About US:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization which implements high-quality, analytical development programmes in very difficult places. Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006. It has and continues to implement programs in Acholi and Karamoja sub regions. Mercy Corps is taking a community-led, market driven approach to address poverty and food insecurity needs through interventions that get to the root causes and contributing factors of economic vulnerability. Donors include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Commission (EC), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC).
Job Summary: The Mercy Corps Agribusiness Officer will be in charge of marketing development programs that focus on enhanced small holder farmer production and productivity, improved performance of targeted commodity markets and improved access to financial services. The incumbent’s responsibilities will include businesses’ capacity assessment and research; capacity building support to program targeted agribusinesses including technical assistance, mentorship and coaching; and facilitating linkages to supporting services for improved coverage and outreach. The Agribusiness Officer will work closely with the program team across components and the Monitoring Evaluation Learning and Communication department to ensure quality program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
· Work in liaison with the Agribusiness Specialist and Agribusiness team in designing and implementation of agricultural business capacity building interventions of the project according to the approved work plan and budgets, project document and implementation strategies.
· Identify the capacity gaps of small and medium businesses, design and implement most feasible capacity building interventions based on identified gaps.
· Offer continuous technical guidance, capacity building support, mentoring and coaching to agribusinesses that the program is working with.
· Participate in the periodic program planning, review and reflection meetings and sessions.
· Prepare periodic work plans and progress reports, including producing content on weekly basis to the program knowledge management system.
· Prepare accurate and timely reports and other project documentation and communication that contribute to a learning organization.
· Render support in all other tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor and program managers.
· Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its mission.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The applicant should hold a First degree in Agriculture/Agribusiness, Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies or related fields;
· At least three years of relevant experience with proven technical experience in the field;
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
· Excellent computer skills, specifically in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
· 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;
· Ability to focus on day-to-day tasks at hand while also working towards longer-term objectives with an understanding that these will change continuously;
· Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups.
· Have the ability and curiosity to work comfortably and effectively in the cultural, relatively poor infrastructure of Acholi sub region.
· Be an excellent communicator, have a strong sense of humor, multi-tasker, and able to work difficult and often stressful environments.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications including a cover letter clearly stating the salary requirements, updated CV (with three professional referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to the HR/Admin Manager, Kampala Head Office on 4th Floor Embassy Plaza, Plot 1188-1190 Ggaba Road. The E-mail applications with cover letter should be sent to: mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org.
Deadline: 18th June 2015