SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER - MOROTO

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006 and works to catalyze change makers within the Ugandan private sector, civil society and government to create economically dynamic, healthy and secure communities. Our works focus on building resilience and enable economic growth, improve opportunities to attain better health and nutrition, and improved governance and conflict management. We implement programs in the districts of Pader, Kitgum, Gulu, Agago, and Lamwo in Acholi and entire Karamoja as well as eastern Uganda with funding from USAID, USDA, Walmart Foundation, SDC, DFID as well as other private donations.

General Position Summary

The Senior Program Manager will provide leadership, management and strategic vision to the implementation of the BRACED program in Uganda and GIRL Program both in Uganda and Kenya, and two smaller projects (PPR and DFMS both in Uganda) managing staff and resources, and consortium members, and to ensure that the programs meet targets and deliverables on-time and within budget. The Sn. Program Manager will supervise program staff in both countries and ensure accountability to Mercy Corps policies and donor rules and regulations. He/she will report to and work with the Director of Programs to engage in program representation to donors, relevant government entities, partners, other implementers and external stakeholders.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Program Implementation: Attain program goal and objectives through the development, implementation, reviews, presentation and management of strategic plans, programs and projects by personal application and delegation of responsibility for the GIRL, BRACED, DFMS and PPR Programs. Provide managerial and programmatic oversight to sub-grantee. Manage all operations related to the project according to the work plan, project document and implementation strategy. Troubleshoot, as needed, to prevent disruptions in daily program activities. Liaise with Uganda and Kenya Country Directors, BRACED Program Director and Uganda Director of Programs as necessary.

Budget Management: Exercise sound judgment to ensure project expenses are reasonable, allocable and prudent. Coordinate and manage overall programs budget within approved spending levels and ensure compliance with all donors and Mercy Corps rules and regulations. Work with the BRACED Program Director, Director of Programs, Country Directors and Finance Director to forecast expenditure surpluses and deficits to enable adjustments to be made to the program in a timely fashion.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Reporting: Facilitate the achievement of program targets and objectives and lead efforts to design effective M&E systems. Monitor program implementation, measure impact and calibrate program strategy and implementation accordingly. Document process and achievements to ensure best practices are captured and disseminated. Produce written reports on the programs activities capturing impacts related to all activities.

Coordination and Representation: Represent Mercy Corps at government, donor, NGO and other relevant events in the field, in close coordination with the Director of Programs and Country Directors for Uganda and Kenya. Coordinate activities with consortium partners, sub grantees, local government and other implementers, as well as with other Mercy Corps programs.

Staff Management, Professional Development and Team building: Provide direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to all staff on the programs. Create a work atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development of personnel at all levels. Implement, and ensure all staff are effectively using, the performance planning and management system, establishing performance expectations and regularly providing constructive feedback. Promote accountability by conducting staff annual performance reviews with direct supervisees, and ensuring that supervisory staff do the same. Contribute to country team-building efforts, and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.

Program Support Operations: Coordinate with program and finance and administration staff to ensure operational systems are in place to support field activities including logistics (transport, warehousing and asset management), procurement, security, administration and human resources. Propose design of new local policies for greater efficiency and cost savings, as needed and in accordance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.

Security: Work closely with the country teams’ security focal points to develop and maintain systems that ensure the safety and security of the team in all aspects of its work. Ensure that programs are designed and implemented with a clear analysis and understanding of security management priorities.

Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring positive recognition to Mercy Corps and to not endanger mercy Corps’ humanitarian mission.

Organizational Learning: As part of our 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 Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Knowledge and Experience

• MA/S or equivalent in international development, economics or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ senior-level experience with positions of progressively greater responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success in programs related to economic and market development, livelihoods, and youth/adolescent girls programming.
• Proven skills in financial management and staff management.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a social entrepreneur and proven success with building, managing and leading a team of professionals and the ability to function as a team player among peers.
• A dynamic, “outside-the-box” attitude is required, with proven ability to think and act creatively in challenging environments.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English are required.
• Multi-tasking, organizational, prioritization skills are necessary.
• History of working effectively and respectfully with host country government, private sector, INGO and NGO partners in complex environments.
• Prior experience with bilateral funding agencies is required. Practical experience managing umbrella grants involving NGO and academic and research institutions.
• Experience in building and maintaining strong/productive relations with implementing and strategic partner agencies. This includes coordinating with government authorities and counterparts.
• Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.

Success Factors

• The successful candidate will have the following characteristics:
• A strong team player, with good communication and diplomatic skills.
• Proven ability to work independently as part of a regional team and with international professionals.
• Excellent analytical and information management skills.
• Good organizational skills and ability to work under stress and in austere contexts of remote locations.
• Flexible and creative in planning and problem solving.
• Attention to detail, ability to follow procedures and meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Proven excellence maintaining professional internal and external relationships.
• A focus on building staff capacity.

Applications: Submit your application including a cover letter CV (with 3 referees), and latest copy of academic qualifications/certificates to the Senior HR & Legal Manager, Kampala Head Office, E-mail applications to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org**

Deadline for Submission: Close of business by 5:00pm March 2, 2018 Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. ‘Mercy Corps Uganda is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Any canversing will lead to disqualification. Qualified women are encouraged to apply