About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action – helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.
We help people overcome poverty and conflict. Working with communities, we leverage local logic to help people transform their lives. To grow more food, earn higher incomes and ultimately advocate for their needs. We see global challenges as an invitation to pioneer innovative, sustainable solutions. During our 34-year history, our work has improved more than 170 million lives in more than 115 countries around the world.
Program / Department Summary
In 2017, Mercy Corps was awarded the Title II USAID/Food for Peace (FFP) funded Development Food Aid Program (DFAP) for Karamoja, Uganda. Already one year into implementation, the Apolou Activity is an integrated food security program that operates in both the agricultural and health sectors with a resilience focus. The goal of Apolou is to achieve a food secure future in the Karamoja sub-region of Uganda through community level governance, preventing chronic malnutrition, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and sustainable livelihoods.
General Position Summary
The PQP Manager works closely with Mercy Corps’ program support teams, including operations, finance and HR teams. Additionally, the position works with program partners and leaders to provide essential support and guidance to establish effective project management systems, ensure rapid and scaled implementation, enhance workflow planning, and other critical support as needed to ensure Apolou meets its targets and deliverables on-time and within budget. The PQP Manager will take the lead in streamlining management and operations processes, while ensuring adherence to Mercy Corps internal policies and procedures as well as donor regulations. The PQP Manager will ensure that program operations are of the highest quality and standards and that day-to day issues are addressed timely and efficiently. S/he will build, maintain and track project management tools, documents and contribute to Apolou’s reporting and communication activities.
The PQP Manager manages a Communications Officer who also supports other programs. The PQP Manager may be expected to step in as temporary managerial cover should gaps arise in the program.
Essential Job Responsibilities
PROJECT QUALITY
- Help build, maintain and/or track project management and implementation tools such as work plans, procurements, budgetary planning, on-line project document filing, quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) processes, and work flow integration between Apolou program and support teams.
- Provide training to staff and partners to build their capacities on program management tools, policies and guidance (including PM@MC).
- Work with the management team to identify and quickly resolve issues, bottlenecks and conflicts that affect any aspect of program operations and quality.
- Develop easy to follow, user-friendly tips and guidance to teams related to compliance and/or program management/quality.
- Roll out documentation management system
- Act as compliance focal person, in liaison with Finance and HQ
- Organise and plan regular review meetings to ensure CLA and adaptive management are integral parts of the Apolou Activity
- Plan and roll out the Apolou leadership mentorship initiative
PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT
- Manage partner relations with sub-awardees and oversee the process of engaging new sub-awardees
- Support build relationships with Kampala based private sector partners, including advising teams on mode of engagement and structure of partnership in support of Apolou’s MSD approach
- Manage and track service contractors and consultants engaged or to be engaged under Apolou
- Liaise with HQ on support for sub-awardees, contractors, visitors and external consultants
- Monitor partner activities and ensure issues are documented and quickly communicated and resolved
- Support the Apolou team to identify and formalize potential partnership opportunities in the field and Kampala
- Act as Secretary to Apolou’s Steering Committee
TEAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT
- Guide and mentor the Communications Officer to deliver quality communication materials for the Apolou Activity and other programs, as needed
- Support managers to conduct staff reviews in a timely manner.
- Assist hiring managers to ensure rapid hiring of open positions and on-time contract renewals.
- Support with sourcing, selection and contracting of short term assignments
OPERATIONS AND FINANCE
- Coordinate with Operations to ensure that systems support field activities.
- Work with the Operations, Admin and Finance Managers to evaluate current methodologies and policies used in Mercy Corps Uganda programs, determine their effectiveness and provide suggestions on ways to improve compliance and collaboration, and to ensure program and organizational success.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTING
- Ensure the development and implementation of a communications strategy which supports improved internal and external communication in support of Apolou’s goal
- Compile weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports for onward submission to USAID
- With the Communications Officer, review and edit success stories, publications and program documents.
ORGANISATIONAL LEARNING
As part of our commitment to organisational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organisations 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 Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Supervisory Responsibility
Communications Officer
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Chief of Party
Works Directly With: Apolou technical leads, DCOP, MEL, G&Y Advisor, Field Teams, Operations, Finance and HR
Success Factors
The successful candidate will have an ability to work independently, take initiative in tasks and self-learning, be proactive in communications, and identify bottlenecks and solutions. S/he will be able to effectively work across departments, and disciplines, often without direct supervisory authority. S/he will be goal-oriented and able to identify synergies and opportunities for improved team interactions. S/he will be able to work closely with a diverse team of individuals with varying backgrounds and objectives. Excellent team and interpersonal relationship skills are essential for success.
Living/Environmental Conditions
The PQP Manager will be based in Kampala with significant travel to Karamoja in eastern Uganda. Kampala provides a secure living environment. The location is secure. Housing is in shared guesthouse with unlimited freedom of movement beyond the house/office. Staff have access to medical, electricity, water, etc.
Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Knowledge and Experience
- At least 3 years’ experience in a relevant position plus experience in a coordination and/or management support role.
- Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- A high degree of organizational skills using computer-based tools/software with demonstrated attention to details.
- Proven record of project management particularly including operations, finance and program activities as well as trouble shooting skills. Preferably, have a project management qualification such as PMD Pro1 or PRINCE.
- Excellent written and verbal English language skills that meet the standards of Mercy Corps and USAID reporting.
- Strong communication skills including the ability to communicate frequently and effectively in both verbal and written form.
- Proven ability to conduct him/herself professionally under pressure.
More Information
- Job City Kampala
