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 implement 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, and are in search of six creative problem solvers with private sector experience to fill the position of Economic Development Officers. The project, called Northern Karamoja 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 primary focus of the Urban Development Officer will be to design, implement and support facilitation projects that improve the performance of sectors that are key to sustainable urban development in the semi-arid environment of Karamoja. At the start, this will include water access, energy access, sanitation and hygiene, but may expand to new sectors as the urban project progresses. These activities will work almost exclusively through private sector actors, seeking to crowd in provision rather than displace or replicate private actors with donor-funded services. It will also require a high degree of fruitful coordination with civil society and local government.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program
• With support from the team leader, carry out market assessments and develop sector-focused strategies;
• Introduce the program to relevant stakeholders including local business owners, local representatives and community members. Foster ongoing positive cooperation with these stakeholders;
• Ensure an integrated approach to program implementation in order to maximize resource utilization and synergy between the staff and different MC programs, if any;
• Actively participate in the periodic program planning, review and reflection meetings and sessions
Partnership Management:
• Identify, assess and develop partnership strategies for potential private sector GHG partners;
• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with town council, sub-county and district leaders and line departments, soliciting their participation in all activities where appropriate;
• Make on-site field visits regularly to provide technical review and/or design suggestions;
• Work with team leader(s) and Mercy Corps technical staff in order to develop potential projects, implement and closely monitor selected economic development projects including detailed work plans and business plans.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Create a dynamic program environment that promotes inquiry;
• Take primary responsibility for sector-focused data gathering;
• Establish procedures and guidelines to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of economic development support work including setting and measuring benchmarks along results chains;
• Analyze project implementation strategies to identify constraints to program success and provide timely recommendations;
• Provide data in support of team submission of timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation.
• Where needed support external evaluations by research partner Feinstein International Centre and other organizations;
• Work with the Chief Learning Officers to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field for entry in the database and for preparation of PR materials.
• Promote a learning culture through documenting impact and lessons learnt during implementation
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:
• University degree in business, economics or a related field, preferable in a related field and at least 3 years of professional experience.
• Willingness to work on the field
• Ability and willingness to ride a motor cycle.
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people
• Ability to evaluate businesses and business plans
• Skills in networking, team-working, and community consultations
• Good reporting, communication and representation skills
• Good spoken and written English. Fluency in Ngakarimojong and Ethurr 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 Thursday, 25th August, 2016. 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.