ROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps 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. 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. We are in search of an inquisitive individual to support project staff in Abim, Kotido and Kaabong districts in using a market facilitation approach, conducting research and gathering and analyzing data to deliver top notch results. It is an opportunity for sharp thinkers looking for a serious challenge.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The primary focuses of the Learning and Information Officer (LIO) will be to support staff in using a facilitative approach, build data gathering and analytical tools, maintain a set of data on results and behavior change, and conduct research into specific areas of data need. The LIO will ask staff tough questions on their approach, forcing them to consider whether or not their approaches maximize leverage and lead to behavior changes that catalyze systemic changes that grow and last beyond the project’s direct intervention. S/he will hold staff accountable for gathering data and keep a system where it is easily accessible when needed. The LIO will also develop and support processes for integrating that information into program design (and re-design). S/he will work with teams to identify critical knowledge gaps and carry out targeted research on those areas, engaging external assistance, when necessary.

The project’s activities work almost exclusively through permanent private sector, government and local CSO actors, seeking to crowd in provision rather than displace or replicate local actors with donor-funded services. Facilitation projects will include, but are not limited to, increasing access to tillage services, improving access to beneficial and life-saving health products, improving traditional authority-official authority collaboration, developing agent input and aggregator networks, improving the service offerings and profitable provision of community animal health services, commercializing access to fuel efficient stoves, increasing availability of solar products and improved accessibility to local handpump repair and spare parts.

One of three success factors will be the degree to which the LIO promotes and captures learning across the project, institutionalizing activity reviews, identifying and evaluating preconceptions and promoting a culture of inquisitiveness. The second will be that person’s ability to manage a large quantity of data and deliver timely analysis to staff and to management. The third success factor will be the degree to which that person provides insight to teams through rigorous and efficient research in critical need-to-know areas, identified by program staff but researched with close support from the LIO.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Market Facilitation Support:
Coach program staff in use of market facilitation techniques;
Find, organize and share market facilitation resources with program staff;
Challenge program staff to think critically about strategy decisions and reflect on what they are observing.
Monitoring and Evaluation:

Create a dynamic program environment that promotes inquiry;
Develop tools to simplify data gathering and reporting and ensure teams gather and report necessary data, including maintaining Podio entries for mapping progress with partners;
Support program staff in monitoring and evaluating the progress and impact of work including setting and measuring benchmarks along results chains;
Development and maintain a central database to track all IPTT-required project information, and provide to Chief of Party, on request
Prepare data analyses to be used in quarterly strategic reviews, annual reports, and a midterm evaluation.

Research:
Conduct research projects on specific subjects critical to team success and recommend hiring of external support, where necessary;
Where needed, support external evaluations by research partner Feinstein International Center and other organizations;

Communication and Publication:
Contribute data, analysis and write-ups to regular organizational publications and reports;
Work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Communication Manager to develop publishable communication material about GHG;
Author occasional papers for wider distribution;

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; Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline ( Economics, Development Studies, Statistics )
At least 3 years of related professional experience
Demonstrable quantitative skills, including familiarity with database management and analysis
Superior writing and analytical skills
Proven skills in networking, assessing information needs and developing appropriate tools
Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills
Knowledge of Uganda’s economy and business environment, particularly in the context of rural development and Karamoja.
A sense of humor on par with one’s level of curiosity.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications: Submit your E-mailed application including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates through the Human Resource Manager to mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org

Deadline for Submission: Close of business on February 24, 2016 Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply**.