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 Karamoja, Acholi, West Nile and Central sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, DFID, EU, USDA and private foundations. We recently launched a 2-year USAID funded project focused on reducing the impact of the Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a highly infectious viral disease of small ruminants across the Karamoja region. The project will be implemented by the University of Florida working closely with Tufts University, and with the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (PANVAC), BVI, Makerere University, Mercy Corps, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as well as target country institutions and authorities.
The purpose of this project is to conduct field testing supported by laboratory analysis of a thermostable PPR vaccine and to build capacity to scale the vaccine across a broad region where the disease is endemic. It will use a combination of tools and approaches, which proved successful in the RP eradication, including the thermostable vaccine, community participation, and use of modeling to target areas with the highest disease transmission.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps seeks a dynamic individual to support in the daily implementation of program activities, helping to engage with key stakeholders and ensure program outcomes are achieved. It is an opportunity for a results oriented and self-motivated individual looking for complex challenges that can make difference in the people’s lives. The PPR Project Officer will focus on identifying and engaging with community-based stakeholders, help in the coordination of key training events and provide ongoing contextual knowledge to ensure program success.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Identify and mobilize key stakeholders for program activiites
- Assist in the epidemiological targeting and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities through contextual knowledge
- Support PPR Team Leader in the selection of and training for veterinarians and CAHW in the context of on-going CAHW programs, together with Tufts University and local partners.
- Assist in coordination of training events for the CAHW, with training conducted by Tufts and University of Florida epidemiologists and national universities, and participation by local Veterinary Services.
- Assist in implementation of vaccination campaigns by the CAHW, with support by the Ugandan Veterinary Services.
- Make on site visits regularly to monitor progress of activities and provide strategic measures for progress to maximize the programs’ economic and social impacts on the community
- Analyze project implementation strategies to identify constraints to program success and provide timely recommendations
- Prepare and submit periodic work plans and activity reports to the team leader
- Apply gender and youth lens approach to activities in the program cycle
- Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
- A degree in Agriculture (livestock production), Animal production technology and Management, Veterinary medicine or its equivalent including course work on feed and Dairy production
- At least 4 years’ experience in livestock production activities especially in the rural or pastoral communities
- Willingness to work in the field with livestock producers community animal health workers, kraal leaders, businesses in the value chain and communities
- Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of partners; private sector, government and civil society
- Skills in team work, networking, community dialogues and organizational development;
- Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills
- Good spoken and written English. Fluency in Ngakarimojong preferred
How to apply:
Applications: Submit your application through email to [email protected] addressed to the Senior HR and Legal Manager, Mercy Corps Uganda. Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Wednesday, 27th September, 2017. Subject of 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; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
More Information
- Job City Kampala
