Jobs in Action Africa Help International (AAH-I)- Uganda

Action Africa Help International (AAH-I) is a non-governmental organisation registered with the NGO Co-ordinating Bureau in Kenya in December 2003, and consequently registered in its countries of operation in Africa. It previously operated as Aktion Afrika Hilfe, e.V, a non-profit charitable organisation incorporated in Munich, Germany, in March 1996 and subsequently registered in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia. AAH-I’s aim is to help the most poor and underprivileged sections of African Society to improve their quality of life by initiating and participating in the provision of relief, rehabilitation and development services. AAH I recently signed a grant with European Commission to implement the Programme for Enhancing Local Capacities for self-reliance of Congolese, Rwandese, Somali Refugees plus surrounding host communities (Livelihoods Project) in South Western Uganda.  AAH I - Uganda would like to hire qualified persons to fill the following vacant positions:

1.      PROJECT MANAGER (ONE POSITION AVAILABLE)
Location:       Kyangwali
Supervisor:   Area Manager
Liaises with: Project Officers (Water & Sanitation and Gender & Capacity Building), Project                         staff.
Supervises: Field Officers, M & E Officer, Enterprise and Market Development Officer, Veterinary Officer, Project Accountant and Administrative Assistant.
Job Summary: Responsible for day to day management of project activities: overseeing operations in Kyangwali and Kiryandongo districts, managing the activities of Field Officers, linking with district level authorities and representing the Programme for Enhancing Local Capacities for self-reliance of Congolese, Rwandese, Somali Refugees plus surrounding host communities (Livelihoods Project) in South Western Uganda.

Duties & Responsibilities
1.      Lead and manage the implementation of the Livelihoods Project activities in South Western Uganda.
2.      Develop, provide and articulate project vision, strategic direction and guidelines in line with project documents to help the project achieve its objectives in the most cost-effective manner.
3.      Develop annual and semi-annual operational work plans and present them to the Program Management Team for review and approval.
4.      Monitor, review and evaluate performance and quality of interventions, sub-grantees, partners and consultants in accordance to the grant documents
5.      Provide guidance and technical support to the staff involved in the implementation of the Livelihoods Project  in South Western Uganda
6.      Network with existing programmes, regional and community stakeholders involved Livelihoods Security in South Western Uganda, document and disseminate emerging lessons.
7.      Participate in various programme planning forums at the Programme, District and National Office levels.
8.      Review job descriptions, appraise project staff and support the work of project team namely M & E Officer, Enterprise Officer, Project Accountant, Field Officers and other project staff.
9.      Review and approve, the use of financial and material resources under the project
10. Prepare and submit project reports to the Area Manager on a monthly basis; and periodically as required by AAH I Uganda and in line with grant requirements.

Required Qualifications and Skills
·        Must hold a Bachelors degree in any of the following fields: Agriculture; Community Psychology; Development Studies and/or a related field of study.
·        Two years’ experience in development programming and/or leadership and administration, an added advantage.
·        Must have good communication and interpersonal Skills.
·        Must be willing to live and work in rural areas and demonstrate resilience to work in hardship & multi-cultural conditions.
·        Must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, Power-point and other programs.
·        Must demonstrate strong skills in team building, financial management, report writing, advocacy, project planning and management, communication, networking, financial management and policy engagement

2.      FIELD OFFICER (TWO POSITIONS AVAILABLE)
Location:       Kyangwali and Kiryandongo
Supervisor:   Project Manager
Liaises with: Enterprise and Market Development Officer, Veterinary Officer, Public Health Officer, Counsellors and other Program Staff.
Supervises:    Community Based Extension Workers
Job Summary: To ensure smooth implementation of the livelihood and agricultural interventions for the Programme for Enhancing Local Capacities for self-reliance of Congolese, Rwandese, Somali Refugees plus surrounding host communities (Livelihoods Project) in South Western Uganda to maximize project outcomes

Duties & Responsibilities
·        Coordinate project activities in liaison with the Project Manager in the respective district of operation.
·        Form farmer groups and train the lead farmers in improved and appropriate agricultural techniques and Livestock management and care.
·        Supervise farmers in conduct training of other members of their respective farming groups and nurture participatory learning.
·        Monitor and provide technical support to Village savings and Loan associations
·        Supervise training of VSLA members on business and marketing skills
·        Monitor compliance in the implementation of project activities to the project document, within the EU set guidelines and in accordance with AAH I Uganda’s regulations.
·        Contribute to the management of biodiversity and ecosystem services through an ecosystem approach.
·        Participate in proposal writing through provision of technical documents and studies related to sustainable crop production, intensification and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity.
·        Contribute to the provision of technical advice and preparation of technical documentation related to agriculture and environment at local and District and Sub County levels.
·        Carry out environmental monitoring and conduct an analysis and interpretation of results, preparation of reports and maintenance of records.
·        Liaise with appropriate officers in the government agencies, local authorities, and other implementing partners in respect of environment issues
·        Research potential funding sources to support environment and Agriculture interventions and support in the preparation of proposals.
·        Develop and maintain appropriate relationships with all parties working on Agriculture and Environment interventions.
·        Identify and liaise with a range of local and national stakeholders to secure community partners to support initiatives that increase crop production
·        Monitor and evaluate the project activities to ascertain quality and impact
·        Prepare and submit periodic reports to the Project Manager for collation and submission as a single programme report
·        As a member of the senior programme team, attend programme meetings with input from the Agricultural and Environment sector
·        Review job descriptions, appraise project staff and support the work of project team namely CBEW.
·        Write up accurate and timely reports pertaining to all planned activities in the required format and submit to the Project Manager.

Required Qualifications and Skills

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      A Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agro forestry or a related qualification from a recognized institution.
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      A certificate in project management, an added advantage.
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      At least two years’ experience in similar.

Skills and Competencies Required

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      Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
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      A good command of both written and spoken English
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      Patient, understanding and of a pleasant character
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      Computer literate with ability to use Microsoft Office
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      Excellent People Management skills
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      Able to capacity build and develop others
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      Ability to mobilize different audiences and communities
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      Commitment to the organizational values
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      Must be willing to live and work in rural areas and demonstrate resilience to work in hardship & multi-cultural conditions.
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      Must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, Power-point and other programs.


3.                  ENTERPRISE AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (ONE POSITION AVAILABLE)
Location: Kyangwali
Supervisor:         Project Manager
Liaises with:           Field Officers, M & E Officer, Veterinary Officer, Project Officers (Water & Sanitation and Gender & Capacity Building), and Project staff.

Job Summary: Provide technical support to the program staff, beneficiaries and other stakeholders on development of viable agro-based enterprises and marketing of agro products.
 
Duties & Responsibilities
1.      Support the development of strong farmer producer and marketing groups
2.      Assist farmers in identifying/developing viable agro-based enterprises
3.      Conduct market research and maintain an updated database of market information that beneficiary farmers/entrepreneurs can access and use to accrue maximum benefits from their farm produce.
4.      Train farmers in business skills.
5.      Prepare and submit project reports to the Project Manager on a monthly basis; and periodically as required by AAH I Uganda and in line with grant requirements.

Required Qualifications and Skills

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      Must hold a Bachelors Degree in Agribusiness management or any other related field from a recognized university.
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      Extensive working knowledge of agricultural value chains in Uganda.
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      Extensive working experience with grass roots farmer producer and marketing groups
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      Be conversant with the government policy on Agriculture especially the NAADS Program.
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      Market information dissemination experience.
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      Outgoing, helpful and a good problem solver.
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      Good computer skills and ability to write technical reports

GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATIONS
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria should submit their applications together with an updated Curriculum Vita with at least three suitable referees with their email/telephone contacts to: Human Resource Manager, AAH International, Uganda to any of the following addresses: -
(1) Email: recruitug@actionafricahelp.org Please do not attach certificates to email copies of CVs!
(2) AAH I Office in Adjumani Located at Minia Village in Adjumani Town.
(3) Kyangwali Refugee Settlement Program Office located at Kasonga in Kyangwali Sub County.

Deadline: 15/2/2011