Deputy Director – Lira – Mercy Corps

About US:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization which implements high-quality, analytical development work in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement development programs in the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, EC, SDC, and USDA among others.

About MasterCard Foundation DYNAMIC Programme:
Working in consortia with GOAL, VSO and Restless Development, the Driving Youth-led New Agribusiness and Microenterprise (DYNAMIC) program which will strengthen systems and facilitate creation of sustainable economic opportunities for disadvantaged youth. The goal is to increase the number of youth in secure employment/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.

Job Summary: The Deputy Program Director will render support in leading the coordination, strategy, compliance, M&E and reporting of a consortium of implementing partners. The Deputy Program Director will engender a collaborative team spirit focused on achievement of program goals. The program offers the right candidate an exciting opportunity to influence the start up, research and design of a large, innovative program. The position is based in Lira, where the program management unit (PMU) will sit. The Deputy Program Director will also manage District Implementation Teams in Lira, Kaabong, Gulu and Kitgum.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
· Provide strategic leadership and vision to guide the District Implementation and Advisor Teams (Market Development; Financial Services; Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; Youth Engagement and Skills and Learning Advisors) making up a team of 40 staff. The incumbent will support the Program Director in providing strategic leadership to the full program team to attain program goal and objectives.
· Oversee the day to day DYNAMIC program implementation management ensuring program objectives and deadlines are met.
· Manage all operations related to the program according to the program work plan, program budget and implementation strategy, which fall under District Implementation Teams.
· Troubleshoot, as needed, to prevent disruptions in program activities and liaise with management and staff.
· Actively monitor program implementation, measure impact and calibrate program strategy and implementation accordingly.
· Work closely with the Program Director to forecast expenditure surpluses and deficits.
· Directly responsible for the performance management of the DYNAMIC District Implementation Teams.
· Provide direct and ongoing supervision.
· The incumbent will also ensure accountability to project participants and to international standards.
· Work closely in partnership with the DYNAMIC Program Director to represent the program to the Uganda government at national and district levels.
· As well as the program Steering Committee, Consortium Coordination Group, and National Advisory Committee.
· Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and not jeopardize its mission.
· Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The ideal candidate must hold a Master’s Degree in economic development or other relevant field is preferred.
· A minimum of seven years of development experience including three years in senior management position.
· Proven technical experience in market facilitation, youth development, livelihoods and/or agriculture and value chain programming.
· Significant experience in building and maintaining effective partnerships with implementing and strategic partner agencies and government authorities
· Past exposure and experience in Uganda or East Africa.
· Hands-on experience managing or working within consortium-led grants involving international NGO partners highly preferred.
· Complex program management and demonstrated success building, managing and leading a team of professionals.
· Strong writing, communication, organization, prioritization and negotiating skills.
· Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills with proven financial management skills.

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested Ugandan candidates should send their applications including a cover letter clearly stating the salary requirements, updated CV (with three professional referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to the HR/Admin Manager, Kampala Head Office on 4th Floor Embassy Plaza, Plot 1188-1190 Ggaba Road. The E-mail applications with cover letter should be sent to: mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org

Deadline: 16th October 2015