Uganda: Agri-Fin Mobile Program Advisor, Uganda (218982-927)

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GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Agri-Fin Mobile program approach works with partners to build sustainable models, where farm and crop management tools and financial services are "bundled" in affordable, unified platforms on mobile phone channels to promote mass uptake commercially. The program targets partners with existing financial, MNO and agricultural technical service mobile platforms or applications, or demonstrated interest in developing and investing in them, and facilitates development of a business model whereby the bundling process provides an increased value proposition for each partner, such as, increased fee income, greater outreach or reduced risks.

The Agri-Fin Mobile program will achieve two primary results within the 3-year program time frame:

1) 180,000 smallholder farmers will access farm productivity services through improved productivity and financial management practices accessed via mobile based technologies.

2) A commercially viable business model which “bundles” key services from agriculture industry stakeholders, research and extension institutions, financial service providers, and telecommunications companies, will be developed in three locations (Indonesia, Uganda, Zimbabwe) offering detailed examples for replication and scalability.

The program began in June 2012 and has successfully launched business models in each location, and is currently reaching over 100,000 beneficiaries. There is approximately 18 months remaining in the program Phase I, which will be focused on continuing to reach scale, and deepening impact. In addition, Mercy Corps is actively looking to leverage the opportunity with new donors and preparing for phase II.

PROGRAM/ DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

The Program Advisor will be responsible for technical oversight of the program, including working with country focal points on formulating and managing the program inception phase, market research and partner development, followed by conceptualizing and leading project development with program partners and supporting country coordinators to manage project implementation, as well as key consultant experts to support project implementation. The Program Advisor will be responsible for overseeing performance on projects, as well as ensuring that a strong cross-learning, monitoring and evaluation stream of activities is consistently applied. The Program Advisor will be responsible for developing program reports to the donor, as well as participating in program publications and events. The Agri-Fin Mobile program is supported by the Social Innovations group within Mercy Corps, and as such, the Program Advisor will be responsible for communicating learning, leveraging and integrating the program in to other SI and Mercy Corps initiatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Development

Communications

M&E and Knowledge Management

Administrative and Operational Responsibilities

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 towards 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.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Program Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Indonesia Program Coordinator, Uganda Program Coordinator, Zimbabwe Program Coordinator, Agri-Fin Mobile Advisory Committee, Relevant Country Directors, South East Asia & East and Southern Africa Regional Program Directors, Chief Innovations Officer, Deputy Executive Director (EDI), Program-Related Consultants, and other Program Stakeholders

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful Program Advisor will skillfully represent programmatic priorities of the agency to donors and regional partners while providing effective leadership to the Mercy Corps Agri-Fin Program. S/he will be innovative, decisive and have an inclusive leadership approach. Must have excellent communication and team-building techniques with the ability to manage ambiguity, frustration and stress while maintaining a sense of humor throughout. S/he will have high emotional intelligence, constructive mentoring skills and proven experience with capacity building and will be committed to long-term program sustainability and the delivery of high-impact activities. Successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and challenging environments, and make effective written and verbal communication a priority.

LIVING /ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The Program Advisor is based in Kampala. The location is accompanied and secure. Housing is individual accommodation with unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. There are three reputable International schools in Uganda. Staff access to medical, electricity, water, etc. This position requires frequent and significant travel internationally.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

APPLY VIA URL:
http://mercycorps.silkroad.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjo...

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