The Ugandan Jobline

Job Title:   Programme Officer – Economic Empowerment

Organisation: SOS Children’s Villages

Duty Station:  Mayuge, Uganda

 

About US:

SOS Children’s Villages is an independent, locally registered, child-focused, social development non- governmental organization with a strong reputation for providing quality care and protection, education and health needs for children without or at risk of losing parental care. Since its inception in 1991, SOS CV Uganda has reached over 100,000 children, youths and adults directly and indirectly to become empowered and self-reliant to contribute significantly to the needs of their families and communities. The organisation has the commendable experience working in partnership with a number of donors, (institutional and corporate agencies) including; Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), Austrian Development Corporation (ADC), Grieg Foundation, ERIKS Development Partner, USAID/Bantwana World Education, European Union, AVIS Foundation, Brand Charity, USAID/Uganda Private Health Support Program (UPHSP), Terre des Hommes (TDH), Stanbic Bank Uganda, DHL–Go Teach, Madhvani Group of Companies.

 

Job Summary:  The Programme Officer – Economic Empowerment will provide technical expertise to community-based partners, caregivers, and youth to promote sustainable livelihoods at individual, family, and community levels. This role focuses on empowering families and communities to develop resilience against economic shocks through capacity building, social protection, and income-generating activities (IGAs). Reporting to the Projects (FSP) Coordinator, the officer will collaborate with local government and stakeholders to improve the well-being of children, youth, and families by addressing vulnerabilities caused by insufficient income and poverty.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Implementation:

• Train community volunteers and stakeholders on vulnerability assessments at family and community levels.
• Support families in engaging in livelihood activities within green economic sectors.
• Strengthen saving and credit cooperatives and facilitate the formation and operationalization of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
• Enhance youth market-relevant skills for income-generating opportunities, with a focus on green economic activities.
• Provide technical support for critically vulnerable families to access social protection services and engage in IGAs through community structures.
• Facilitate and ensure timely implementation of approved Family Strengthening Programme (FSP) projects, annual plans, and budgets.

Programme Planning and Financial Management:

• Facilitate participatory assessments to identify the root causes of family and community vulnerabilities.
• Support families in developing individualized Family Development Plans and Community Economic Development Plans.
• Track budgets for economic strengthening activities and provide technical support for annual budget development.
• Ensure accountability and adherence to financial and procurement policies for program activities.

Children and Youth Access to Essential Services:

• Facilitate children and youth’s access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and social services.
• Organize and deliver training sessions on child rights and responsibilities.
• Support children and families in obtaining vital documents such as birth certificates and national identification.

Capacity Building:

• Train community facilitators to lead VSLA processes effectively.
• Organize capacity-building sessions on business skills, child rights, gender, and paralegal services for families and caregivers.
• Facilitate access to training on social protection services for vulnerable families.

Networking and Partnerships:

• Collaborate with community structures, local government, and stakeholders to deliver social protection services.
• Identify opportunities for developing partnerships that support sustainable livelihoods.
• Promote community-based networks for business development initiatives, including collective markets and business expos.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Program Progress:

• Provide guidance to extension workers and KIP staff to monitor VSLA group performance.
• Facilitate participatory monitoring and evaluation of program interventions and regular data collection using appropriate tools.
• Organize project reviews with stakeholders and document best practices among family groups.

Reporting, Resource Management, and Documentation:

• Prepare and submit timely progress reports to the FSP Manager.
• Document and share success stories and lessons learned from program interventions.
• Maintain accurate records of program families and activities.
• Ensure timely submission of accountabilities and compliance with SOS guidelines.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:  

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Development Studies, Rural Development, Business Administration, or related fields.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in implementing community-based projects focused on vulnerable children and families.
• Expertise in sustainable livelihoods, climate change advocacy, VSLA, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of community engagement, mobilization, and capacity building.
• Critical thinking, decision-making, and gender-focused development skills.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to ride a motorcycle and knowledge of the local language are required.
• Excellent documentation, communication, and organizational skills.

 

 

How to Apply:

If you believe you are the right candidate for this position, please send your application letter, detailed curriculum vitae (CV), and photocopies of academic certificates, and names and contact details of three traceable referees to the address:

 

All Applications must be sent electronically as one Single PDF Document not exceeding eight pages to: jobs@sosuganda.org

 

Subject Line: Indicate the Position and Location

• Include in your application letter:
• Gross salary request.
• Contact details (email and phone) of three professional referees.

 

Note:

Late applications or those submitted as images will be disqualified. If you do not hear from SOS Uganda by 28th February 2025, consider your application unsuccessful.

For assistance in preparing your CV or cover letter, feel free to reach out!

 

Deadline: 6th January 2025

 

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