About World Bank USDF:
The Government of Uganda has applied for credit from the World Bank towards Implementation of the Uganda Competitive Fund for employer-led short term training (Uganda Skills Development Facility -USDF). The Uganda competitive fund for employer-led short-term training is part of the Skilling Uganda Project addressing prevailing skills imbalances and shortages in Uganda. An important element of the initiative is to facilitate collaboration between training providers and industry to promote demand driven skills development with special attention to innovative modes of training. The Fund is an IDA-funded project expected to be managed by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU). The grant component of USDF aims at;
· Component 1: Supporting training activities that lead to improved productivity and competitiveness in the formal and informal sectors, hereby creating new income opportunities
· Component 2: Providing funding primarily for the improvement of the quality and relevance of existing skills systems
· Component 3: Prioritising innovative new approaches to skills development with special attention to micro and small enterprises.
Job Summary: The Grant Specialist will be responsible for the timely implementation of USDF in accordance to the laid down guidelines and ensure the highest level of honesty, integrity and transparency in processing grant awards that are geared towards enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of the enterprises. He / she will also play a key role in linking the facility to the ultimate beneficiaries.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
· Act as the first line of contact for potential and actual grantees to equip them with information about the grant eligibility criteria and operational procedures.
· Ensure that the competitive scheme for each window under Component 3 is implemented on a timely efficient and effective manner that is consistent with the established guidelines and procedures.
· Partake in the review of the proposals and ensure that all proposals received are well documented and filed, including preparation of all necessary documentation to enable submission to the Technical evaluation team; ensure accurate documentation of results and where necessary seek clarity from the technical evaluation team for purposes of ensuring transparency and alignment to agreed principals.
· The incumbent will also participate in appraisal of applications and preparation of recommendations and documentation ‘packages’ for the Grant Committee;
· Work closely with other implementing team members, conduct regular on-site visits to a random sample of grantees to assess progress of sub projects vis-a-vis agreed results, timelines and budgets. Based on the implementation progress, recommend further payments to these consulting firms if their reports are consistent with the findings on the ground by the Grant Specialists. Otherwise, if inconsistencies are found, agree with the consulting firms on concrete next steps to address these inconsistencies and on evidence to be presented to the Project Coordination Unit to support their next payment; and also identify potential problematic sub projects by emerging challenges and flag them for discussion and identification of mitigation measures to the Project Manager.
· Work in liaison with the consulting firms and with the Financial Management Specialist of the Project Coordination Unit to prepare quarterly progress reports on the financial and physical implementation of Component 3;
· Routinely review and analyze documentation of communications and reports in relation to the various aspects of Component 3;
· Submit regular briefs on the progress shown in Component 3 to support the Project Manager to bring relevant officials up to date on activities implemented, accomplishments, problems encountered and solutions executed, with respect to Component 3;
· Work in liaison with the Project Manager to provide potential grantee private sector enterprises and associations with guidance in defining their skills development needs and help them determine the training support services that are most beneficial, practical and cost effective for their growth.
· Provide regular support to the Project Manager on progress of the facility activities and potential areas for facility improvement and promotion of the targeted beneficiaries.
· Participate in the competitive grant promotional activities for private sector growth.
· Actively participate in the preparation of work plan and procurement plan for the component which will include:
· Comprehensive reviews of all sub grantee work plans and budgets including capture of inputs required for integration in the overall sub component work plans and budgets; and
· Ensure the overall work plan for the sub component reflects the comprehensive sub grantee work plans including capture of inputs required in the execution of fiduciary duties of your position.
· Perform other relevant duties as required by the Project Manager in line with program objectives.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The applicants should preferably hold a Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Financial Management or related fields.
· At least seven years’ track record in granting experience with donor funded programs.
· Working knowledge and experience in the manufacturing, construction or agriculture sectors will be an added advantage.
· Comprehensive understanding and appreciation of formal and informal sectors in Uganda.
· Excellent analytical skills to be supported by a sample of written reports.
· Excellent computer skills including but not limited to MS Word, Excel, Project and Power Point
· Excellent writing and communication skills including making presentations and public speech.
· High degree of integrity, versatility and clean record.
How to Apply:
All candidates are encouraged to deliver their application letters, updated curriculum vita and photocopies of academic and professional certificates to the address below. Please clearly indicate the position being applied for on top of the envelope.
The Executive Director,
Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU)
Plot 43, Nakasero Road,
P. O. Box 7683, Kampala- Uganda.
Deadline: Wednesday, 19th August, 2015