PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006 and works to catalyze change makers within the Ugandan private sector, civil society and government to create economically dynamic, healthy and secure communities. Our works focus on building resilience and enabling economic growth, improving opportunities to attain better health and nutrition, and improving governance and conflict management. We implement programs in the northern districts of Pader, Kitgum, Agago, Lamwo, Gulu, Omoro, Moroto, Kaabong, Abim and Kotido with funding from USAID, US State Department, Walmart Foundation, SDC, DFID as well as other private donations.
We were recently awarded funding for an 8-month Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) funded program around Multi-Purpose Cash and Protection for South Sudanese refugees in Bidibidi Settlement in Yumbe District, Uganda. The program will be led by DanChurchAid with Mercy Corps as an implementing partner. The program will focus on unconditional cash transfers to Persons with Special Needs that will be defined through specific vulnerability criteria as well as a cash for work component for youth. The program’s protection activities will be conducted by TPO Uganda.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Program Manager in the Yumbe Field Office, this position is a key role in Mercy Corps’ program quality assurance, accountability, documentation and learning unit. The position holder will be responsible for submitting donor reports and additional reports needed for the partners on the program. The position holder will support the program team in planning and execution of monitoring and evaluation activities, ensuring quality in line with accepted standards, providing essential feedback for learning, accountability and decision making. The position holder will work report to the Program Manager and be under the technical guidance of the Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Support the initial start-up period by leading the implementation of a more detailed market assessment and initial workplan refinement phase, making sure to include key beneficiaries and stakeholders, in close partnership with the Program Manager.
• Lead the development of the M&E framework to be submitted to the prime organization for review.
• Generate and implement M&E tools for all assessments and program implementation needs, in close coordination with full program team and continually engaged in field activities.
• Coordinate baseline and endline assessments, case studies, post-distribution monitoring, after action reviews and other monitoring activities in area of operation.
• Draft and lead the finalization of all donor reporting requirements.
• Maintain an up to date database that reflects progress (including disaggregated beneficiary counts) and donor indicators, in line with both organizational standards and the donor’s database.
• Build the capacity of all team members to develop and maintain an excellent M&E system, and facilitate periodic reflection and analysis of program monitoring information that feeds into programming and learning.
• Maintain professional relationships with local government officials, private sector partners, NGOs, other development organizations, and civil society organizations.
• Actively participate in all implementation, providing advice and feedback for quality results at any point, as needed.
• Work with Director of Programs, Program Manager, Program Officers and other staffs to ensure that activities are implemented on plan and progress towards targets is not compromised.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to credit Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its mission.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by his/her supervisor or representatives.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Agriculture, Demography, Statistics, Business administration or relevant field.
• At least 3 years of program monitoring and evaluation experience.
• Should understand concepts and demonstrate skills in monitoring and evaluation, project cycle, results chain and frameworks, participatory monitoring.
• Should be able to lead the design and implementation of surveys, have knowledge of commonly used probability and purposive sampling techniques.
• Must have perfect writing and analytical skills.
• Should have knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data collection, reporting techniques. S/he should understand and be able to apply basic measures of central tendency and spread.
• In addition to Microsoft Excel, the incumbent should demonstrate fluency in use of at least one data management software including Microsoft Access, SPSS, STATA.
• Must be fluent both spoken and written English. Local language skills is a plus.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
• The ideal candidate will have the ability and curiosity to work comfortably and effectively in the cultural, relatively poor infrastructure of West Nile.
• S/he will be an excellent communicator, have a strong sense of humor, multi-tasker, and able to work difficult and often stressful environments.
• S/he will be committed to the work of Mercy Corps and the objectives of this program. They will demonstrate their dedication with a strong work ethic, attention to detail and creative problem solving.
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 Tuesday, 2nd January, 2017. 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.