About US:
The Government of the Republic of Uganda has received a loan and a grant from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to finance the Project for Restoration of Livelihoods in the Northern Region (PRELNOR), and intends to apply some of the proceeds to recruit staff to implement the project. PRELNOR will cover the districts of Adjumani, Agago, Amuru, Gulu, Lamwo, Kitgum, Nwoya and Pader.

About PRELNOR Project:
The overall goal of the PRELNOR is: Increased income, food security and reduced vulnerability of poor rural households in the project area. This will be through increased sustainable production, productivity and climate resilience of smallholder farmers with increased and profitable access to domestic and export markets.

Job Summary: The Agribusiness and Partnerships Management Specialist takes the overall responsibility for achieving the project objectives, outcomes and targets under improved market access sub-component, and will work closely with other specialists where relevant. The agribusiness specialist reports to the Project Coordinator.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be tasked with becoming thoroughly familiar with the proposed PRELNOR community, farmer, SME and MSP engagement and implementation processes.
Establish lines of communications and coordinate with all major stakeholders for PRELNOR implementation, i.e.local governments, the district farmers associations (DFA’s), the traders’ associations like district chambers of commerce and industry (DCCI), the UNFEE, the National CCI, the Uganda Cooperative Alliance, service providers for technical agriculture (including farmer field schools), climate change and business developments services and strategic partners) and international development agencies delivering similar technical services in the project area.
In charge of preparing contracts and bidding documents in accordance with IFAD and Government of Uganda (GoU) procurement requirements for the competitive procurement of project implementing agencies and service providers. Prepare memoranda of understanding for partnerships with other agencies designated to implement or benefit from specific activities under the project.
Technically support the development of and assist in finalising the AWPB for outputs managed by him/her. Ensure that all plans are properly planned, implemented and monitored according to specified deadlines and within the allocated budget.
Develop relevant project management guidelines, procedures and operating practices for project execution and proactively manage changes in project scope, identify potential constraints and devise contingency plans.
Finalize Training Guidelines based on the provisions contained in the PIM.
Identify opportunities for community, SME or multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) to apply or become agents for innovative applications of technical, information and communications technologies to improve adoption and/or uptake in rural areas; identify potential partners or agencies interested in piloting or scaling up such innovations.
Establish procedures for screening and selecting applications for grants and cost-sharing under the Market Infrastructure sub-component.
Take responsibility for implementation of income generating activities for rural youth under Market Linkages sub-component; and oversee and support the work of the Sociologist for implementation of youth income generating activities under the Livelihoods component.
The incumbent will support the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning specialist in establishing a monitoring, evaluation and knowledge management system for this component of the project and ensure the submission of all progress reports on time.
Identify how best to use the Technical Assistance included in the AWPB and develop the terms of reference and most appropriate timelines for use of this assistance.
Support supervision and implementation support missions, mid-term review, and project completion report, including analysing project activities and making recommendations for improvement and ensuring that agreed recommendations are implemented.
Perform any other relevant task assigned by the Project Coordinator.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The agribusiness and partnerships management specialist should hold a Master’s degree in agribusiness, agricultural economics, or business management from a recognised University / Institution
A minimum of six years’ experience, including three years in financial institutions and/or government/donor programmes and a track record as a successful manager and administrator in the Ugandan context.
Prior experience in rural and/or SME development and in managing a major international programme or institution.
Demonstrated capacity to take on a leadership position with strong managerial skills and capacity to manage people and interact with a wide range of private sector partners and public sector representatives, as well as managers and implementers of large-scale rural / community / SME development programmes.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of aspects of technical writing to different categories of audiences
Prior experience of working with different stakeholders.
Ability to bring together various stakeholders for purposes of policy dialogue.
Strong organizational skills and knowledge of strategic planning.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Broad knowledge and understanding of climate change, capacity building and gender issues.

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications accompanied with detailed curriculum vitae, copies of academic certificates, transcripts and testimonials including names and addresses of three referees to: Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Worker’s House, 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 7037 Kampala. Uganda

Deadline: 14th August, 2015