About Mercy Corps:
Mercy Corps is an International NGO that exists to alleviate poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy Corps has been fully registered in Uganda as an operational NGO. Currently Mercy Corps has an office in Kampala and is implementing Food Security programs which comprise of Water and Sanitation, Livelihood and Agriculture and Conflict Mitigation Management Program in North and North Eastern Uganda. We implement programs in the northern districts of Pader, Kitgum, Agago, Lamwo, Kaabong, Abim and Kotido with funding from USAID, USDA, Walmart Foundation, SDC, DFID as well as other private donations.
About MasterCard foundation DYNAMIC Program:
Mercy Corps with funding from MasterCard foundation is working in consortia with Goal Uganda, VSO and Restless Development in implementing the Driving Youth-led New Agribusiness and Microenterprise (DYNAMIC) programme which will strengthen systems and facilitate the creation of sustainable economic opportunities for disadvantaged Ugandan Youth. DYNAMIC’s overall goal is to increase the number of young people who are in secure employment or self-employment and to promote effective and efficient agricultural market systems for youth. Through a market-driven and holistic approach, DYNAMIC will engage an array of public and private sector actors to increase access to goods, services, markets, information and productive and social assets to increase productivity of Ugandan agribusinesses and non-farm enterprises.
Job Summary: The Market Development Officer will offer technical support in all aspects of implementing the market systems development component of the district and lower level DYNAMIC program. The incumbent will also be required to apply a wide variety of market development tools and approaches in order to catalyze innovative services and facilitate linkages between market actors in the assigned program areas.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Planning, developing and implementing market development activities:
Actively participate in assessments in the target geographic areas to assess current situation, economic opportunities and resources, needs and potential programs as well as challenges.
Introduce program to relevant stakeholders including local business owners, local representatives and community members.
Work closely with the Technical Specialists and local partners to plan, implement and monitor market development activities.
Support in developing capacity building materials for business, technical and financial capacities as well as participate in capacity building sessions.
Mobilize targeted youth to fully participate in the program for sustainability.
The incumbent will also identify small business activities for seed support through basic improvements or inputs.
Identify value-addition opportunities that strengthen economic opportunities, especially for young women and rural youth, in the livestock and agriculture sectors as identified by local and national government as well as independent market studies and needs assessments.
Collaboration/Networking:
Establish and maintain good coordination and working relationships with sub-county leaders, representing Mercy Corps and soliciting participation in activities where appropriate and as directed.
Ensure close coordination and sharing of information with relevant stakeholders such as local government, NGOs and local authorities, as appropriate and advised by the line manager.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps Uganda and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:
Work closely with supervisor to capture data for measuring output and impact of the program; and to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field.
The jobholder will also 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.
Maintain proper filing system.
Organizational Learning: As part of Mercy Corps 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 DYNAMIC program as well as themselves.
Accountability to Beneficiaries: DYNAMIC team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to direct program 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 Mercy Corps Market Development Officer job placement should hold a Bachelor’s Degree in business, agribusiness, economic development or other relevant field is preferred.
At least three years’ experience and background in business or market/economic development preferably in the private sector or related industry.
Previous experience with market facilitation, supporting systemic change and promoting supporting services indirectly, is preferred.
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.
Strong writing, communication, organization, prioritization and negotiating skills.
Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills. Language skills in Luo highly valued.
Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
Keen attention to detail and ability to complete tasks in a timely manner.
Excellent teamwork abilities and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm as well as a willingness to learn and to be continually adaptive within a dynamic and often self-directed working environment mandatory.
Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups.
How to Apply:
All prospective Ugandans who wish to join Mercy Corps are encouraged to send their applications via email including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org addressed to the HR Manager, Kampala Head Office on 4th Floor Embassy Plaza, Plot 1188-1190 Ggaba Road.
Deadline: 24th March, 2016