About US:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization which implements high-quality, analytical development programmes in very difficult places. Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006. It has and continues to implement programs in Acholi and Karamoja sub regions. Mercy Corps is taking a community-led, market driven approach to address poverty and food insecurity needs through interventions that get to the root causes and contributing factors of economic vulnerability. Donors include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Commission (EC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC).
Job Summary: The Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer will be responsible for improving access to financial services to GADC and its producers, agribusinesses and enterprises in the project areas. The incumbent will work collaboratively with the Senior Program Manager to build and strengthen linkages between financial institutions (formal and non-formal) and GADC and its network, as well as producer VSLAs and financial institutions. The incumbent will conduct assessments and research regarding service delivery, product appropriateness, extension needs, institutional arrangements, markets for financial services, accessibility of services and new opportunities and models, among other responsibilities, across the financial sector in the project area. S/he will be providing technical supervision and advisory support to TRAIL partners.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Work closely with the TRAIL Senior Program Manager and all other teams in planning and implementation of financial access components of the projects according to the approved work plan and budgets, project document and implementation strategies.
Link and strengthen linkages between financial institutions and TRAIL partners, utilizing the making markets work for the poor/ market facilitation approach.
With supervision and guidance from the Senior Program Manager and team leaders undertake assessments, project design and strategy.
Support the Agribusiness specialist in Business development activities.
With supervision and guidance from the Senior Program Manager and MEL Team, monitor indicators under SO3
Regularly monitor all SO3 activities that GADC implements and give technical guidance and support to GADC on issues related to financial inclusion and SME development
Identify the capacity gaps of financial institution partners, including formal banks, SACCOs and VSLAs, design and implement most feasible capacity building activities based on identified gaps.
Offer continuous support and oversee activities of the local financial institutions identified for capacity building support.
Work closely with all other program teams at local level to identify clients for financial services and to support service extension as well as to ensure synergy and to maximize program impact.
Actively participate in the periodic program planning, review and reflection meetings and sessions.
Prepare periodic work plans and progress reports.
Update and maintain proper filling system as needed.
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.
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.
Assists in all other tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor and program managers.
Carry himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its mission.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate for the Mercy Corps Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer job vacancy should preferably hold a university degree in finance, economics, business, development studies/economics or management is preferred.
At least three years of professional experience in microfinance institutions, SACCO and international NGOs working with VSLAs, MFI and private agri-businesses (input dealers and other Value added service providers).
Significant experience in mobilization and organization of saving and lending groups.
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.
Good team player with less supervision requirements.
Fluency in both spoken and written and spoken English and knowledge of the local language (Luo) is a must.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their E-mail applications including a cover letter clearly stating the salary requirements, updated CV (with three professional referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to the Human Resource Manager, Kampala Head Office on 4th Floor Embassy Plaza, Plot 1188-1190 Ggaba Road. The E-mail applications with cover letter should be sent to: mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org
Deadline: 5th July 2016