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.
Job Summary: The Conflict and Governance Officer for Mercy Corps will be responsible for building local partner capacity and serve as key advisors to Youth CSOs/CBOs as those organizations may to governance efforts. The incumbent will work to improve private-sector performance through, among other interventions, the fostering of a Karamoja private sector body that can unite the concerns and aspirations of local business people as they relate to governance and conflict-related issues. Lastly, the Conflict and Governance officer will work in coordination with the other sector teams to enhance sector efforts to achieve its desired objectives/goals.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Manage all governance, conflict and community mobilization/engagement and institutional capacity building activities of identified civil society organizations (CSOs) within the program, ensuring these CSOs are able to mobilize themselves and community members, mitigate crime/conflict and engage with government.
Guide on the development of CSO, youth-led groups, mobilization strategies, capacity building programs and government engagement strategy
S/he will provide assistance on technical aspects of the training and implementation of good governance, community mobilization and engagement strategies for the CSOs so that they represent their community within the government structures hence promoting participatory governance mechanisms in target areas, reinforcing their community needs and delivery of service
In addition, s/he will advise in developing and implementing training programs for members of the CSO (Youth Groups, traditional leaders and other stakeholders), including local government officials involved in conflict management, prevention of crime and sexual and gender-based violence, dispute resolution and multi-stakeholder dialogues.
S/he will further support CSOs to develop a conflict prevention plan over resource use, including livestock (depending on the possible areas of tension) and facilitate local response and management of conflicts as they emerge.
Provide key technical support to CSO management system development for local partners, including financial and internal governance standards and adherence.
Enhance capacity building/support to CSOs (Youth groups) to strengthen their internal systems( Documentation, reporting and communication) in a timely manner.
He/ she will also implement activities of the program, implementing work plans in collaboration with other staff, monitoring implementation and impact, training staff in all relevant technical areas, including providing training for trainers.
Work closely with the gender officers to ensure that youth programs are gender sensitive and responsive to the needs of different beneficiary groups.
Liaise with local government officials, local NGOs and civil society organizations, local religious leaders and other notables to ensure support for and acceptance of Mercy Corps’ programs.
Build and maintain close working relationships with other humanitarian and development organizations, and local partners, including representing Mercy Corps at local coordination meetings as may be assigned.
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Communicate the organization’s commitment to gender equity, and the rationale for it, to staff and stakeholders.
Perform any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The Conflict and Governance Officer should preferably Bachelor Degree in appropriate subject, Social Science, Peace Studies, Community Development/Mobilization or related field.
At least three years’ experience focused on governance programs at both community and official levels.
Past experience supporting the development of CSO internal management systems.
Team management, report writing and training skills are strong assets.
Good knowledge and understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns and appropriate responses.
Excellent negotiation and representation skills and the ability to work comfortably with an ethnically diverse staff in a sensitive environment.
Effective verbal and written communication, organizational and prioritization
Computer literacy skills i.e. working knowledge on Microsoft Office applications (Word, excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) are a requirement
Excellent English language skills essential (verbal and written), with Ngakarimojong skills preferred.
Past experience working with youths is desirable
Possess the ability to ride a motor bike with a valid riding permit is preferable
Ability to provide relevant, timely, and focused support to CBOs
Degree to which one promotes and captures learning by her/his partners, institutionalizing activity reviews, identifying and evaluating preconceptions and promoting a culture of inquiry and urgency.
Degree to which one drives results, making critical decisions and producing scheduled outputs at deadline and to expected quality.
NB: This Position is open to Ugandan Nationals only.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, 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 or to Mercy Corps Field Offices in Kotido and Kaabong. The e-mailed applications with cover letter should be sent to: tomcuganda@ug.mercycorps.org.
NB: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: 25th March, 2015