Uganda: Program Manager - DYNAMIC (2) Positions based in Kitgum and Gulu (Open to Uganda Nationals)

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 districts of Pader, Kitgum, Gulu, Agago, and Lamwo in Acholi and entire Karamoja as well as eastern Uganda with funding from USAID, USDA, Walmart Foundation, SDC, DFID as well as other private donations. Mercy Corps’ programs in Acholi sub region currently focus on market development, agriculture, financial services, and women’s empowerment.

Working in consortia with GOAL, VSO and Restless Development, the Driving Youth-led New Agribusiness and Microenterprise (DYNAMIC) program will strengthen systems and facilitate creation of sustainable economic opportunities for disadvantaged youth. DYNAMIC’s goal is to increase the number of young people who are in secure employment or self-employment and to promote agricultural market systems for youth. DYNAMIC will reach 125,000 out-of-school youth aged 15–24 in eight districts of northern Uganda over five years. Through a market facilitation approach, youth already engaged in on-farm activities will move from subsistence to more productive and profitable farming. DYNAMIC will increase the employability of youth by facilitating access to demand driven technical skills, knowledge and market information. In parallel, DYNAMIC will link agribusinesses and microenterprises to market opportunities and diverse stakeholders, and ensure they can utilize financial services.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps is looking for an experienced, qualified Ugandan to fill the position of Program Manager. Reporting to the Deputy Program Director, the Program Manager is responsible for providing overall oversight and leadership in for the program at the district level. The role is ultimately about being the focal person for drawing all elements of the program together at a district level, while ensuring compliance to Mercy Corps systems, effective people management; ensuring that program staff are given clear direction, support supervision and remain productive and accountable.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Staff and Program Management
   • Oversight of all assigned district level teams, coordinate and implement district level activities in line with approved project proposal, budget and within the agreed time frames.
   • Ensure compliance to all Mercy Corps, Donor and Government of Uganda policies, procedures and guidelines that relate to the implementation of the of the program.
   • Ensure project deadlines and quality standards are met.
   • Make on-site field visits regularly to provide technical back stopping and/or design suggestions.
   • Develop all reports, both internal and external to the donor.
   • Coordinate, manage and motivate program teams through ensuring that they have clear objectives/individual work plans as part of performance management and receive constructive feedback on their performance.
   • Monitor and advise on district level staffing, capacity building and other needs.

2. Partnership Management/ External Representation
   • Establish and maintain productive working relationships with Local Government officials and line departments, and private sector, soliciting their participation in all activities where appropriate.
   • Responsible for engagement with other stakeholders including private sector actors, community-based organizations and other key partners.
   • Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring positive recognition to Mercy Corps.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)
   • Participate in development and revision of MEL system linked to indicators, and information management.
   • Coordinate data gathering and management with all district-based program staff and take overall responsibility for MEL.
   • Oversee scheduling and production of formal and informal reports on all aspects of program.
   • Ensure coordination and sharing of information with other district level stakeholders.
   • As part of Mercy Corps’ agency-wide Organizational Learning Initiative, all team members are responsible for spending 5% of their work time in formal and/or non-formal professional learning activities.

4. Program Support Operations:
   • Coordinate and support of finance, operations and administration staff to ensure operational systems are in place to support field activities including logistics (transport, warehousing and asset management), procurement, security, administration and human resources

5. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
   • Bachelor’s Degree in business, agribusiness, economic development or other relevant field required.
   • Minimum of 5 years practical experience in the private sector, business, market/economic development and/or related industry.
   • At least 3 years of relevant management experience (staff, budget and partnership management), with positions of progressively greater responsibilities.
   • Demonstrated experience in the private sector and with private sector engagement and development; Experience in private sector business development services a plus.
   • Experience with market facilitation, supporting systemic change and promoting supporting services indirectly.
   • Highly motivated and motivating individual who can lead teams, SMEs and partners.
   • Knowledge of agricultural sectors highly desirable.
   • Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills with proven financial management skills.
   • Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
   • Excellent attention to detail and ability to complete tasks in a timely manner.
   • Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm as well as a willingness to learn and to be continually adaptive within a dynamic and often self-directed working environment mandatory.
   • Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups.

Applications: Submit your E-mailed application including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates through the Human Resource Manager to mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org Deadline for Submission: Close of business on December 16, 2015 Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.