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Job Title:     Community Development Officer (Revolving Fund and Credit Scheme Management) 

Organisation: National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

Duty Station:  Mbale, Uganda

Funding Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Project Name: Promoting Integrated Landscape Management approach for conservation of the Mt Elgon Ecosystem in Eastern Uganda

Reports to: Project Manager

Job Ref: PILM/ADV/EXT/01/2023

About US:

The National Environment Management Authority (hereinafter called “NEMA”) was established under the National Environment Act, Cap.153 in May 1995 and continued under the National Environment Act No.5 of 2019 as the principal agency for environment management in Uganda charged with regulating, supervising and coordinating all activities relating to the environment.

About UNEP Project:

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has on behalf of Government of Uganda received financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for a project on “Promoting Integrated Landscape Management approach for conservation of the Mt Elgon Ecosystem in Eastern Uganda”.

The Goal of the project is to “enhance conservation of ecosystems that provide critical goods and services for rural livelihoods and food security in the Mt. Elgon landscape” while its objective is to “transition the Mt. Elgon landscape to a sustainable, biodiverse, climate-resilient, integrated landscape with efficient coffee and staple crops (maize, beans, banana and Irish potato) value chains.”

Job Summary:  The Community Development Officer (Revolving Fund and Credit Scheme Management)  will support implementation of project activities on micro-finance and credit scheme programme of the project. Under the general supervision of the Project Manager and in close collaboration with the project partners, the Community Development Officer (Revolving Fund and Credit Scheme Management) will be responsible for day-to-day implementation of project activities on micro-finance and credit scheme programme at field level that are aimed at empowering communities in the Mt Elgon landscape. S/he will also be involved in providing business development training and access to the micro-finance and credit scheme.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare annual plans of action comprising and detailing new community groups to access micro-finance and credit scheme;
• In partnership with opinion leaders, provide sensitization and training to community groups on the aims and objectives of the micro-finance and credit scheme;
• Mobilize interested persons into groups of not more than thirty members per group and in particular, encouraging persons with similar businesses to belong to same groups;
• Provide group dynamics training to ensure group cohesion and vibrancy;
• Conduct training needs assessment among community members;
• Provide business development training based on community group felt needs;
• Guide interested community groups to apply for micro-finance and credit scheme from the project;
• Receive and evaluate micro-finance and credit scheme applications;
• Prepare and sign micro-finance and credit scheme application forms;
• In consultations with the Project Manager and the Finance Officer, disburse micro-finance and credit scheme funds to community groups;
• Monitor utilization of micro-finance and credit scheme funds and general performance of community groups;
• Provide capacity building to less performing community groups;
• Work with Project Manager and Finance Officer to evaluate and refine monitoring and evaluation criteria for the micro-finance and credit scheme;
• Ensure the  timely  and  effective  implementation  of  the  approved   project activities at field level;
• Ensure the accurate recording of all data relevant for operational, financial and results based monitoring;
• Adhere to monitoring and evaluation procedures and guidelines and prepare reports on a monthly basis;
• Critically assess micro-finance and credit scheme performance and design and actively suggest and initiate continuous improvement activities;
• Prepare accurate and timely quarterly and annual technical reports for activities undertaken as required;
• Perform other duties as assigned from time to time by the Project Manager.

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Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The applicant must hold an Honors Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of agriculture, Finance, Economics, Business Administration and Social Sciences.
• A Master’s degree in the relevant field of agriculture, Finance, Economics, Business Administration and Social Sciences is added advantage
• A minimum of three years’ post-qualification experience;
• Professional experience in micro-finance sector in private or non-governmental sector;
• Experience in project management, implementation and coordination;
• Demonstrated knowledge of micro-credit and saving schemes, micro-finance institutions, business start-ups, micro-enterprise development concepts, accounting systems and micro-finance legal framework;
• Experience in working with diverse communities, training programmes and experience of working in government Ministries/Agencies is an advantage.
• Experiencing administering and facilitating a microcredit program
• Experience working in rural areas

Competencies and skills

• Integrity – The job involves disbursement and recovery of loans from people with low educational background and virtually keep no written record.
• Detail-oriented: The job requires being careful about detail as large volumes of figures are involved.
• Respect- treats all clients, partners, and recipients with respect, courtesy and kindness at all times.
• Critical Thinking – It is imperative that the candidate can think critically around issues that arise within the program and can take the initiative to implement creative solutions to effectively address them and recommend continuous improvement
• Team player – adopts a collaborative approach to development and collaboration with the microcredit team as well as combined efforts across programs is necessary.
• Compassionate – The Microcredit Officer is expected to lift up and empower clients of the microcredit program. They must be able to establish a rapport with potential and current clients, celebrate successes and hold clients accountable with compassion and grace.
• Ability to conduct training needs assessment and develop training plans tailored to community needs
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong report writing skills

How to Apply:

All potential candidates should download an application form, Download Here, and fill the form and attach “O” and “A” level certificates, Bachelor’s and Postgraduate Degree Transcripts and Certificates, Professional certificates where applicable and Employment letters in one pdf file named: “Position-Name of Applicant”.

The one pdf file should be submitted to projects@nema.go.ug

Applications not in one pdf file and those arriving after closing time will not be considered.

Deadline: 12^th May 2023

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