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 Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, EC, SDC, and USDA. We were awarded a market-development focused 5-year USAID/Food for Peace-funded program working in the northern half of Karamoja. We are in search of creative problem solvers with private sector experience to fill the position of Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer.
The project, called ‘The North Karamoja Growth, Health, and Governance Program’, aims to support the immediate needs of program beneficiaries while promoting long-term development by spurring systemic improvements in key economic sectors of northern Karamoja. The Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer will participate in the daily implementation of the development programming through support to key business partners including commercial banks, MFIs, Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs), Business Forums, agro processors, traders, transporters, input sellers, pharmacies, animal and human healthcare providers, consumer goods retailers, and a host of other actors. It is an opportunity for a result oriented and self-motivated individual looking for a serious challenge.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer is responsible for assisting in the implementation and facilitation of projects that make beneficial products and services accessible to households within northern Karamoja. These activities will work almost exclusively through private sector actors, seeking to crowd in provisions rather than displace or replicate private actors with donor-funded services. Facilitation projects support the creation of an enabling financial inclusion and business environment and will include, but are not limited to, building the capacity of community level financial service providers such as SACCOs and VSLAs and building the capacity of Business Forums and their members to provide services and products. Additional responsibilities will include supporting community level financial service providers, Business Forums and private sector actors in: improving access to beneficial and life-saving health products, developing agent input and aggregator networks, improving the service offerings and profitable provision of community animal health services, commercializing access to fuel efficient stoves, increasing availability of solar products and improved accessibility to local hand pump repair and spare parts.
The Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer will work closely with Economic Development Team Leaders and Project Managers to better address and improve the economic future and quality of life of its program beneficiaries. He or She will also work in coordination with the program management team.
The ability to push forward market-driven approaches in all stages of programming will be one of the position’s three success factors. The second will be the degree to which that person promotes and captures learning with her/his team, institutionalizing activity reviews, identifying and evaluating preconceptions and promoting a culture of inquisition. The third success factor will be the degree to which that person drives results, making critical decisions and producing scheduled outputs at deadline and to expected quality.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program
Develop the capacity and reach of SACCOs operating in Kotido District
Work with Business Forums and financial service providers to identify equitable solutions for financial inclusion and economic growth.
Support the development of business development services (BDS) and a sustainable BDS delivery system.
With support from the team leader, carry out financial market assessments and training.
Recommend program priorities and explore, evaluate and present new opportunities with high potential for impact.
Introduce the program to relevant stakeholders including local business owners, local representatives and community members. Foster ongoing positive cooperation with these stakeholders.
Ensure an integrated approach to program implementation in order to maximize resource utilization and synergy between the staff and different MC programs, if any.
Partnership Management:
Identify, assess and develop partnership strategies for potential private sector GHG partners.
Establish and maintain productive working relationships with, District Commercial Officer, sub-county and district leaders and production and marketing departments, soliciting their participation in all activities where appropriate.
Make on-site field visits regularly to provide technical review and/or design suggestions.
Work with team leader(s) and Mercy Corps technical staff in order to develop potential projects, implement and closely monitor selected economic development projects including detailed work plans and business plans.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Create a dynamic program environment that promotes inquiry.
Take primary responsibility for sector-focused data gathering.
Establish procedures and guidelines to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of economic development support work including setting and measuring benchmarks along results chains.
Analyze project implementation strategies to identify constraints to program success and provide timely recommendations.
Provide data in support of team submission of timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation.
Where needed, support external evaluations by research partner Feinstein International Centre and other organizations.
Work with the Chief Learning Officer to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field for entry in the database and for preparation of PR materials.
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 by the line manager.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
University degree in business, economics or a related field and at least 2 years of professional experience
Experience working in Retail Banking and/or Financial Services sector
Willingness to work in the field
Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people
Ability to evaluate businesses and business plans
Skills in networking, team-working, and community consultations
Good reporting, communication and representation skills
Good spoken and written English. Fluency in Ngakarimojong and Ethurr is an advantage
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications: Submit your E-mailed application including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates through the Human Resource Manager to mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org
Deadline for Submission: Close of business on February 24, 2016 Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; female candidates are encouraged to apply**