Uganda: Market Development Officer- 1 Vacancy based in Gulu (Ugandan Nationals Only)

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Market Development Specialist, the MDO is a technical position with responsibilities including implementing all aspects of the market systems development component of the district and lower level DYNAMIC program. S/he will be required to apply a wide variety of market development tools and approaches in order to catalyze innovative services and facilitate linkages between market actors in the assigned program areas.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Planning, developing and implementing market development activities

· Participate in assessments in the target geographic areas to assess current situation, economic opportunities and resources, needs and potential programs as well as challenges.

· Introduce program to relevant stakeholders including local business owners, local representatives and community members.

· In coordination with Technical Specialists and local partners, plan, implement and monitor market development activities.

· Assist in developing capacity building materials for business, technical and financial capacities as well as participate in capacity building sessions.

· Mobilize targeted youth to fully participate in the program for sustainability.

· Identify small business activities for seed support through basic improvements or inputs.

· Identify value-addition opportunities that strengthen economic opportunities, especially for young women and rural youth, in the livestock and agriculture sectors as identified by local and national government as well as independent market studies and needs assessments.

2.Collaboration/Networking

· Establish and maintain good coordination and working relationships with sub-county leaders, representing Mercy Corps and soliciting participation in activities where appropriate and as directed.

· Ensure close coordination and sharing of information with relevant stakeholders such as local government, NGOs and local authorities, as appropriate and advised by the line manager.

· Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps Uganda and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

3.Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

· Work closely with supervisor to capture data for measuring output and impact of the program; and to ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field.

· Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation. Respond to queries if and when necessary.

· Maintain proper filing system.

4.Organizational Learning:

As part of Mercy Corps Uganda’s commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit the DYNAMIC program as well as themselves.

5.Accountability to Beneficiaries:

DYNAMIC team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to direct program participants, engaging them as equal partners in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of our field activities.

6.Any other related duties assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

· Bachelor’s Degree in business, agribusiness, economic development or other relevant field is preferred.

· Background in business or market/economic development, with a minimum of 3 years practical experience in the private sector or related industry.

· Experience with market facilitation, supporting systemic change and promoting supporting services indirectly, is preferred.

· Knowledge of the agricultural sectors highly desirable.

· Some practical experience in working with both very small, small and medium sized companies in a development setting.

· Strong writing, communication, organization, prioritization and negotiating skills.

· Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills. Language skills in Luo highly valued.

· Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.

· Excellent attention to detail and ability to complete tasks in a timely manner.

· Excellent teamwork abilities and interpersonal skills.

· Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm as well as a willingness to learn and to be continually adaptive within a dynamic and often self-directed working environment mandatory.

· Willingness to spend much time in the field and work closely with program target groups.

Applications: Submit your application through email to mcjobs@ug.mercycorps.org addressed to the HR Manager, Kampala Head Office on 4^th Floor Embassy Plaza, Plot 1188-1190 Ggaba Road. Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Thursday, March 24, 2016. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. MercyCorps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.