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:
Mercy Corps is looking for an experienced, qualified Ugandan to fill the position of Program Officer. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Program Officer will support implementation of cash transfer and cash-for-work activities in two zones in the Bidibidi Settlement of Yumbe District. Two Program Officers will focus on Cash Transfer activities while a third will focus on Cash-for-Work. As needed, program officers will be expected to support all interventions of the program. Specific activities will include strengthening relationships with existing community structures, assessing beneficiaries based on vulnerability criteria; mobilizing community members for assessments and registration of beneficiaries; development of platform for cash transfers and payment; implementation of cash distributions; post-distribution monitoring and after-action-reviews and any other activity as needed. S/he will be a creative, action-oriented problem solver with strong experience in partnership management.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Planning, developing and implementing humanitarian cash transfer activities
• In coordination with Program Manager, mobilize community members, taking care to identify those who fit the pre-established vulnerability criteria, for registration and other activities.
• Support and lead community sensitization activities around cash transfer and cash-for-work activities in two zones of focus in Bidibidi Settlement. Identify specific topic areas of information needed and develop clear communications plans to effectively disseminate information.
• Coordinate closely with lead agency, DanChurchAid, to ensure activities are in line with each other.
• Support development of platform to distribute cash and its implementation in the field.
• Plan and implement cash distributions on a monthly basis to Persons with Special Needs.
Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Under guidance of Program Manager and M&E Officer, participate in any market assessment and baseline/endline data gathering needs.
• Support the development of vulnerability criteria and beneficiary registration tool.
• Work closely with supervisor to capture data for measuring output and impact of the program; and to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field. Specific data collection would include post-distribution monitoring and after action reviews for key activities. Continuous improvement of activities will be expected based on this information.
• Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation. Respond to queries if and when necessary.
• Maintain proper filing system.
Collaboration/Networking
• Establish and maintain good coordination and working relationships with Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR local government officials, and other NGOs/CBOs, representing Mercy Corps and soliciting participation in activities where appropriate and as directed.
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps Uganda and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.
Organizational Learning:
• As part of Mercy Corps Uganda’s commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve – we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit the program as well as themselves.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field is preferred.
• At least 3years related professional experience
• Background in humanitarian response activities, preferably in cash transfer and/or cash for work programming. Ideally candidate will have experience working on electronic methods of payment.
• Strong community mobilization experience a must.
• Strong writing, communication, organization, prioritization and negotiating skills.
• Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to complete tasks in a timely manner.
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 Friday, 10th March, 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.