Jobs – Program Manager at Mercy Corps

Job Title:  Program Manager

Mercy Corps is an International NGO that exists to alleviate poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy Corps has been fully registered in Uganda as an operational NGO. Currently Mercy Corps has an office in Kampala and is implementing Food Security programs which comprises of Water and Sanitation, Livelihood and Agriculture and Conflict Mitigation Management Program in North and North Eastern Uganda. We implement programs in the northern districts of Pader, Kitgum, Agago, Lamwo, Kaabong, Abim and Kotido with funding from USAID, USDA, Walmart Foundation, SDC, DFID as well as other private donations.

About PEACE III:

PEACE III Program is designed to strengthen cross border Conflict Management in the Horn of Africa. It will strengthen horizontal and vertical linkages within and between local, national, and regional conflict management actors. In Uganda, PEACE III will be implemented in Karamoja region with an operational office in Moroto.

Job Summary: The Program Manager will be responsible for the overall planning and implementation of PEACE III activities in the designated corridors in Karamoja. The Program Manager will directly manage the program staff based in Moroto and will work with both management and Program staff in Kampala to ensure activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee all activities related to the PEACE III Program in Karamoja Cluster area as agreed with the Program Director and the Chief of Party, and in accordance with approved proposal, budget and timelines;
• Coordinate and share information with the Program Director to ensure overall program targets and donor obligations are being achieved;
• Offer direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to PEACE III staff in Karamoja Region to ensure effective implementation of program activities
• Manage the development of program and staff work plans, and ensure regular one-to-one sessions and performance reviews to review progress and resolve any concerns or issues;
• Recommend promotions, improvement plans, dismissals/terminations in accordance to the Mercy Corps Uganda Personnel Policy and Procedures and the Ugandan Labor Law;
• Assist and facilitate PEACE III team development, encouraging active participation of team members and supporting positive relationships between members.
• Identify training needs and opportunities for PEACE III staff to ensure that they have adequate resources to complete program objectives, and to enable learning and growth;
• Make sure that full application of participatory methodologies like PLA and Appreciative Inquiry in facilitation of community dialogue meetings, and trainings and workshops;
• Assist the Project officers to establish a system to monitor and evaluate program activities and impact on an ongoing basis. Ensure that program monitoring is being done on a regular basis and that adequate monitoring reports are prepared;
• Serve as the main liaison with relevant District government officials and institutions, stakeholders and community members relevant to PEACE III Program;
• Support the development of partnerships with national and international NGOs, CBOs and other agencies involved in Conflict Management initiatives and other Mercy Corps activities.
• Regularly meet with the Program Director, Country Director and the D/and Chief of Party to discuss program achievements, especially when they deviate from the original plan;
• Work with the Program Director to organize and facilitate field visits for donors and Mercy Corps staff;
• Work closely with the Program Director, monitor security developments and report to Mercy Corps Senior Management as per the Mercy Corps Uganda security procedures and protocols;
• Jointly prepare donor reports with the Program Director and other staff to capture program impact.
• 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.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The ideal candidate should preferably hold a Bachelor’s degree in conflict management/peace building or another social science.
• At least six years’ experience managing conflict management or other capacity building related projects preferably with NGOS.
• Past exposure and experience in managing teams and facilitating planning and program development processes
• Prior experience in both community level programming and government focused capacity building.
• Excellent report writing skills and speaking skills and an excellent communicator.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing
• Past exposure and experience or working in Karamoja region, with strong contextual knowledge of Karamoja cultures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and appropriate flexibility.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Willingness to travel frequently to remote locations.
• Possess the ability to quickly learn and implement new information/concepts.

How to Apply for the job:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to the  Human Resource Manager, Kampala Head Office in Nsambya Estate Road, Kampala Head Office in Nsambya on Plot 1102 Nsambya Estate Road, Kampala or to Mercy Corps Offices in Kitgum. E-mailed applications with cover letter to: mcuganda@ug.mercycorps.org will also be accepted.

NB: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.

Deadline: 11^th September, 2014