Uganda MPower Internship Vacancy-Mercy Corps

Closing Date: Tuesday, 07 December 2010

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Business Management;
Effectiveness;
Enterprise Development;
Internship;
Living Conditions;
Local Laws;
Mercy Corps;
Private Sector;
Renewable Energy;
Rural Population;
Solar Energy;
Trade Fairs

Uganda MPower Internship

Mercy Corps

Closing date: 07 Dec 2010

Location: Uganda - KOTIDO / KARAMOJA, UG

(Ref: 217258-927)

INTERN WORKSITE LOCATION: KOTIDO/KARAMOJA

DATES OF INTERNSHIP: ASAP

LENGTH OF INTERNSHIP: 2-3 MONTHS

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP:

Mercy Corps responsibilities - For the duration of this internship assignment the intern will receive:

* Housing

* Reimbursement of Entry Visa

* Financial Coverage for all Work- Related travel within Uganda

Intern responsibilities - Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:

* Food

* Travel to (and from) Uganda

* Insurance

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

* Based on previous research, develop a pilot program for sustainable and renewable energy that can be fielded in Karamoja.

* Work with Private Sector Actors to determine the best product and delivery.

* Provide trainings to beneficiaries in business/micro-enterprise development Trainings should (preferably) be associated and/or linked with private sector inputs.

* Promote long-term sustainability through the provision of business development services through local partners, potentially including VSLAs or other BDS providers.

* Provide sector-specific expertise in solar energy. Develop broad-based demonstration opportunities to promote further replication of effective business models.

* Ensure lessons learned are transferred to as wide an audience as possible. This will include the facilitation of informational and business networking events such as trade fairs and round-tables, in addition to demonstrational activities and publications.

* Identity target communities and conduct feasibility assessments.

* Identify and organize community groups, Cooperatives or individuals for establishing enterprises.

* Liaise with District production and marketing officer to ensure that the project is well-coordinated, can be profitable, and a marketing strategy can be adapted to the local environment.

* Monitor project to ensure accountability and best use of project resources. Evaluate effectiveness of activities and impact and make recommendations for improvements.

* Provide weekly updates, success stories, and any other relevant information

OBJECTIVES:

* 28% of the population lives on less than US$1 a day

* 80% of the population works in the agricultural sector

* less than 10% of Uganda's overall population has electricity

* less than 3% of Uganda's rural population has electricity

* 97% use wood or charcoal for cooking

* Ugandans travel an average of 0.45 mi. to gather firewood.

This program will help improve health (no smoke from fires), economic well-being (small kiosks can operate at night), protection (no attacks from the collection of firewood) and education (because children will be able study at night).

DELIVERABLES:

1. Assessment (written deliverable)

2. Detailed proposal and budget for solar power pilot in Karamoja (written deliverable)

3. Training (report on training)

4. Monthly Reports (written)

5. Weekly web page reports/feedback (written)

6. Five success stories (written)

7. Lessons learned Report (written)

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

* B.S. in an economics and/or business management

* Experience in enterprise development and market linkages.

* Experience running a small project/business.

* Ability to train others.

* Africa experience

* Knowledge of Karamoja and social/business environment is a plus.

LIVING CONDITIONS:

Living conditions are remote. The Region of Karamoja is often insecure and there may be a need to relocate depending on the prevailing security conditions. At the field site there is no national grid and all electricity comes from solar power and generators. Food variety is limited but available in a small number of restaurants and hotels. There are a growing number of NGOs and international personnel which equates to a growing social scene.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE.

How to apply

Apply online at our website:

http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid=217258&company_id=15927&jobboardid=479

Reference Code: RW_8A2AK2-24