Job Title : Program Officer
Job Description
Key role: Coordinate and implement and manage the Platform for Labour Action’s (PLA) child exploitation projects.
Primary Working Relationships: Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director, Team leader Social Protection, Accountant, Legal Officer, Human Rights Officer, Program Assistants, Field Officers and volunteers/ interns, task force members .
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
Identify, assess needs, and provide direct support services to cases of child labour in the community; identify formal and non-formal education opportunities and follow up on children’s success through school and community visits during and after participation in the programme.
Develop Community Support Groups to identify, monitor, and raise awareness about cases of child labour within the communities in which they operate; engage and train community members and peer educators and ensure active support through community visits and regular meetings.
Work with local leaders and community members to conduct Social Mapping, a process to identify and document cases of child labour; report on and disseminate findings of Social Mapping to raise awareness and identify children to be placed in educational alternatives
Conduct awareness raising activities in communities and in schools using media, events, publications and seminars; ensure Community Support Groups are also actively carrying out awareness raising activities
Manage the Child Rights Club for peer educators, drama group members and other children in the community to learn about issues of child labour and conduct awareness raising activities
Build relationships with community partners, such as schools and other NGOs, to provide formal and non-formal educational options for children in child labour
Develop and implement new programmes to further the mission of PLA and the Child Labour department as appropriate.
Remain current on issues of child labour and best practices in the field; maintain networks and share information within the child rights community and internally with staff.
Development of information and education material on child exploitation and dissemination of the same.
JOB REQUIREMENTS Essential • A Minimum upper second class Bachelors degree in Social Work and Social Administration, Social Sciences from a recognized institution. Post graduate training in development studies and related field an added advantage. • At least three years work experience with vulnerable groups (preferable with NGO) in areas of community empowerment, human rights, counseling, child participation and development work. • A good understanding of the legal and policy frame work on children and child exploitation, HIV/AIDS in Uganda and at the international level. • Sufficient understanding of issues of vulnerable and marginalized groups. • Good programming, computer skills, good written and oral communication. • Willingness to work at both national (policy) and grassroots level with vulnerable groups. • Ability to work under minimum supervision as part of a multi cultural and multidisciplinary team. • Strong interpersonal and communication skill • Strong teamwork and leadership skills • Excellent computer skills • Ability to analyse problems and make strategic decisions • Ability to work independently with little supervision • Passion, enthusiasm and interest in PLA’s mission, honest and trustworthy, willing to engage and support other programs • Experience managing and improving an organization’s brand image • Willingness to travel to rural areas and work at community level.
Desirable
1. Attention to detail and an ability to look at written materials from multiple stakeholder perspectives
2. Excellent computer skills, with advance word processing and formatting experience
3. Excellent time and project management skills with an attention to meeting deadlines; able to manage team toward deadlines as well
4. Interest in and knowledge of labour related issues
▪ Understanding of Human Rights issues particularly those related to vulnerable marginalised workers
▪ Experience working in a youthful, multicultural environment
▪ Experience as a volunteer with PLA or other organisation
Individual must be results oriented, highly self motivated, hard working , have demonstrated analytical skills and be comfortable with a rapidly changing environment.
SALARY AND BENEFITS Commensurate with position with the organizations structure and subject to availability of funds within the organization.
How to Apply
Application letter indicating minimum and maximum salary along with a detailed curriculum vitae, two letters of reference, copies of relevant certificates sent to: The Executive Director PO BOX 9714 Kampala Application deadline: 15th January 2012. Email: admin@pla-uganda.org
