Program Officer – Kampala – Mercy Corps

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
The G4AW-MUIIS is a consortium of partners in the agriculture industry who are looking to develop a low cost offering of bundled mobile services and crop insurance to agriculture smallholder farmers in Uganda. The project will reach over 350,000 soy bean, maize or sesame farmers. The goal of the project is to increase crop yields by 25% and increase farmer incomes by 20%.

The G4AW-MUISS consortium is being lead by The Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation (CTA) based in the Netherlands. The consortium consists of seven partners are all working in the agriculture sector. Mercy Corps Uganda is the key local implementing partner.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps is looking for an experienced, qualified Ugandan to fill the position of Programme Officer. Reporting to the Programme Director, the Programme Officer is responsible for providing overall oversight and administration for the G4AW-MUISS programme. The role is ultimately about being the focal person for ensuring all elements of the programme are executed, while ensuring compliance to Mercy Corps systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Assist Programme Director and consortium partners with defining and collecting baseline data for farmers’ impact assessment; • Work with consortium partners to map service providers (MNOs, insurance companies, farmer organizations, financial companies) and develop the necessary contracts • Conduct field assessments to better understand local end-user preferences for receiving agricultural information • Assist consortium partners with profiling and mapping a sample representation of 350,000 farmers using survey application and real-time data • Work with Mercy Corps Uganda partners to customize software for G4AW-MUISS programme • With the Programme Director develop and execute a program impact assessment • Actively liaise and work to maximize program synergies with Mercy Corps Uganda field programming and management teams; • Assist the Programme Director in writing, editing, assembling, and submitting final funding proposals and reports; • Prepare reports on M&E findings, working closely with technical staff and implementing partners; • Understand donor and Mercy Corps policies, procedures, rules and regulations to assist in monitoring and ensuring compliance. • Respond to internal & external requests for information on programme activities through verbal and written communication in coordination with the Programme Director and MC Uganda; • Represent Mercy Corps at public and media events when requested

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: • Bachelor’s Degree in business, agribusiness, economic development or other relevant field required. • Minimum of 3-5 years practical experience in the private sector, business, market/economic development and/or related industry. • 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.

HOW TO APPLY:
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 Friday January 8, 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.