Sustainable Agriculture Chain Development (SACD)
Job title: Field Coordinator (Mbale Office)
Purpose: To facilitate the development of Sustainable Agriculture Market Chains in which commercial organized family farmers are actively engaged in, that provide favourable market access to farmers to improve
their income and food sovereignty in line with the VECO Mission.
External key relationships: Key local, national and regional SACD actors both non-profit and commercial, with government and other multi and bilateral organizations in the country.
Reports to: VECO Country Contact Person/Country Manager for Uganda
Manages: SACD field officer of the antenna office in Uganda General management support to staff in Mbale field office
Position in the organisation:
■ Officer with line management responsibility
■ Co-ordinates SACD activities in the field office and with partners
Location: Mbale field antenna in Uganda
Job size: 100% of full-time
Travels: Frequent travelling to partner organisations
Responsibilities:
■ Conduct participatory planning of the sustainable agricultural market chain development process with farmer organisations and stakeholders
■ Conduct relevant research and analysis of markets to inform value chain development processes
■ Strengthen the organisational and institutional capacity of farmer organisations to develop linkages and effectively participate in sustainable agriculture market chains (Enterprise selection and analysis, production, post harvest handling, quality control, value addition, marketing, business planning, market information systems etc)
■ Provide technical assistance and back stopping to commercial farmer organisations in market development.
■ process in support of primary, and secondary level cooperatives
Provide training and technical assistance in policy analysis, lobby and advocacy on the selected subsector development.
■ Organize and carry out participatory monitoring, evaluation, reflections and review meetings on program implementation, progress, strategies, with partner organizations and provide feedback for decision making.
■ Document, report and share best practices using (Planning, Learning and Accountability) PLA approach on chain development processes, lessons, experiences at various relevant levels and fora.
■ Integrate the transversal themes (gender, intercultural equity, participation and HIV/ Aids) in the sustainable agricultural chains.
■ Provide line management and leadership support to the staff in Mbale field office.
■ Supervise the SACD officer.
Qualifications and technical knowledge:
■ Bachelor degree in: agri-business, Entrepreneurship, agro-economics, or equivalent by experience. Relevant Master’s Degree is an added advantage.
■ Familiar with relevant PC software Languages:
■ Very good knowledge of English language
■ Knowledge of the local language(s)
Experience:
■ At least 4 years’ experience in facilitating Sustainable Agriculture or Agribusiness economics
■ Business background in Sustainable Agricultural Value chains
■ Experience in working with organized family farmers is an asset
Skills and knowledge:
■ Has an in depth knowledge in the functioning of an economic sustainable agricultural chain from production to consumption
■ Practical skills in facilitating farmer understanding and application of business approaches in agricultural production and marketing
■ Particular skills in agri-business planning Management.
■ Has skills and experience in facilitating development of sustainable market linkages with various chain actors.
■ Knowledge and Skills in policy analysis, advocacy, gender analysis and participatory methodologies
■ Has good networking and communication skills
■ Has a good understanding of national and East African regional and global market dynamics and chain actors
■ Is creative and has a sense for innovation and experiments
■ Has excellent interpersonal, facilitation and business negotiation skills.
■ A working knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation methods for planning, learning and Accountability is an asset
■ Has a valid driving permit Attitude:
■ Has a strong affinity with VE mission and values
■ Has a positive attitude focused on win- win solutions
■ Acts with integrity and respects others (working together)
■ Constructively challenges self and others (making it happen)
■ Can be relied on to deliver commitments (accountable)
■ Inspires people to act (in accordance with the vision/plan of Vredeseilanden.
■ Is willing to learn and share lessons learnt.
■ Can build effective teams.
How to apply: Candidates who meet the above require¬ments should forward their applications, accompanied with detailed curriculum vitae with copies of relevant certificates, academic transcripts and names, addresses and day time contact telephone numbers of three- referees, not later than 24thJanuary 2012. “those who applied before should not ap¬ply again” Only short listed candidates will be invited for interview. VECO East Africa Uganda program is an equal opportunity em¬ployer.
Applications should be addressed to: Country Manager, VECO Uganda P.O. Box 7844, Kampala or send by email to veco-ea@veco-eastafrica.org or veco-ug@veco-uganda.org
