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. Mercy Corps seeks an experienced professional who can manage on the ground planning and implementation of the PPR program activities in Karamoja.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The PPR Team Leader will be responsible in ensuring the field-based activities are implemented in coordination with consortium partners. Based in Karamoja, the PPR Team Leader will leverage their existing network to engage CAHW, output agents, vetrinarians and government stakeholders. Further, s/he will ensure high quality M&E activities, ensuring activities and evaluation efforts are aligned with contextual realities. S/he will help prioritize and explore engagement of market actors and models to be achieve sustainable access and usage of the PPR vaccination.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Support efforts of epidemiological targeting and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) through contextual knowledge, including on the basis of their ongoing mapping of grazing patterns.
- Lead the selection of and training for veterinarians and CAHW in the context of on-going CAHW programs, together with Tufts University and local partners.
- Lead 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.
- Lead vaccination campaigns by the CAHW, with support by the Ugandan Veterinary Services.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Create a dynamic program environment that promotes inquiry;
- Take primary responsibility for work plan development, reporting, data gathering, quality control
- Establish procedures and guidelines to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of activities including setting and measuring benchmarks along results chains;
- Analyze project implementation strategies to identify constraints to program success and provide timely recommendations;
- Develop case studies and success stories
External Representation and Coordination:
- Ensure establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities, village councils and local government in Kotido, Kaabong/Karamoja target areas.
- Support and coordinate visits from regional and HQ based staff and external visitors, such as donors and media, in collaboration with Program Director
- Establish and maintain contact with all key actors as relevant for program implementation –government ministries, UN agencies, NGOs, private sector partners – and establish mechanisms for contacting local community organizations and partners and other local NGOs/CBOs in line with Mercy Corps Uganda programs
Other:
- 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
- At least 5 years’ experience in livestock production activities especially in the rural or pastoral communities
- Management experience is a plus
- Experience working in livestock value chain in Karamoja
- Demonstrable writing and analytical skills
- Demonstrable quantitative skills
- Proven skills in networking, team-building, community consultations and organizational development;
- Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills
- Intimate knowledge of Uganda’s economy and business environment, particularly in the context of rural development and Karamoja.
- Fluency in N’Karamojong 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. l>
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