About US:
GOAL is an international humanitarian agency dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the poorest of the poor. We are a non-denominational, non-governmental and non-political organisation. GOAL Uganda country project focuses on two of GOAL’s three strategic sectors: Health (including WASH and health accountability programming); and Livelihoods. GOAL Uganda mainstreams HIV, gender, child protection and the environment/DRR across all programming. GOAL works on a district focused approach, and uses a mixture of direct implementation and partnerships with local civil society organisations, private sector partners and District Local Government to give effect to our mission.

Job Summary: The Agricultural Markets Development Officer will implement all aspects of the market systems development component of the district and lower level Irish Aid funded Livelihoods programme. The incumbent will be required to apply a wide variety of market development tools and approaches in order to catalyse innovative services and facilitate linkages between market actors in the assigned programme areas. Technically, the Market Development Officer will work directly with the Financial Linkages Specialist who, in collaboration with the Livelihoods Programme Advisor will determine technical strategy and work objectives for the Agricultural Markets Development Officers. Agricultural Markets Development Officer (2 Positions)

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Planning, developing and implementing market development activities:
Work in liaison with the Livelihoods Programme Advisor and sector-focused Technical Specialists, carry out assessments in the target geographic area to assess current situation, economic opportunities and resources, needs and potential programs as well as obstacles that could be mitigated through GU’s engagement with public and private sector actors. Such assessments shall include but are not limited to rapid market assessments, a local competitiveness assessment, sector selection, value chain analysis and development, and business support capacity needs to the stakeholders of the programme.
Steer the process of identification and engagement of private sector businesses to effectively expand their business models to Agago and Abim district. This task will include profiling businesses, conducting light due diligence assessments, partnership management and mentoring and coaching.
Foster ongoing positive cooperation with relevant stakeholders, including local business owners, local representatives and community members, and forge links between market actors, producers, end users, etc.;
Work in close coordination with the Financial Linkages Specialist and private sector partners, plan, implement and monitor market system development activities for farmer engagement in economic opportunities. This will include exploring partnerships with private sector actors to design, test, and deliver a wide range of appropriate services that increase effective smallholder farmer engagement within the agricultural market system.
Assist private sector partners in developing capacity building materials for business, technical and financial capacities as well as participate in capacity building sessions.
Offer technical assistance in conjunction with other technical staff to build the capacity of producer organizations to perform marketing functions.
Work in liaison with Private Sector Partners to ensure strengthening of farmers, associations and rural enterprises to improve PHH and value-added services including drying, milling, processing and storage.
Organize /facilitate training of agro-dealers, commission agents and other intermediaries to provide goods and services that increase the competiveness of local production.
Help execute related field activities to ensure that the programme results are achieved to the highest standard, and that project deliverables are completed as planned.
Maintain proper filling system in regard to market development activities of the program
The incumbent will also mobilize targeted smallholder farmers (especially women) to fully participate in the programme for sustainability.
Identify small business activities any other opportunities that strengthen economic opportunities, especially for women, as identified by local and national government as well as independent market studies and needs assessments;
Ensure budget management including timely submission of funds request and review of budget monitoring tool (BMTs).
Liaise with logistic department for programme fleet movement, deliveries etc.
Contribute to annual work plans/budgets and other technical reports.

Collaboration/Networking:
Establish and maintain good coordination and productive working relationships with sub-county and district leaders and local government departments, representing GOAL in coordination meetings and soliciting their participation in all activities where appropriate and as directed by the line manager;
Ensure sharing of information with relevant stakeholders such as local government departments, NGO’s and local authorities, as appropriate and advised by the line manager;
Actively participate in the planning of learning events, exhibits, workshops that bring private and public sector entities together to collectively review and discuss technology developments and innovation and to examine private sector approaches to household and community challenges that can be incubated through public sector incentives;
Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting:
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
Work closely with Private Sector Partners to submit reports on a regular and timely basis, as agreed.
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;
The incumbent will also document and disseminate case studies, best practices on market development activities and lessons on working with private sector for innovative services;
Participate in shared Learning Dialogue series that are thematically focused
Where needed, support any other MEL activities that come up;
Organizational Learning: As part of GOAL Uganda’s commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations 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 the livelihoods programme as well as themselves.
Representation and Coordination: The MDO is expected to be the focal person for all coordination, partnership and related activities with private sector services providers, and related stakeholders.
Liaise with local government officials, local NGOs and civil society organizations, and other notables to ensure support for and acceptance of GOAL’s market based programs.
Maintain close working relationships with humanitarian and development organizations, and local partners, including representing GOAL at local coordination meetings as assigned.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to GOAL Uganda and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Accountability to Beneficiaries: GOAL Uganda staff are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to direct programme participants, engaging them as equal partners in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of our field activities.
Perform any other related duties assigned

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate for the GOAL International Agricultural Markets Development Officer job opportunity should hold a Bachelor’s Degree in business, economic development or other relevant field is preferred.
Broad background in agri-business, with at least three years of practical experience in the private sector engagement
Previous exposure and experience with market facilitation, supporting systemic change and promoting supporting services indirectly, is preferred Knowledge and experience in business financing for SME’s
Highly motivated and motivating individual who can lead SME’s from both the front and behind (depending on the situation)
Knowledge of the agricultural sectors highly desirable
Some practical experience in working with both very small, small and medium sized companies in a development setting,
Excellent writing, communication, organization, prioritization and negotiating skills.
Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills with proven financial management skills.
Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested applicants should send their applications which must include at least 4 reference contacts (2 professional, 2 character references, including your supervisor and the most recent/previous employer), and daytime contact number to; The Human Resource Manager, GOAL Uganda via E-mail to: recruitment@ug.goal.ie

NB: Please do not attach certificates and indicate the Position applied for in the email subject.

Deadline: 26th April 2017