1
Vacancy based in Lira (Open to Ugandan Nationals Only)
PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT
SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps has been
operating in Uganda since 2006 an
d works to catalyse change makers within the
Ugandan private sector, civil society and government to create economically
dynamic, healthy and secure communities. Our works focus on building resilience
and enable economic growth, improve opportunities to attain better health and
nutrition, and improved governance and conflict management. We implement
programs in northern Uganda Acholi and Karamoja regions with funding from
USAID, USDA, Walmart Foundation, SDC, DFID as well as other private donations.
Mercy Corps is
looking for a qualified candidate to fill the position of Economic
Strengthening Officer based in Lira for the USAID funded five years program on
Better Outcomes for Children and Youth in Eastern and Northern Uganda. The
program goal is to improve the wellbeing of children and youth orphaned by HIV
and other adversities in Uganda. It mainly focuses on orphaned and vulnerable
children, youth and their caregivers to have improved access and utilization of
health, nutrition, education, and psychosocial wellbeing and reducing abuse,
exploitation and neglect. The Economic Strengthening Officer will be
responsible for the day to day implementation of the economic strengthening
components of the program in collaboration with consortium members. The sector
priorities include meeting immediate economic needs of the most vulnerable
target groups though temporary interventions to uplift and integrate them in to
market systems; increased savings and access to credit opportunities; increased
opportunities for income growth and building assets; and better access to group
based education and support programming. The program will be implemented in
Northern and Eastern Uganda.
GENERAL POSITION
SUMMARY:
The Economic
Strengthening Officer will responsible for the implementation of the economic
empowerment component of the program in northern Uganda. S/he will be
responsible for activity planning and implementation to improve the economic
conditions of target groups through improved access and utilization of services
and products and better access to markets. Reporting to the Economic
Strengthening Technical Lead, the Officer will work with a consortium of
agencies under the prime lead of World Education.
ESSENTIAL JOB
FUNCTIONS:
- With
guidance from the technical lead, the officer will be responsible for
program planning and implementation in the areas of economic
strengthening. - Work
closely with other component field teams in the consortium to ensure
integrated approach to program implementation - Establish
and maintain productive working relationships with local government
officials and line departments, soliciting their participation in all
activities where appropriate. - Responsible
for the day to day implementation of activities at field level. - Ensure
proper logistics, administration, human resources and transport needs of
the program are conducted within Mercy Corps policy and with the maximum
benefit to the program. - Work
with the economic strengthening team for the development of and continual
revision of a dynamic, program-wide monitoring and evaluation system
linked to program strategies, indicators, and information management
tools, which supports program management, accountability and learning. - Continual
gathering and sharing of data specific to the sector - Produce
written reports on the program capturing impacts related to all
activities. - Ensure
establishment and maintenance of relationships with communities,
consortium partners and other CSOs in target operation areas.
KNOWLEDGE AND
EXPERIENCE:
o A degree,
preferably graduate level, in economics development, development studies,
social sciences or social work, or a closely related field is required.
o S/he must have at
least three years of works experience in economic strengthening initiatives
that target vulnerable communities mainly orphan and vulnerable children and
households.
o Experience in
working with private sector partners o Solid experience on market based
solutions to addressing poverty o Strong interpersonal, writing and oral
presentation skills in English are also required.
o Demonstrated
attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work
independently and cooperatively with team members.
o Strong computer
literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
o Ability to focus
on day-to-day tasks at hand while also working towards longer-term objectives
with an understanding that these will change continuously;
o Willingness to
spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups and
partners.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
o The successful
Economic Strengthening Officer will have the ability and curiosity to work
effectively with local government, civil society and community based
organizations.
o The successful
candidate will have solid background in economic and market development.
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, 17th November, 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.