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LEARNING AND INFORMATION OFFICER– 2 VACANCIES BASED IN KOTIDO AND KAABONG
(RE-ADVERTISED)
Position Title: Learning and Information Officer (Open to Ugandan Nationals Only)
Duty Station: Uganda
Organization: Mercy Corps
Employment Type:Full Time Permanent
Application Deadline:Friday, 9th January, 2015
PROGRAM/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. The project, called the Northern Karamoja
Growth, Health and Governance (GHG) 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. We
are in search of an inquisitive individual to support project staff in Abim, Kotido
and Kaabong districts in using a market facilitation approach, conducting
research and gathering and analyzing data to deliver top notch results. It is
an opportunity for sharp thinkers looking for a serious challenge.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The primary focuses of the Learning and Information Officer (LIO) will be
to support staff in using a facilitative approach, build data gathering and
analytical tools, maintain a set of data on results and behavior change, and
conduct research into specific areas of data need. The LIO will ask staff tough
questions on their approach, forcing them to consider whether or not their
approaches maximize leverage and lead to behavior changes that catalyze
systemic changes that grow and last beyond the project's direct intervention.
S/he will hold staff accountable for
gathering data and keep a system where it is easily accessible when needed. The
LIO will also develop and support processes for integrating that information
into program design (and re-design).
S/he will work with teams to identify critical knowledge gaps and carry out
targeted research on those areas, engaging external assistance, when necessary.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Market Facilitation Support:
Coach program staff in use of
market facilitation techniques;
Find, organize and share market
facilitation resources with program staff;
Challenge program staff to think
critically about strategy decisions and reflect on what they are observing.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
·
Create a dynamic program
environment that promotes inquiry;
·
Develop tools to simplify data
gathering and reporting and ensure teams gather and report necessary data,
including maintaining Podio entries for mapping progress with partners;
·
Support program staff in monitoring
and evaluating the progress and impact of work including setting and measuring
benchmarks along results chains;
·
Development and maintain a
central database to track all IPTT-required project information, and provide to
Chief of Party, on request
·
Prepare data analyses to be used
in quarterly strategic reviews, annual reports, and a midterm evaluation.
Research:
Conduct research projects on
specific subjects critical to team success and recommend hiring of external
support, where necessary;
Where needed, support external
evaluations by research partner Feinstein International Center and other
organizations;
Communication and Publication:
·
Contribute data, analysis and
write-ups to regular organizational publications and reports;
·
Work closely with the Monitoring,
Evaluation, Learning and Communication Manager to develop publishable
communication material about GHG;
·
Author occasional papers for
wider distribution;
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.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
·
At least 3 years of related
professional experience
·
Demonstrable quantitative skills,
including familiarity with database management and analysis
·
Superior writing and analytical
skills
·
Proven skills in networking,
assessing information needs and developing appropriate tools
·
Excellent reporting,
communication and representation skills
·
Knowledge of Uganda’s economy and
business environment, particularly in the context of rural development and
Karamoja.
·
A sense of humor on par with
one’s level of curiosity.
·
Good skills to plot and generate
good maps using GPS coordinates
·
Ability to speak Ngakarimojong is added
advantage
SUCCESS FACTORS:
·
Promotes and captures learning
across the project, institutionalizing activity reviews, identifying and
evaluating preconceptions and promoting a culture of inquisitiveness.
·
Ability to manage a large
quantity of data and deliver timely analysis to staff and to management.
·
Degree to which that person
provides insight to teams through rigorous and efficient research in critical
need-to-know areas, identified by program staff but researched with close
support from the LIO.
Mode of application:
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 4th
Floor, Embassy Plaza Plot 1188,1189&1190 Ggaba Road.
E-mail applications with cover letter to mcuganda@ug.mercycorps.org will
also be accepted. Deadline for Submission:Close of business on Friday,
9th January, 2015.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps.
Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.
