PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps is an international NGO that exist to alleviate Poverty and oppression by helping Build secure, productive and just communities. Mercycorps implements high-quality, analytical development works in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement programs in the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, USDA, Wal-Mart Foundation, SDC, DFID as well as other private donations. The Programme needs a creative problem solver with extensive governance, conflict and civil society development experience to work directly with local partners Kaabong Peace and Development Agency (KAPDA), AWOTID and Youth Led CBOs. The project, called Growth Health and Governance (GHG) aims to support the immediate needs of program beneficiaries while promoting long-term development by spurring systemic improvements in key economic, health and governance sectors of northern Karamoja.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The primary focus of the Conflict and Governance Officer will be to build local partner capacity and serve as contact person/adviser to AWOTID as the organizations is leading the GHG’s land conflict Mitigation and governance efforts. The CMG team leader will also inform the work of GHG Economic Development Team, which will work to improve private-sector performance through, among other interventions, the fostering of a Karamojong 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 CGO will work with other sector teams to enhance sector efforts to achieve its desired objectives/goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program
• Oversee Abim-focused 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.
• This staff member will have primary responsibility for management, leadership and support to local partner AWOTID.
• Enhance capacity building/support to AWOTID and other SO3 partners to strengthen their internal systems (Documentation, reporting and communication) in a timely manner.
• Advise on the development of CSO, youth-led groups, mobilization strategies, capacity building programs and government engagement strategy with or in the absence of other team members
• 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 support to CSO management system development for local partners, including financial and internal governance standards and adherence.

Partnership Management:
• 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.
• 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.
• Communicate the organization’s commitment to gender equity, and the rationale for it, to staff and stakeholders.

Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Create a dynamic program environment that promotes inquiry;
• Establish procedures and guidelines to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of AWOTID development support work including setting and measuring benchmarks along results chains;
• Analyze project implementation strategies to identify constraints to program success and provide timely recommendations;
• Provide data in support of team submission of timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• Preferably Bachelor Degree in appropriate subject, Social Science, Peace Studies, Development Studies/Mobilization or related field.
• 3+ years of experience focused on governance programs at both community and official levels.
• Experience supporting the development of CSO internal management systems.
• Team management, report writing and training skills are strong assets.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Good knowledge on Microsoft Office applications (Word, excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) are a requirement
• Excellent English language skills essential (verbal and written), with Ethurr skills preferred.
• Experience working with youths is desirable
• Ability to ride a motor bike with a valid riding permit is preferable

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 Thursday, 25th August, 2016. 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.