Project Officer-One Vacancy based in Kitgum (Open to Ugandan Nationals Only) 407 views1 applications

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.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps is an international, non-governmental humanitarian relief and development agency with headquarters in the UK and USA operating in over 44 countries. The agency exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy Corps’ work emphasizes community-led, market-driven interventions through public, private and civic sector partnerships. After more than a decade of operation in Uganda, the Mercy Corps country team has differentiated itself as a forward-thinking, market-driven agency, having implemented or currently implementing nearly 40 programs, valued at over $141 million, changing the lives of over 2.5 million Ugandans and refugees. In Uganda, some of our donors include USAID, SIDA, DFID, WFP, US Department of State; MasterCard Foundation, and ECHO, with over 20 programs and projects currently in operation in 30 districts.

General Position Summary

The Project Officer will support program implementation of a new project on microenterprise development in the districts of Lira, Oyam, Kitgum, Agago, Amolatar and Dokolo, managing staff and resources, and partners in a given geography. The Project Officer is responsible for ensuring that the project meet targets and deliverables on-time within a specific geography of focus. The project will include an entrepreneurship boot camp for 200 microenterprises along with awarding of microgrants to up to 35 microenterprises. The Project Officer is responsible for information dissemination campaigns, reaching out to potential microenterprises, engaging resources for the entrepreneurship boot camp, managing logistics for the boot camp(s), supporting microenterprises and other program support activities.

This position is contingent on funding. Funding is estimated to be awarded in September and start date for the project will be in October.

Essential Job Responsibilities

1. Planning, developing and implementing microenterprise development activities

a. With support from the Project Manager, participate in assessments 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 Mercy Corps engagement with public and private sector actors. Such assessments shall include but are not limited to rapid market assessments, labor market assessment, and business support capacity needs.

b. Introduce the program to relevant stakeholders including local business owners, local representatives and community members. Foster ongoing positive cooperation with these stakeholders and forge links between market actors, producers, end users, etc.;

c. Plan, implement and monitor microenterprise development activities in a given geography or district, including curriculum development for microenterprise strengthenoing, developing an agenda for an entrepreneurship boot camp, engaging needed consultants and resources, develop a process for awarding microgrants, and support microenterprises to develop business plans.

d. Assist in developing capacity building materials for business, technical and financial capacities as well as participate in capacity building sessions.

e. Help execute related field activities to ensure that the project results are achieved to the highest standard, and that project deliverables are completed as planned.

f. Mobilize targeted microenterprises to fully participate in the programme for sustainability.

2. Collaboration/Networking

a. Establish and maintain good coordination and working relationships with sub-county and district leaders and local government departments.

b. Ensure close coordination and sharing of information with relevant stakeholders.

3. Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

a. Work closely with the monitoring and evaluation staff to capture the required data for measuring output and impact of the programme; and to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field for entry in the database and for preparation of communication materials

b. 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.

c. Maintain proper filling system in regard to market development activities of the project.

Accountability to Beneficiaries: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards 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

None

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Project Manager

Works Directly With: Project Team, Finance and Operations

Ethics and Integrity

All Mercy Corps staff member are expected to behave ethically and demonstrate highest integrity in their professional and personal life. Mercy Corps has zero tolerance to any form of fraud, corruption, abuse, harassment or exploitation. Any breach of our policies or misconduct will lead to disciplinary action or may lead to termination.

Knowledge and Experience

· Degree in micro enterprise or entrepreneurship development, economics, agribusiness or related field preferred.

· Minimum of 3 years’ experience in micro enterprise development programming.

· Demonstrated success in programs related to micro enterprise development and micro grant/cash transfer programming.

· A dynamic, “outside-the-box” attitude is required, with proven ability to think and act creatively in challenging environments.

· Effective verbal and written communication skills in English are required.

· Multi-tasking, organizational, prioritization skills are necessary.

· History of working effectively and respectfully with government, private sector, INGO and NGO partners in complex environments.

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

Success Factors

The successful candidate will have the following characteristics:

· A strong team player, with good communication, diplomatic and negotiation 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.