The Ugandan Jobline

Job Title:   Country Programmes Assistant   

Organisation: Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Duty Station:  Kampala, Uganda

About US:

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international nongovernmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in November 1980 and has a presence in over 50 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome. The style of JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs. The main services provided are in the fields of Education and Livelihoods, Reconciliation, MHPSS and Advocacy.

Job Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Country Programmes Officer, the Country Programmes Assistant’s primary responsibility is to support the Country Programmes Officer to coordinate and support the implementation of all aspects of programming within Uganda. She/He will be responsible for planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Country Program under the direction of the Country Programmes Officer. She/He is required to identify and develop key opportunities for programmes focused on refugees. The Programmes Assistant will support the Country Programmes Officer to implement positive and effective relationships with key partners and contacts in the interest of promoting JRS objectives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of a Country Programmes Assistant include but are not limited to:

Coordination of programmes work of JRS Uganda

• With the Country Programmes Officer and Project Directors, to be responsible for the planning and evaluation of JRS projects within the country.
• To produce project proposals and adequate monitoring and project reports according to JRS standards (project proposals/reports) and donor-related requirements (funding proposal / reports) in collaboration with the Country Programmes Officer.
• To keep track of projects undertaken in the country; to fulfil reporting requirements by official stakeholders (UNHCR/OPM); and to review project proposals and reports.
• To carry out frequent project visits to monitor and evaluate the activities so that they are implemented according to the JRS vision and mission, standards and guidelines and the strategic framework.
• To train and update Project Directors and Coordinators in project writing, management, monitoring and evaluation according to JRS standards and guidelines.
• In consultation with the Country Programmes Officer, to set methodologies, timetables, and resources for project evaluations, with the Project Directors.
• In consultation with the Country Programmes Officer, to analyze the needs of the refugees and to suggest new initiatives to the Country Director.
• To assist in conducting needs assessments when required.
• To contribute to the preparation of plans, proposals, and budgets for project extensions.
• To ensure that JRS applies the conditions and standards documented in the JRS Exit Strategies Guidelines.

Support and Communication

• When requested, to participate and act as a resource person in country meetings.
• To communicate regularly with the Country Programmes Officer, informing her/him on all major issues and developments in programming within the country.
• Relations with partner and donor agencies
• To maintain close working relations with JRS’ partner agencies, as well as with other international development organization’s and funding agencies.
• To participate in meetings with donors regarding the development of “joint programming strategies”.
• To assist in facilitating relations between the JRS Country Office and partner agencies.
• To explore and help create possibilities for new partnerships/ donors.
• Work with the Country Team
• To work closely with other members of the Country Office to fulfil its function of shared leadership through the coordination of all programming efforts in the country.
• To attend regular team meetings, planning meetings and workshops; in particular, to collaborate with the Country’s Finance Officer, Logistics Officer, and any other Officers.

Budgeting

• To regularly monitor project funding in conjunction with the Country Finance Officer.
• To assist the Country Programmes Officer and the Country Director in ensuring that projects have sufficient funding for their implementation.
• To assist the Country Programmes Officer in all tasks related to annual budgets and project budgets, in conjunction with the Country Finance Officer.

Others

• To offer program support as and when required, including any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The applicant must hold a University degree, preferably in Project Management, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent.
• Postgraduate degree in Project Planning and Management is an added advantage.
• Three years of experience working with NGOs proposal and reports writing, project evaluation and monitoring.
• Knowledge of and experience with strategic framework, log-frames.
• Excellent project management skills with experience in managing and supervising administrative projects.
• Possess excellent organizational skills.
• Strong command over written and verbal communication.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Good understanding of the organization’s overall business and its objectives.
• Possess good knowledge of planning and strategizing financial and budgeting issues.
• Ability to work within a team and provide support to the junior staff.
• Ability to perform in cross-functional team approach and job responsibilities.
• Experience with basic financial management skills including developing and monitoring budgets and financial reporting.
• A multi-tasker with strong ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and produce quality results on time with attention to detail.
• Proficient in using computers with related knowledge of software programs and Internet.
• Languages: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

Core values and ethics

• Good understanding of and compatibility with the values of JRS.
• Very good pastoral sense and listening abilities and communication/inter-personal skills.
• Demonstrated ability and experience of working in a multi-cultural environment with good multicultural sensitivities and in a flexible environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel to the regional country offices, when appropriate, for project monitoring visits and live a simple lifestyle.

How to Apply:

All candidates should send written applications explaining why you are interested in the above position and how you meet the qualities and qualification criteria. Please also attach an updated CV with maximum 3 pages. The CV should contain information about your qualifications, relevant trainings, work experience, names, and contact details of Three (3) professional referees. You must send your CV and application as a single pdf file.

Applications should be sent online to Jesuit Refugee Service Uganda at uga.hr@jrs.net

Note: JRS has a Child Safeguarding (CS) Policy in place and expects all staff to read, sign and adhere to it. No late applications will be considered – Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. JRS is an equal opportunity employer and has a non-discrimination policy in place.

Deadline: 1^st September 2023

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