Project Associates (PA) At Solidaridad Eas & Central Africa

Solidaridad

Solidaridad is a global civil society organization (CSO) that provides market driven solutions for sustainable production practices across different supply chains. We envision a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us while respecting the planet, each other and the next generations. Our mission is to bring together supply chain players and engage them with innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all stakeholders.

Title: Project Associates (PA)

No of Vacancy: 15

Duration: 1-year contract

Reporting line: Project Officer

Position level: Junior level**

Location: Kigezi -2, Rwenzori -3, Acholi -2, Lango-1, Teso-2, Mt Elgon-2, Greater Masaka -1, Greater Luwero-1, North West/Kiryandongo Area-1

Main objective of the function

Solidaridad’s anticipated Value Chain development project aims to support farmers to improve production and productivity of cereals, Root crops and fruit crops. This goal will be achieved through implementation of activities that seek to improve production, business skills and linkages of farmer groups to market off takers or SMEs in order to improve farmers’ income and increase volumes needed by the uptakers. The project Associates are responsible for a day to day running of project activities at field level and working directly with Lead farmers, Demonstration farmers and farmer groups to support delivery of project activities to the intended beneficiaries. The project associates will be responsible for training farmers in good agronomic practices, Post Harvest Handling, soil fertility management marketing, The project targets over 30,000 smallholder & commercial farmers including youth and women in Eastern, Northern, Central, South Western and Western Uganda.

Position in the Organization

The Project Associate reports to the Project Officer at the local level and works closely with the Senior Project Officer, Project officer and the Project Manager.

Result areas

Project Planning

1. Support the preparation of project work plans, budget and time schedules for implementing the project activities.
2. Support the identification and planning of technical activities and requirements to implement the project as per organizational standards.

Project Implementation Follow-up

1. Coordinate and implement day to day project activities with beneficiaries and partners in the field ensuring that technical quality and standards are considered and respected during project(s) implementation.
2. Ensure project activities are on time, target and budget, using effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems to reach desired impacts.
3. Assist the Project Officer/ Senior Project Officer to trouble-shoot any project challenges during project implementation.
4. Provide regular and timely updates on progress and challenges to the Project Officer/ Senior Project Officer and other team members.

Documenting and Compliance

1. Keep records of all the project activity documents, in particular beneficiary list, completion certificates, attendance sheets etc.
2. Help maintain a beneficiary master database containing all beneficiary registration and baseline information, as well as the project activities from which the beneficiaries benefitted ensure the data is protected from misuse in line with Solidaridad’s data protection policy.

Beneficiary Engagement and Accountability

1. Adhere to Solidaridad’s Code of Conduct and treat all beneficiaries with respect and without any distinction or discrimination based on nationality, race, ethnicity, tribe, gender, religious beliefs, political opinion or disability.
2. Support the selection of beneficiaries benefiting from the project activities.
3. Communicate Solidaridad’s Complaints and Response Mechanism target communities and participate in solving complaints related to the project in coordination with the Project Manager.

Internal Coordination

1. Participate in project coordination meetings with the project team.
2. Develop project communication materials for internal coordination.

External Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

1. Undertake communication and liaison activities to actively consult and involve beneficiaries, key informants, actors, partners and stakeholders in all stages of project design and implementation.
2. Cultivate good relations with key actors – local, regional and international, including government authorities and non-government organization actors, through regular attendance at technical meetings and bilateral meetings.
3. Identify opportunities to collaborate and coordinate efforts with other organizations to ensure our activities build upon – rather than replicate – the work of others.

Partner Management

1. Provide support to partners in project implementation and ensure timely and qualitative implementation of projects by partners in line with Solidaridad and donor requirements.
2. Participate in review meetings with partners, with particular attention given to the relationship aspects of partnership collaboration, and ensure that any issues or disputes are resolved in a timely manner.

Security

1. Ensure that each member of the project field team is aware of security issues, policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and they follow them accordingly.

Human Resource

1. Ensure that project field staff understand and are able to perform their roles and responsibilities.
2. Follow-up the work plans and day-to-day activities of the project field staff.
3. Ensure a positive working environment and good team dynamics among project team members.
4. Ensure capacity building among the field support team (promoter farmers).

Logistics

1. Contribute to the development of project plans (e.g. procurement, logistics etc.), when assigned.
2. Send accurate and precise order forms in a timely manner to the quality function team.
3. Ensure proper management and use of the project assets and stocks.
4. Plan field team movements based on available fleet and applicable policies.

Finance

1. Forecast monthly cash requirements for the month’s project activities and submit them to the Finance and Administration Officer through the Project officer in a timely manner.

Quality Control

1. Assess the project activities undertaken and ensure efficient use of resources.
2. Undertake regular field visits to provide technical guidance and supervision, as well as regularly monitor the progress of the project activities.
3. Assist with monitoring project activities implemented by the partner field staff and partners (if any).
4. Document lessons learned and best practices and share them with the Project Manager and the Regional Communications Officer, so they can be reflected in project planning, communication materials and decision making.

Grant Management

1. Ensure adherence to donor procedures.
2. Support the Project Manager in the preparation of progress and final reports, ensuring the quality and accuracy of technical information for activities.
3. Participate in communication activities through the regular collection of pictures and stories related to project activities.
4. Participate in business development processes through the provision of expert programmatic advice related to contextual knowledge.

Knowledge and experience

1. Relevant academic level education, Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Agribusiness, Agricultural RuraL development.
2. At least three (2) years’ experience in rural development and project implementation
3. Demonstrable experience in facilitating farmer trainings
4. Experience in technical report writing.
5. Experience in designing and facilitating workshops and seminars.

Specific job requirements

1. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to implement projects with local partners to effectively meet project needs.
2. Ability to work effectively with private, governmental and non-governmental organizations and local communities in carrying out project objectives.
3. Excellent reporting skills and ability to relate sensitively to diverse groups.
4. Self-driven and able to deliver results with minimum supervision.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
6. Excellent critical, creative thinking and analytical skills.
7. Experience in program administration, operating procedures, oversight and monitoring.
8. Knowledge of project funding procedures and guidelines.
9. Ability to work in diverse situations.