatives and community members.
• In coordination with program team and partners, plan, implement and monitor market development activities according to work plan
• Mobilize targeted beneficiaries to fully participate in the program.
• Work together with private sector renewable energy providers to expand the availability of affordable off-grid renewable energy in refugee settlements.
• 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 almost daily field visits to settlements to ensure good implementation of MSD activities as well as partners’ activities.

• Collaboration/Networking with partners

• Establish and maintain good coordination and working relationships with sub-county leaders, 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.

• 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.

• Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports and work plans that will be indicative of program progress during implementation. Respond to queries if and when necessary.

• Maintain proper filing system of all activities.

• Accountability to Beneficiaries: STARRE 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.

• Any other related duties assigned

Finance & Compliance Management

· Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations related to food security programming.

Security

· Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

· Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Organizational Learning

· As part of our 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 Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

· Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Project Assistant

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Project Manager

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Finance and Operations Team, Project Manager, and assistants, and partners

Ethics and Integrity

All Mercy Corps staff are expected to behave ethically and demonstrate highest integrity in their professional and personal life. Mercy Corps has zero tolerance to any form of fraud, corruption, abuse, harassment or exploitation. Any breach of our policies or misconduct will lead to disciplinary action or may lead to termination.

Knowledge and Experience

· Bachelor degree in agribusiness, development, economic development, business management or a closely related field is required.

· At least 3-5 years of experience designing, implementing and managing similar initiatives (private sector partnership, economic strengthening, market systems development).

· Experience in market system development is a must.

· 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 use it during the project

How to apply: Submit your application through email to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org addressed to the Human Resource Director, 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 Friday, 06thFebruary, 2019. 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.