Job description
If you have a background in international development, are a US Citizen,
have lived abroad in a developing country, and wish to make a broad and
sustainable impact on the lives of thousands of women and children, READ
ON! This position provides the perfect opportunity for a young
professional to advance his or her career and be mentored by a team of seasoned
development professionals.
Just Like My Child Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization based in San Diego, CA with programs in Ugand
a and Senegal. We are
entering the ninth year of our life-changing work with the people in the
vibrant communities we serve. Experience the rhythm, the fabric, the flow of
Africa – learn so much, while living in the same community as the people whose
lives you are changing.
Our mission is to empower vulnerable adolescent girls by engabling them to
create healthy, self sustaining families who prosper without further aid. By
employing effective strategies such as partnerships with community leaders and
local organizations, we are able to have a powerful impact at the community
level, and by requiring a co-investment from the community, we are ensuring
that solutions are long-term and sustainable.
The position of Country Director in Luwero, Uganda is an inspiring
opportunity to work with our vibrant team of “on the ground partners”
who have stood up as leaders to move our programs forward and integrate them
into the communities we serve. In this position, you would be responsible for
directing our on-the-ground team of Project Coordinators in facilitating and
expanding our programs, ensuring every community is benefiting from our
multi-sectoral approach to holistic development and poverty alleviation.
Specific responsibilities will include: managing,
supporting and evaluating all of JLMC’s programs, which include: health care,
education, microenterprise, girl’s empowerment, leadership and social justice.
Strong experience “in country” and managing program development,
monitoring, budgeting, and managing diverse cultures is a must.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of each of these programs, see
our website: |http:www.justlikemychild.com/our-programs/
Country Director Responsibilities:
- Manage, liaise and train
JLMC’s Uganda based team of local project coordinators - Act as the face and key
representative of JLMC in Uganda, which involves being present, spending
time in the field with the JLMC team and meeting as well as communicating
with partners and staff regularly. - Maintain productive and
positive relationship with a range of key partners, including JLMC’s local
team. Facilitate and participate in relationship building and effective
ongoing communication. - Responsible for fiscal
management of all in country program related cash flows. Manage monthly
budgets and expenses, maintain all receipts and records, and submit
financial reports to JLMC bookkeeper. - Participate in developing
annual program plans and budgets with Program Director and local team. - Evaluate, compile and
report on monthly metrics for all programs. Update and maintain
quantitative beneficiary database in Excel and electronic filing system
using Drop Box. - Participate in JLMC’s grant
research, writing and communication process - Participate in
professionally developing JLMC’s Uganda based team of local project
coordinators through training, support and annual performance reviews. - Investigate and build
strategic partnerships with existing organizations and new contacts in country
that can be leveraged for information, facilitation, resources,
benchmarking, and best practices. - Act as escalation
manager/first point of contact for any concerns or issues that require
immediate attention in Uganda; involve U.S. based JLMC staff whenever
necessary. - Keep an open dialogue with
JLMC program director based in the U.S. in regards to on the ground
progress and challenges by providing regular and specific communications
through weekly email updates, conference calls and monthly reporting. - Participate in weekly or
bi-weekly conference calls with U.S. based JLMC team and stakeholders as
scheduled. - Post and/or inform weekly
blog entries with photos and stories on JLMC website. - Upload all media captured
in Uganda to Drop Box or Picasa Web Albums and liaise with media
management in the U.S. when necessary. - Inform proposals alongside
Program Director and local team where necessary for new projects requiring
funding. - Organize visits and host
visitors for project tours and meetings (JLMC donors, staff, board
members, volunteers)
Our ideal candidate:
- Has a minimum of one year
experience working within a developing country, preferably in East Africa.
Preference will be given to Returned Peace Corps volunteers with an
advanced degree in development or related field. - Must be a U.S. citizen
- Has demonstrated results in
affecting social change within a developing country - Program management
experience - Shares our vision and
passion for empowering individuals to lift themselves out of poverty by encouraging
contextually appropriate, relevant and sustainable solutions. - Understands and appreciates
the joys and challenges of working within contexts like Uganda and can
keep up with a fast paced American work style within an African culture. - Is a passionate and
confident communicator who is able to effectively narrate the realities on
the ground, while acting as a bridge in inspiring our dynamic team to make
appropriate and forward moving decisions that fall in line with our
philosophies. - Has a warm, caring,
flexible and independent disposition able to maintain focus on “the
big picture” while working with vulnerable and marginalized
individuals. - Has strong attention to
detail, especially financial project tracking, program documentation,
measurement and evaluation of program results. - Would either be versed in
or willing to learn Luganda, given that knowledge in the local language is
extremely helpful in this position.
We are seeking a one-year contract with a suitable candidate, with
the option to extend for up to three years. This contracted individual will
receive non-employee compensation and will live in-country with our partner,
Bishop Asili Hospital.
Preferred Start Date: March 9th, 2015
Compensation: Starts modest. However, this position carries
potential for a career track role as JLMC continues to expand.
Benefits:
- Flight to/from Uganda at
contract start and completion - Modest stipend toward room
and board expenses - One visit home per year for
one month maximum (flight cost covered up to $1,500, but salary unpaid)
with a two year minimum contract only
Career development: Ongoing mentoring, annual performance
reviews and consistent feedback from Program Director. Potential modest budget
for career development courses.
How to apply
Qualified candidates should send a one-page cover letter expressing why they
are interested in this position, a resume and/or CV as well as three relevant
letters of reference and a writing sample. Please send this information to the
following