Job Title: Learning and Information Officer
Organisation: Mercy Corps
Duty Station: Kotido,
Country Uganda
About Mercy Corps:
Mercy Corps is an International NGO that exists to alleviate poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy Corps has been fully registered in Uganda as an operational NGO. Currently Mercy Corps has an office in Kampala and is implementing Food Security programs which comprises of Water and Sanitation, Livelihood and Agriculture and Conflict Mitigation Management Program in North and North Eastern Uganda.
Job Summary: The Learning and Information Officer (LIO) will primarily support staff in using a facilitative approach, build data gathering and analytical tools, maintain a set of data on results and behavior change, and conduct research into specific areas of data need. The LIO will ask staff tough questions on their approach, forcing them to consider whether or not their approaches maximize leverage and lead to behavior changes that catalyze systemic changes that grow and last beyond the project's direct intervention. S/he will hold staff accountable for gathering data and keep a system where it is easily accessible when needed. The LIO will also develop and support processes for integrating that information into program design (and re-design). S/he will work with teams to identify critical knowledge gaps and carry out targeted research on those areas, engaging external assistance, when necessary.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Market Facilitation Support:
Coach and mentor program staff in use of market facilitation techniques;
Find, organize and share market facilitation resources with program staff;
Challenge program staff to think critically about strategy decisions and reflect on what they are observing.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation:
Create a dynamic program environment that promotes inquiry;
Develop tools to simplify data gathering and reporting and ensure teams gather and report necessary data, including maintaining Podio entries for mapping progress with partners;
Support program staff in monitoring and evaluating the progress and impact of work including setting and measuring benchmarks along results chains;
Development and maintain a central database to track all IPTT-required project information, and provide to Chief of Party, on request
Prepare data analyses to be used in quarterly strategic reviews, annual reports, and a midterm evaluation.
3. Research:
Carry out research projects on specific subjects critical to team success and recommend hiring of external support, where necessary;
Where needed, support external evaluations by research partner Feinstein International Center and other organizations;
4. Communication and Publication:
Contribute data, analysis and write-ups to regular organizational publications and reports;
Work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Communication Manager to develop publishable communication material about GHG;
Author occasional papers for wider distribution;
5. Other:
Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
Perform any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications,
The Learning and Information Officer should primarily hold a Bachelor’s Degree in related field
A minimum of three years’ related professional experience
Demonstrable quantitative skills, including familiarity with database management and analysis
Excellent writing and analytical skills
Skills & Experience:
Proven skills in networking, assessing information needs and developing appropriate tools
Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills
Good working knowledge of Uganda’s economy and business environment, particularly in the context of rural development and Karamoja.
Possess a high sense of humor on par with one’s level of curiosity.
Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to the HR/Admin Manager, Kampala Head Office in Nsambya on Plot 1102 Nsambya Estate Road. Kampala, Uganda or to Mercy Corps Offices in Kitgum. E-mailed applications with cover letter to: mcuganda@ug.mercycorps.org will also be accepted.
NB: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: 5th March, 2014
