Markets and Financial Services Officer at Mercy Corps 92 views0 applications

PROGRAM/ DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

Mercy Corps 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. We were awarded a market-development focused 5-year USAID/Food for Peace-funded program working in the northern half of Karamoja.

Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate extremes and disaster (BRACED) supports the immediate needs of program beneficiaries while also promoting long term development by spurring systemic improvements in key economic sectors in the Districts of Napak, Moroto, Kotido and Kaabong. Since January 2015, BRACED has been supporting private Businesses ranging from agro vets, entrepreneurs Ag-input retailers and also the SACCOs in providing financial services to assist rural population to access secure savings and business loans to strengthen businesses in a bid to build their resilience to shocks and stresses.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The placement is intended to support the Markets and Financial services team. The Markets & Financial Services Officer will largely involve with the markets team to promote access to Financial products and services(through the SACCOs & VSLAs), Agricultural inputs, Clean Energy products, work with Hand pump mechanics associations to set up franchise in 3- 4 locations. Work with Agro-vets and CAHWs in the provision of Livestock health services. He / She may also be required to support the Natural Resources Management and gender teams with activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. With supervision and guidance from the team leader undertake assessments and project design in the target geographic areas to assess current situation, economic opportunities and resources, needs and potential programs as well as obstacles that could be mitigated through BRACED engagement with public and private sector actors
2. Work closely with the Market Systems/financial services team leader and all other teams in planning and implementation of Markets systems and financial access components of the projects accordance to the approved work plan and budgets, project document and implementation strategies.
3. Provide continuous support and oversee activities of the local financial institutions and VSLAs identified for capacity building support.
4. Work closely with all other program teams at local level to identify Local Business Entrepreneurs like CAHWs, Agro-vets financial services providers etc. and support service extension as well as to ensure synergy and to maximize program impact.
5. Emphasize the role of and opportunities for women and girls in the economic realm in both rural roles and in the urban sphere.
6. Together with team leaders, Identify value-addition opportunities that strengthen economic opportunities, especially for rural women and urban poor, in the livestock and agriculture sectors as identified by local and national government as well as independent market studies and needs assessments; these will focus on urbanized areas such as Moroto and Napak and districts that are heavily engaged in agriculture development;
7. Actively participate in the periodic program planning, review and reflection meetings and sessions.
8. Prepare periodic work plans and progress reports.
9. Maintain proper filling system as needed.
10. Work closely with the monitoring, evaluation, learning and communication staff to capture data and learning for measuring output and impact of the program as well as opportunities for redesign.
11. Coordinate with other Mercy Corps programs and local government bodies to ensure coherent program implementation and to capitalize on business opportunities in Mercy Corps’ target communities.
12. Assists in all other tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor.
13. Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its mission

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Preferably a university degree in Finance, Economics, business Studies, Development and Social Sciences studies.
• A minimum of three years of professional experience in, Microfinance institutions, SACCOs, international NGOs.
• Solid experience in mobilization and organization of saving and lending groups in the Savings and Internal Lending Communities’(SILC) Model.
• Fluency in both spoken and written English. Knowledge of the local language (Ngakaramojong) is an advantage.
• Computer literacy with good knowledge of office applications and data base is required.
• Ability to work independently and with less supervision.
• Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups.
• Motorbike riding experience and a valid riding permit is essential.
• Must be a team player with less supervision requirements.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The successful candidate will have the following characteristics:

• A strong team player, with good communication and diplomatic skills.
• Proven ability to work independently as part of a regional team and with international professionals.
• Excellent analytical and information management skills.
• Good organizational skills and ability to work under stress and in austere contexts of remote locations.
• Flexible and creative in planning and problem solving.
• Attention to detail, ability to follow procedures and meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Proven excellence maintaining professional internal and external relationships.
• A focus on building staff capacity.

How to apply:

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 Senior Human Resource & Legal Manager to [email protected]. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Friday, 7^th July, 2017. Subject of the 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; female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.