About US:
The Government of the Republic of Uganda has received a loan and a grant from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to finance the Project for Restoration of Livelihoods in the Northern Region (PRELNOR), and intends to apply some of the proceeds to recruit staff to implement the project. PRELNOR will cover the districts of Adjumani, Agago, Amuru, Gulu, Lamwo, Kitgum, Nwoya and Pader.

About PRELNOR Project:
The overall goal of the PRELNOR is: Increased income, food security and reduced vulnerability of poor rural households in the project area. This will be through increased sustainable production, productivity and climate resilience of smallholder farmers with increased and profitable access to domestic and export markets.

Job Summary: The Project Coordinator has the primary responsibility for the day-to-day activities of PRELNOR. The incumbent will oversee the project management unit (PMU) and report directly to the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG). He/she will act as Secretary to the Project Policy Committee (PPC), liaise with and report to the agencies directly funding PRELNOR, and coordinate implementation activities with other projects engaged in support for community and rural development in the project area. The incumbent will provide frequent technical support and supervision visits to district local governments and field sites, with occasional travels to the ministry headquarters whenever necessary to update the Permanent Secretary.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Offer overall strategic guidance to PMU staff relating to PRELNOR strategy and implementation and the related administrative functions required.
Offer technical and policy assistance to PMU staff and implementing agencies for effective project implementation.
Coordinate and supervise functions and activities of the PMU staff and regularly appraise them on job performance and otherwise. Ensure that work disciplines and ethics are adhered to by staff.
Coordinate and follow up on the activities of the specialists responsible for implementation of project components to ensure effective delivery of project activities.
Approve all procurement and accounting transactions performed at PMU, and facilitate disbursement of loan and grant funds needed for the implementation of PRELNOR.
Work closely with MoLG, MFPED, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC), IFAD and other financiers on matters of policy and project administration.
Work in liaison with other projects, partners and agencies supporting the rural development and commercial sectors in the project area to ensure consistency and complementarity.
Oversee and guide the preparation of project annual work plans and budgets (AWPB) and procurement plans.
Ensure timely and appropriate reporting on progress and problems of project implementation and submit semi-annual reports to PPC, MoLG, MFPED and IFAD.
Ensure gender mainstreaming in the project through the timely development, review and implementation of a Gender Action Plan.
Take ultimate responsibility, with the assistance of the community development specialist, for ensuring that the project’s poverty, gender and youth targeting mechanisms are respected by government and implementing partners at all administrative levels
Ensure climate change, resilience and adaption activities are mainstreamed through the project activities.
Undertake any other responsibility assigned by MoLG that will ensure smooth and effective implementation of the project.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The Project Coordinator should possess Master’s degree in environment or natural resources management, or agriculture, or management, or social sciences from a recognised University / Institution, with experience in rural and/or SME development and in managing a major programme/project or institution. Experience and other skills should include:
Eight or more years’ experience, including four years in management of financial institutions and/or government/donor-funded programmes and a track record as a successful manager and administrator in the Ugandan context.
Proven ability and capacity to take on a leadership position with strong managerial skills and capacity to manage people and interact with a wide range of private sector partners and public sector representatives, as well as managers and implementers of large-scale rural / community / SME development projects.
Strong organizational skills and knowledge of strategic planning.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Broad knowledge and understanding of climate change, capacity building and gender issues.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications accompanied with detailed curriculum vitae, copies of academic certificates, transcripts and testimonials including names and addresses of three referees to: Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Worker’s House, 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 7037 Kampala. Uganda

Deadline: 16th November, 2015