PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps implements high-quality, analytical development work in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implementing 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 program, called Growth, Health and Governance (GHG), 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.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Project Manager- Agri-Business is a technical managerial position for Mercy Corps Uganda having a supervisory responsibility of a team of Agribusiness Officers and technical responsibilities including businesses’ capacity assessment; capacity building support to program targeted agribusinesses including technical advice, mentorship and coaching; and facilitating linkages to supporting services for improved coverage and outreach and development of crop value chains.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program
• Work closely with Mercy Corps Economic Development, MCHN and Gender, youth and vulnerable teams to lead in designing and implementation of business capacity building interventions of the project according to the approved work plan and budgets, project document and implementation strategies, providing a coordination role within the team
• Provide managerial and supervisory support to a team of agribusiness officers and AEWS (via Agronomists) to deliver program objectives and activities in a quality and timely manner.
• Facilitate market driven linkages between agribusiness producers, wholesalers, processors, and markets across the Karamoja region.
• Develop and undertake assessments, project design and strategy including value chain development and upgrading strategies, improving access to agricultural inputs and marketing.
• Lead reporting activities and networking with WFP. Prepare workplans, and monthly, quarterly and end of program reports.
• Identify the capacity gaps of small and medium businesses working with the program design and implement most feasible capacity building activities based on identified gaps.
• Conducts light due-diligence on potential partners and supports the negotiation process in finalizing teaming and partnership agreements;
• Provide targeted and continuous capacity support and oversee activities of the agribusinesses identified for capacity building support.
• Provide technical inputs to all other program teams to ensure synergy and to maximize program impact.
• Work closely with monitoring evaluation learning and communication team in setting baseline indexes of targeted businesses and track progress against set business capacity performance parameters
• Actively participate in the periodic program planning, review and reflection meetings and sessions.
• Build field team capacity in the areas of agribusiness, business mentorship and coaching
• Prepare accurate and timely reports and other project documentation and communication that contribute to a learning organization;
• Coordinate with other Mercy Corps programs and local government bodies to ensure coherent program implementation and to capitalize on business opportunities in Mercy Corps’ target communities.
• Assists in all other tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor and program managers.
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 by the line manager.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• At least 6 years of related professional experience.
• Management experience with agribusiness activities in northern Karamoja, including solid knowledge of the facilitative approach.
• Experience developing business plans and/or business growth strategies
• Demonstrable writing and analytical skills
• Demonstrable quantitative skills, including familiarity with financial accounting.
• Proven skills in networking, team-building, community consultations and organizational development;
• Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills
• Intimate knowledge of Uganda’s economy and business environment, particularly in the context of rural development and Karamoja.
• Good spoken and written English. Fluency in Ng’akarimojong is an advantage.
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 Wednesday, 4th 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.