Job Title: Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP)
TechnoServe in collaboration with Mercy Corps is implementing a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded agriculture development program called Revitalizing Agriculture Incomes and New Markets (RAIN). The program.goal is to stimulate economic prosperity and food security in Northern Uganda by enhancing smallholderfarmer production and profitability, improving agri-business performance in input and output markets of targeted value chains and expanding access to financial services in rural areas for smallholder farmers and agri-businesses in Lamwo district.
Position Summary:
The Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP) is responsible for the development, planning and implementation, and management of the business components of the RAIN Project. These components are specifically on improving agri-business and trade performance in key input and output markets of targeted value chains, which aim to increase farmers’ incomes through increased market linkages and improved agribusiness management capacity and performance. The DCoP will ensure quality technical work and support the Chief of Party in strategic direction, representational duties and client management. In addition, he/she will also coordinate with local partners, community stakeholders, local private sector development organizations, local authorities, and foster links with other projects focusing on agricultural production and productivity, market linkages, inputs, warehousing etc, and monitor progress towards goals and expected results.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities:
Primarily take the lead for the delivery of the business component of the RAIN program
Work with the Chief of Party (CoP) in providing overall management and strategic vision for the program
Provide direct technical and business support to improve agribusiness performance in selected key value chains
Manage the activity budget for TechnoServe’s component based on clear work plans
Provide team leadership including coaching the team and managing its performance
Identify capacity gaps and make necessary provisions to adequately equip them with the skills and knowledge
Ensure that sufficient resources are mobilized (e.g. financial, people, data and information) to deliver the work plan activities
Initiate and develop local area partnerships and ensure quality execution of the project.
This is a full-time position based in Kitgum, Northern Uganda and will report to the Chief of Party on a day to day basis
Requirement:
The candidate must possess a university degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness or a related field of study with 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in private sector agribusiness management/marketing/finance, SME development and smallholder rural farmer organizations at grass roots level.
The candidate should have strong operational and project management experience with technical background in programs focusing on agricultural development, farmer group organization, economic growth and market linkages.
The candidate should have proven knowledge and experience in staple crops' sector in Uganda with strong management experience ' and strong team working skills.
Prior experience with USAID projects, procedures, policies and reporting requirements preferred. In addition, self -motivation with strong communication, computer skills, analytical skills, leadership and project management skills are needed.
Finally, the successful candidate for this position will be one who is passionate about helping the poor; believes in hard work, and capable of effectively leading a diverse team.
Experience: 8
How to apply:
If you are interested and you meet the requirements, apply by EMAIL ONLY to the Country Director at: UG-jobs@tns.org; please submit a resume, cover letter, salary history and three professional references with the position title placed in the subject line of your email and on the application letter. All applications must be received by close of business Friday August 24, 2012. Note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
