Country: Uganda
Closing date: 25 Sep 2015
PROGRAMME/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 creative problem solvers with private sector experience to fill the position of Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer. The project, called ‘The North Karamoja Growth, Health, and Governance Program’, 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. The Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer will participate in the daily implementation of the development programming through support to key business partners including commercial banks, MFIs, SACCOs, Business Forums, agro processors, traders, transporters, input sellers, pharmacies, animal and human healthcare providers, consumer goods retailers, and a host of other actors. It is an opportunity for a result oriented and self-motivated individual looking for a serious challenge.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer is responsible for assisting in the implementation and support of facilitation projects that make beneficial financial products and services accessible to households within the geographic focus of the program, particularly Abim District. The Financial Services and Business Enterprise Officer will work closely with Economic Development Team Leaders and Project Managers to better address and improve the economic future and quality of life of its program beneficiaries. He or She will also work in coordination with the program management team.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Program
§ Work with Business Forums and financial service providers (Saccos, banks, vslas) to identify equitable solutions for inclusive economic growth, build capacity, and improve outreach;
§ With support from the team leader, carry out market assessments, value chain analyses, and the development of sector-focused strategies;
§ Recommend program priorities and explore, evaluate and present new opportunities that with high potential for impact;
§ 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;
Partnership Management:
§ Identify, assess and develop partnership strategies for potential private sector GHG partners;
§ Establish and maintain productive working relationships with, District Commercial Officer, sub-county and district leaders and production and marketing 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 Officer to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field for entry in the database and for preparation of PR materials
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.*Do This*
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
§ University degree in business, economics or a related field and at least 3 years of professional experience
§ Experience working in Retail Banking with rural based financial service providers
§ Willingness to work in a remote environment
§ Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people
§ Good knowledge of business principles, including financial planning, marketing, business plan development, and others
§ 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 including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to the HR/Admin Manager, Kampala Head Office on 4thFloor Embassy Plaza, Plot 1188-1190 Ggaba Road. E-mailed applications with cover letter to mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org will also be accepted. Deadline for Submission:Close of business on Friday, 25th September, 2015.Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. MercyCorps is an equal opportunity employer; female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Previous applicants need not apply.