Uganda: Program Officer- 1 Vacancy based in Kampala (Ugandan Nationals Only)

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Senior Program Manager, the Program Officer will support implementation of YES! activities which will focus on increasing youth employment at private employers and supporting youth entrepreneurs. The specifics of these activities will include: engaging youth in the program design and implementation; identifying market actors interested in training youth in skills relevant for youth and the market; and working closely with entrepreneurs-in-residence to provide ongoing support to youth entrepreneurs. S/he will be a creative, action-oriented problem solver with strong experience in partnership management.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Planning, developing and implementing youth employment and entrepreneurship activities

· Participate in assessments in the target geographic areas to assess current situation, economic opportunities and resources, needs and potential programs as well as challenges.

· Introduce program to relevant stakeholders including local business owners, local representatives and community members.

· In coordination with Senior Program Manager, develop partnerships with private sector partners to train youth in key skills (financial management; transferable; business and employability).

· Manage trainers responsible for components of the youth skills trainings.

· Manage and monitor work on private sector partnerships to ensure positive impact for key beneficiaries.

· Mobilize targeted youth to fully participate in the program (from design to implementation) for sustainability.

· Support Senior Program Manager in recruitment of entrepreneurs-in-residence and monitoring of their work.

2. Collaboration/Networking

· Establish and maintain good coordination and working relationships with local government officials, representing Mercy Corps and soliciting participation in activities where appropriate and as directed.

· Ensure close coordination and sharing of information with relevant stakeholders such as local government, NGOs and local authorities, as appropriate and advised by the line manager.

· Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps Uganda and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

3. Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

· Work closely with supervisor to capture data for measuring output and impact of the program; and to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field.

· Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation. Respond to queries if and when necessary.

· Maintain proper filing system.

4. Organizational Learning:

· As part of Mercy Corps Uganda’s 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 the program as well as themselves.

5. Any other related duties assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

· Bachelor’s Degree in business, agribusiness, economic development or other relevant field is preferred.

· Background in business or market/economic development, with a minimum of 3 years practical experience in the private sector or development industry.

· Strong practical experience working with private sector and financial institution partners ideal.

· Strong writing, communication, organization, prioritization and negotiating skills.

· Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills.

· Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.

· Excellent attention to detail and ability to complete tasks in a timely manner.

· Excellent teamwork abilities and interpersonal skills.

· 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.