About US:
Vredeseilanden (VECO) is a Belgian NGO working in 16 countries globally. VECO’s Mission is to enable and support smallholder farmers to take up their role in rural poverty alleviation and to contribute to feeding a growing world population in a sustainable way. VECO East Africa will work over the next 5 years contribute to structural changes in the agri-food system for horticulture, grains that unlock the potential of smallholder farmers and promote sustainable value chains.
Job Summary: The Programme Coordinator will enhance the inclusion of Ugandan small scale farmers in durable and fair trading relationships with private companies in national, regional and export markets for horticulture, grains including pulses and promote structural changes to improve competitiveness in the Uganda agricultural sector.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Coordinator will be part of the Regional Management Team and contribute to VECO EA strategy development
Work closely with the Uganda team to develop and improve the Uganda programme so it contributes strongly to the delivery of the VECO EA Strategy, with a focus on policy/ structural changes
Support the Uganda team to deliver innovative pilots which contribute to a growing evidence base for policy work
The incumbent will provide technical leadership in helping Uganda team members identify value chain- wide business improvement strategies
Ensure value chain improvement initiatives
are inclusive and aligned with the actors business objectives. Directly manage key projects as required by the Regional Representative.
Initiate learning exchanges between chain actors and stakeholders to promote policy dialogue on strategic issues
Work closely with the Tanzania Programme Coordinator, Senior Advisor and Regional Representative to design and implement East Africa Regional initiatives to address policy/structural issues
The Programme Coordinator will also represent VECO East Africa in the country in a leading and visible way
Ensure donor requirements for projects and grants are met in a timely manner
Ensure internal planning, learning and reporting processes are of high quality
Ensure effective financial management of resources and risks are minimized
Support development of VECO staff and partner capacity
Key Performance Indicators:
High quality analysis of trends and opportunities
Strong network with key stakeholders
High performing, motivated and accountable staff and partners
Significant and sustainable benefits for farmers working in the pilots
Innovative pilots that contribute strongly to policy/structural change work
Effective learning processes which lead to improvements in programme design
Effective multi-stakeholder platforms which strengthen smallholder farmer voice
Pipeline of funding opportunities and expansion of work in Uganda
VECO programme in Uganda is well known for its excellence
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate must hold a Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Economics, Rural Development Sociology or equivalent by experience
A minimum of ten years’ experience in value chain development, working with a variety of stakeholders.
Program management and lobby/advocacy experience would be appreciated.
Be a strategic thinker who is able to see problems from different angles.
Results orientated
Broad knowledge and understanding of Uganda context for agribusiness and farmer organization development
In depth knowledge of the institutional environment and how to bring about policy changes
Understands national, regional and global market dynamics of high value crops and grains
Previous experience in facilitating Multi-Stakeholder Processes
Comprehensive understanding of VCD approaches including gender empowerment approaches
Broad understanding of sourcing policies of companies, and able to work in an entrepreneurial way
Experienced in developing business models and business plans for farmers business organizations and SMEs.
Technical expertise to see possibilities of fostering innovation, challenging stakeholders and providing leadership for innovations
Good understanding of sustainability / environment including food safety issues in high value crops and grains
Vast experience working with farmers’ business organizations and facilitation of collective action
Good understanding of Program Cycle Management including monitoring and reporting
Communicates clearly in a variety of settings and styles and has good networking skills
Good computer operation Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Good proficiency in English (speaking and writing)
Licensed and able to drive a manual car
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send an application and Curriculum Vitae to the Regional Representative, VECO East Africa through: veco-ea@veco-eastafrica.org
Deadline: 2nd January, 2017