About US:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization which implements high-quality, analytical development work in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement development programs in the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, EC, SDC, and USDA. We were recently awarded a market-development focused 5-year USAID/Food for Peace-funded program working in the northern half of Karamoja.
About USAID GHG Program:
The project, called the Northern Karamoja Growth, Health and Governance (GHG) program, aims to support the immediate needs of program beneficiaries while promoting long-term development by spurring systemic improvements in key economic sectors of northern Karamoja.
Job Summary: The Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer will take part in the daily implementation of the development programming through support to key business partners including commercial banks, MFIs, SACCOs, Business Forums, agro processors, traders, transporters, input sellers, pharmacies, animal and human healthcare providers, consumer goods retailers, and a host of other actors. The incumbent will supporting in the implementation and support of facilitation projects that make beneficial financial products and services accessible to households within the geographic focus of the program, particularly Abim District. The Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer will work closely with Economic Development Team Leaders and Project Managers to better address and improve the economic future and quality of life of its program beneficiaries. He or She will also work in coordination with the program management team.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Program:
· Work closely with business forums and financial service providers (SACCOs, banks, VSLAs) to identify equitable solutions for inclusive economic growth, build capacity, and improve outreach;
· With support from the team leader, the incumbent will conduct market assessments, value chain analyses, and the development of sector-focused strategies;
· Recommend program priorities and explore, evaluate and present new opportunities that with high potential for impact;
· Introduce the program to relevant stakeholders including local business owners, local representatives and community members. Foster ongoing positive cooperation with these stakeholders;
· Ensure an integrated approach to program implementation in order to maximize resource utilization and synergy between the staff and different MC programs, if any;
2. Partnership Management:
· Identify, assess and develop partnership strategies for potential private sector GHG partners;
· Build and maintain productive working relationships with, District Commercial Officer, sub-county and district leaders and production and marketing departments, soliciting their participation in all activities where appropriate;
· Conduct on-site field visits regularly to provide technical review and/or design suggestions;
· Work in liaison with team leader(s) and Mercy Corps technical staff in order to develop potential projects, implement and closely monitor selected economic development projects including detailed work plans and business plans.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation:
· Create a dynamic program environment that promotes inquiry;
· Take primary responsibility for sector-focused data gathering;
· Establish procedures and guidelines to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of economic development support work including setting and measuring benchmarks along results chains;
· Keenly 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.
· Where needed, the incumbent will support external evaluations by research partner Feinstein International Centre and other organizations;
· Work closely with the Chief Learning Officer to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field for entry in the database and for preparation of PR materials
4. Other:
· 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;
· Perform any other duties as assigned by the line manager.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The ideal candidate should preferably hold a good University degree in business, economics or a related field
· A minimum of three years of related professional experience
· Prior experience working in Retail Banking with rural based financial service providers
· Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people
· Detailed working knowledge of business principles, including financial planning, marketing, business plan development, and others
· Skills in networking, team-working, and community consultations
· Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills
· Willingness to work in a remote environment
· Good spoken and written English. Fluency in Ngakarimojong and Ethurr is an advantage
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested Ugandan 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: 25th September 2015