Jobs at American Jewish World Service in Uganda

Job Title: Country Consultant, Uganda (approximately 20 days per month), Kampala
Closing Date: Sunday, 15 April 2012

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) works to realize human rights and alleviate poverty in the developing world. AJWS is an international human rights organization that works within the American Jewish community to promote global citizenship and social justice through activism, volunteer service, and education. In its first 26 years, AJWS has had extraordinary impact around the world, working in 32 countries and sending over 400 American Jewish volunteers to the developing world annually. Throughout its history, AJWS has remained committed to its core values: essential dignity of every human being, sense of possibility, partnership and community, initiative and accountability, and humility. For more information, visit www.ajws.org.

Program Overview:
AJWS supports non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) undertaking grassroots human rights and development initiatives in Africa, Asia and the Americas by providing grants and capacity building support, including skilled volunteers. In Uganda, AJWS supports organizations working in the areas of sexual health and rights and natural resource rights. AJWS has almost 30 partners in Uganda.

Position Summary:
The country consultant shares responsibility for the Uganda grants portfolio with the New York-based program officer and another Uganda-based consultant. S/he shapes AJWS's grantmaking strategies with a primary focus on strengthening AJWS's natural resource rights portfolio. S/he coordinates capacity building opportunities for grantees and helps grantees plan for long-term sustainability when AJWS funding is phasing out. S/he works as part of a closely knit grants department and as needed with other AJWS programs, including volunteer service, development and advocacy.

Responsibilities:

Travel frequently in country to meet with grantees and conduct research for AJWS's grantmaking strategies.
Conduct capacity assessments of current grantees in Uganda; provide technical support and guidance to build organizational capacity in areas such as governance, gender mainstreaming, program planning, and financial management.
Support grantees in proposal and budget development.
Facilitate access to technical assistance, training and fundraising opportunities for AJWS grantees.
Coordinate AJWS partner meetings and peer exchanges.
Identify community-based organizations whose work advances natural resource rights and recommend them for funding.
Contribute to AJWS's monitoring and evaluation efforts through grantee assessments and data collection and analysis.
Network with collegial organizations, donor agencies and international development and human rights organizations.
Advise AJWS on current social, political and economic trends that might impact our grantees or funding priorities.
Collaborate with AJWS's volunteer service department to help identify potential volunteer placements.
Provide logistical support to AJWS staff members visiting the region and facilitate AJWS donor visits.

Qualifications:
At least three years work experience in the human rights and development community in Uganda.
University degree in a relevant field (human rights, international development, etc.)
Experience with organizational development strongly preferred.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong writing and analytical skills.
Strong background in human rights and development with expertise in one or more of the following thematic issues: sexual and reproductive health, natural resource rights, economic justice and livelihood development.
Ability to work independently and to travel throughout western and northern Uganda. AJWS will provide logistical support and security training.
At least one local language spoken in northern Uganda (Acholi, Lango, etc.) and English fluency for report writing and direct communication with US-based staff.

Fees:
Send daily rates charged. We are looking for a consultant available approximately 20 days per month and based in Uganda. AJWS will not sponsor any candidates to relocate to Uganda. The initial contract will be for six months with the possibility of a long-term extension, based on job performance.

How to apply:

For immediate consideration, please forward your resume or Curriculum Vitae, cover letter and list of references to gzomorodi@ajws.org and indicate your name and "Uganda Consultant" in the subject line.

Deadline:15 April 2012