PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006 and works to catalyze change through the Ugandan private sector, civil society and government to create resilient, economically inclusive, healthy, and secure communities. Our work focuses on building resilience and enabling economic growth, improving opportunities to attain better health and nutrition, improving governance and conflict management, and bridging humanitarian response with longer term development outcomes. We implement programs in Acholi, Karamoja and West Nile Sub-regions, as well as eastern Uganda and the greater Kampala area with funding from USAID, Sida, US State Department, SDC, DFID as well as other private donations.
Mercy Corps is starting a new program in consortium with four other international NGOs in Bidibidi, Rhino Camp and Palorinya settlements in the sectors of livelihoods (agriculture, income generating activities, VSLAs, and cash transfers); WASH (access to water and sanitation infrastructure and hygiene promotion); child protection (child friendly spaces, case management and other support), education (accelerated learning programs with links to livelihoods) and general protection and GBV (GBV promotion, male role models, case management and other support) to reach over 65,000 beneficiaries in these areas.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Program Officer will be a senior position in small field offices located in either Palorinya or Rhino Camp. The Senior Program Officer will support the Program Manager in implementing the workplan and activity streams in the specific geography of focus, i.e. Palorinya or Rhino Camp. Acting for the Program Manager, the Senior Program Officer will be expected to support coordination with consortium partners as well as implementing agencies, OPM and UNHCR. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Senior Program Officer will lead implementation of the livelihoods and economic development component which will include support for farmers; evouchers or cash for agricultural inputs; formation and support for VSLAs; formation and support for income generating activities and market linkages to ensure sustainable incomes are developed.
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.
• Lead field level community sensitization activities around livelihoods activities in zones of focus in Rhino Camp or Palorinya. Identify specific topic areas of information needed and develop clear communications plans to effectively disseminate information.
• Support development of platform to implement evouchers or other platform to distribute agricultural inputs with linkages to local traders. Lead implementation of platform in the geography of focus.
• Lead development of groups for VSLA activities; support initial training and provide ongoing monitoring support.
• Lead identification and development of IGA groups; support development of specific IGA and business plan; and ongoing support.
• Support development of strategy and lead implementation of capital grants to IGA groups for livelihood activities along with ongoing support.
• Coordinate with other field teams as needed to ensure continuity in the programs.
Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Under guidance of Program Manager and M&E Specialist, participate in and potentially lead 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.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field is preferred.
• 4+ years relevant experience with 1+ years supervisory experience
• Background in humanitarian response activities, preferably in livelihoods and cash transfer programming. Ideally candidate will have experience working on electronic methods of payment.
• Ideal candidate will demonstrate progressive levels of responsibility.
• Strong community mobilization experience a must.
• Experience in leading M&E processes ideal.
• Strong writing, communication, organization, prioritization and negotiating skills.
• Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills. ‘>
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 Thursday, 5th May, 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. l