Country: Uganda
Closing date: 17 Nov 2016
PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006 and works to catalyse 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 northern Uganda Acholi and Karamoja regions with funding from USAID, USDA, Walmart Foundation, SDC, DFID as well as other private donations.
Mercy Corps is looking for a qualified candidate to fill the position of Economic Strengthening Officer based in Lira for the USAID funded five years program on Better Outcomes for Children and Youth in Eastern and Northern Uganda. The program goal is to improve the wellbeing of children and youth orphaned by HIV and other adversities in Uganda. It mainly focuses on orphaned and vulnerable children, youth and their caregivers to have improved access and utilization of health, nutrition, education, and psychosocial wellbeing and reducing abuse, exploitation and neglect. The Economic Strengthening Officer will be responsible for the day to day implementation of the economic strengthening components of the program in collaboration with consortium members. The sector priorities include meeting immediate economic needs of the most vulnerable target groups though temporary interventions to uplift and integrate them in to market systems; increased savings and access to credit opportunities; increased opportunities for income growth and building assets; and better access to group based education and support programming. The program will be implemented in Northern and Eastern Uganda.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Economic Strengthening Officer will responsible for the implementation of the economic empowerment component of the program in northern Uganda. S/he will be responsible for activity planning and implementation to improve the economic conditions of target groups through improved access and utilization of services and products and better access to markets. Reporting to the Economic Strengthening Technical Lead, the Officer will work with a consortium of agencies under the prime lead of World Education.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- With guidance from the technical lead, the officer will be responsible for program planning and implementation in the areas of economic strengthening.
- Work closely with other component field teams in the consortium to ensure integrated approach to program implementation
- Establish and maintain productive working relationships with local government officials and line departments, soliciting their participation in all activities where appropriate.
- Responsible for the day to day implementation of activities at field level.
- Ensure proper logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of the program are conducted within Mercy Corps policy and with the maximum benefit to the program.
- Work with the economic strengthening team for the development of and continual revision of a dynamic, program-wide monitoring and evaluation system linked to program strategies, indicators, and information management tools, which supports program management, accountability and learning.
- Continual gathering and sharing of data specific to the sector
- Produce written reports on the program capturing impacts related to all activities.
- Ensure establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities, consortium partners and other CSOs in target operation areas.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
o A degree, preferably graduate level, in economics development, development studies, social sciences or social work, or a closely related field is required.
o S/he must have at least three years of works experience in economic strengthening initiatives that target vulnerable communities mainly orphan and vulnerable children and households.
o Experience in working with private sector partners o Solid experience on market based solutions to addressing poverty o Strong interpersonal, writing and oral presentation skills in English are also required.
o Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
o Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
o Ability to focus on day-to-day tasks at hand while also working towards longer-term objectives with an understanding that these will change continuously;
o Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups and partners.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
o The successful Economic Strengthening Officer will have the ability and curiosity to work effectively with local government, civil society and community based organizations.
o The successful candidate will have solid background in economic and market development.
How to apply:
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 Thursday, 17th November, 2016. 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.