PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006 and works to catalyze change makers within the Ugandan private sector, civil society and government to create economically dynamic, healthy and secure communities. Our works focus on building resilience and enabling economic growth, improving opportunities to attain better health and nutrition, and improving governance and conflict management. We implement programs in the northern districts of Pader, Kitgum, Agago, Lamwo, Gulu, Omoro, Moroto, Kaabong, Abim and Kotido with funding from USAID, US State Department, Walmart Foundation, SDC, DFID as well as other private donations.
We were recently awarded funding for an 8-month Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) funded program around Multi-Purpose Cash and Protection for South Sudanese refugees in Bidibidi Settlement in Yumbe District, Uganda. The program will be led by DanChurchAid with Mercy Corps as an implementing partner. The program will focus on unconditional cash transfers to Persons with Special Needs that will be defined through specific vulnerability criteria as well as a cash for work component for youth. The program’s protection activities will be conducted by TPO Uganda.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps is looking for an experienced, qualified Ugandan to fill the position of Program Assistant. Reporting to a Program Officer, the Program Assistant will support implementation of cash transfer and cash-for-work activities in two zones in the Bidibidi Settlement of Yumbe District. Two Program Assistants will focus on Cash Transfer activities while a third will focus on Cash-for-Work. As needed, program officers will be expected to support all interventions of the program. Specific activities will include strengthening relationships with existing community structures, assessing beneficiaries based on vulnerability criteria; mobilizing community members for assessments and registration of beneficiaries; development of platform for cash transfers and payment; implementation of cash distributions; post-distribution monitoring and after-action-reviews and any other activity as needed. S/he will be a creative, action-oriented problem solver with strong experience in partnership management.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Planning, developing and implementing humanitarian cash transfer activities
• In coordination with Program Manager and Officers, mobilize community members, taking care to identify those who fit the pre-established vulnerability criteria, for registration and other activities.
• Support community sensitization activities around cash transfer and cash-for-work activities in two zones of focus in Bidibidi Settlement. Identify specific topic areas of information needed and develop clear communications plans to effectively disseminate information.
• Support development of platform to distribute cash and its implementation in the field.
• Support implementation cash distributions on a monthly basis to Persons with Special Needs.

Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Under guidance of Program Manager, Officer and M&E Officer, participate in any market assessment and baseline/endline data gathering needs.
• Support the development of vulnerability criteria and beneficiary registration tool.
• Support data collection activities including post-distribution monitoring and after action reviews for key activities. Continuous improvement of activities will be expected based on this information.
• 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.
Collaboration/Networking
• 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.
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 program as well as themselves.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field preferred.
• At least 2years related professional experience
• Background in humanitarian response activities preferred.
• Strong community mobilization skills a must.
• Good writing, communication, organization, prioritization and negotiating skills.
• Good (English) verbal and written communication skills preferred.
• Computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
• Excellent 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.
• Proactive, problem-solving action orientation is essential.

SUCCESS FACTORS:
The ideal candidate will have the ability and curiosity to work comfortably and effectively in the cultural, relatively poor infrastructure of West Nile. S/he will be an excellent communicator, have a strong sense of humor, multi-tasker, and able to work difficult and often stressful environments. S/he will be committed to the work of Mercy Corps and the objectives of this program. They will demonstrate their dedication with a strong work ethic, attention to detail and creative problem solving.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications: Submit your application through email to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org addressed to the Senior HR and Legal Manager, Mercy Corps Uganda. Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Tuesday, 2nd January, 2017. Subject of email should include the position you are applying for. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.