Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Uganda is seeking to fill the position of Programme Manager for the Agroecological Markets & Business Development (AMBD) programme at the Country Secretariat Office in Kampala – Uganda.

Since 1995, PELUM Uganda has been sharing skills and knowledge about ecological Land use practices and techniques working with a broad network of likeminded organizations; undertaking research and demonstration projects, and advocating for policies that better support smallholder farmers with a vision of empowering communities in Uganda to sustainably utilize their natural resources.

As part of a strong regional network of over 220 civil Society organizations spread out in 14 countries in East, Central and Southern Africa.  PELUM Uganda works to improve the livelihoods of small holder farmers and the sustainability of farming communities by fostering ecological land use management.

Suitable Candidates who possess the credentials below are therefore encouraged to apply.

Job Title:  Programme Manager Agroecological Markets & Business Development (AMBD) programme 

Relationships:                                                 

Job purpose 

This job exists in PELUM to provide strategic leadership to PELUM Uganda’s Agroecological Markets & Business Development programme in line with PELUM’s strategy and policies to realise her goal.

Job summary                                                      

The Job holder line manages AMBD programmes by providing technical and strategic guidance. S/he is responsible for ensuring efficient and effective implementation of all the related programme activities and AMBD program management cycle support. This position belongs to the Agroecological Markets and Business Development programme.

Duties and responsibilities

1.        Programme Planning, development and implementation

• Provide leadership to the development and implementation of programmes in Agroecological Markets and Business Development including new programme and projects concepts and ideas.
• To ensure that AMBD programmes are in alignment with the PELUM Uganda strategic plan objectives
• Coordinate the development and implement the AMBD programme annual/quarterly work plans and participate in programme planning and review meetings.
• Ensure preparation of periodic programme reports for decision making in line with the donor requirements.
• Ensure programme activities are implemented in compliance with agreed guidelines/standards and proactively seek input from relevant substantive internal experts.
• Convene regular programme planning and review meetings as appropriate.
• Identify thematic advocacy issues and forward them to the advocacy department.
• Convene thematic committee meetings for the AMBD programme.

2.       Documentation and Research

• Coordinate the technical content development for publication within the AMBD programme.
• Spearhead development and execution of research agenda for the AMBD programme.
• Undertake research agendas and ensure dissemination of findings to inform programme designs.
• Establish and maintain collaborations with research institutions, private sector actors, governments and other stakeholders.

3.       Model Development and Implementation 

• Spearhead the development of AMBD models and methodologies.
• Identify and oversee the application of AMBD models (including initial capacity building and customization of models/ methodologies).
• Periodically review and improve on the models to stay relevant to the emerging trends and lessons.
• Provide technical support to organisations applying the models within their work with communities.

4.       Member’s Capacity Building

• Guide the selection process for member organisations to be considered for capacity building opportunities.
• Oversee capacity building activities (trainings, learning visits, technical backstopping and mentorships) for member organisation and other partners in the areas of Agroecological Markets & Business Development and participate in the trainings.
• Supervise and develop the training content/ agenda for the capacity building activities including concept note development.
• Identify and procure potential resource persons to support facilitation of capacity building activities.
• Oversee and review the activity reports for the capacity building activities undertaken.

5.       Resource Mobilisation and Grant Management

• Spearhead the technical aspects of the project proposal development process for the AMBD programme.
• Support proposal development process for other programme areas within PELUM.
• Identify existing and potential funding opportunities
• Facilitate donor visits and assessments as necessary.
• Ensure that resources under his/her care are properly deployed and utilised.
• Participate in raising resources for building PELUM’s reserves.
• Support in operationalizing the development of ELUM centre.
• Maintain good donor relations

6.       Project Monitoring, Reporting & Evaluation 

• Spearhead the compilation of periodic reports for the AMBD programme as may be required and share with the HoP.
• Conduct project inceptions to ensure good understanding of new projects by the team and other stakeholders.
• Participate in AMBD programmes monitoring and organize periodic project reviews to ensure that the project incorporates new learnings and maintains relevance.
• Support mid-term and end of term project evaluation process and baseline surveys and support the M&E personnel to develop programmes specific monitoring tools.
• Support M&E Officer in preparing narrative donor reports.

7.       Representation, Networking and Partnerships

• Participate in the organisation’s other key institutional events such as the country working group, related events and fora.
• Review partners mapping and profiling to establish relevant partnerships for the AMBD programme.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships relevant for the AMBD programme.
• Regular communication and information sharing with strategic partners in liaison with the HoP.
• Coordinate national, regional and sub-regional level thematic initiatives.

8.       Human Resource Management

• Ensure Human Resources are efficiently deployed in AMBD.
• Identify and address the human resource capacity needs in the AMBD programme.
• Maintain good communication, coordination and leadership of the AMBD programme team.
• Provide support supervision, set targets and regularly appraise and give feedback to AMBD programme staff.
• Participate in the selection, recruitment and induction of AMBD Programme staff and volunteers as required.
• Ensure Regular AMBD programme meetings and development and approval of activities schedules.

Other key Responsibilities

9.       Membership development and support

• Support the Management team in developing and implementing a membership development & retention strategy.
• Recruit and nurture new members according to the membership development plan and strategy and membership policy.
• Coordinate assessments of new applicants, orientation of all new members.
• In conjunction with other programme team members, undertake periodic assessments of member organizations’ capacities and capacity needs and devise strategies to respond to the needs.
• Maintain regular communication with all members on programmatic, management and governance issues and be the key contact for all PELUM members.
• Create an enabling environment for members to showcase their work within the PELUM network and international scene.
• Organize membership fora and maintain membership engagement platforms so as to foster peer learning and mutual support among members.
• Ensure active participation of members in PELUM’s programmes and activities.
• Update PELUM Uganda staff on developments within member organizations.
• Participate in member organizations’ activities and programmes
• Prepare periodic (quarterly, annual) membership status reports for PELUM management.

In addition to individual respective tasks, all PELUM employees are expected:

• To adhere to our organizational values and to actively promote their application amongst colleagues.

• To undertake tasks in a creative, self-driven and innovative fashion.
• Participate in relevant organisational, meetings and fora.
• Participate in raising resources for building PELUM’s reserves.
• Ensure that all activities are implemented in a gender sensitive manner.
• Adhere to PELUM's policies, procedures, and performance expectations in all functions. 
• To identify and implement additional tasks/ ideas of benefit to the organization (whether directly linked to one’s job or not).
• Any other duty as may be assigned by the supervisor.

The attainment of the above will be reflected in the employee’s appraisal, as well as the achievement of outputs, as described in above key responsibilities.

Person Specifications:

Education

Minimum of Master’s degree is a relevant field and a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Business and Administration/Management, Marketing, Agriculture or in any related field. A Master’s degree qualification in a related area is a MUST and Diploma in Project Management and Planning is an added advantage. Knowledge on Agroecology is an added advantage. 

Technical Skills

Ability to mobilize and utilize resources. Knowledge in Market development and Value Chain analysis and engagements. Knowledge of Project Planning and Implementation. Research and documentation. 

Training/facilitating skills. 

Industry experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in agriculture market development in the field of sustainable Agriculture or agribusiness in NGO related setting.
• Understanding of Agriculture development and project Implementation.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the agricultural sector and working with small holder farmers.
• Experience of managing grants and partnerships.
• Experience in working with an international/interdisciplinary team.

Management skills

Strong experience in leading and managing projects. Ability to develop and maintain relationships with various internal and external stakeholders. Team player with positive attitude, flexible mind, and good coaching and motivational skills. Ability to inspire confidence and create trust. Managerial and supervisory skills.

Personal qualities

Proactive. Continuous improvement mindset. Excellent analytical, critical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Open to change and ability to work in a transitional and complex organizational structure. Keen sense of ethics, integrity and commitment to PELUM's mandate. Paying attention to details. Ability to multitask. Ability to work under pressure, plan personal workload effectively and delegate.

Communication and Interpersonal skills

Ability to understand new issues quickly and make wise decisions. Strong coaching skills and ability to provide effective feedback. Comfortable working in multi-cultural settings. Strong Writing skills. Effective interpersonal skills to work with colleagues, stakeholders and donors. Proven negotiation skills.

• Provide leadership to the development and implementation of programmes in Agroecological Markets and Business Development including new programme and projects concepts and ideas.
• To ensure that AMBD programmes are in alignment with the PELUM Uganda strategic plan objectives.
• Coordinate the development and implement the AMBD programme annual/quarterly work plans and participate in programme planning and review meetings.
• Ensure preparation of periodic programme reports for decision making in line with the donor requirements.
• Ensure programme activities are implemented in compliance with agreed guidelines/standards and proactively seek input from relevant substantive internal experts.
• Convene regular programme planning and review meetings as appropriate.
• Identify thematic advocacy issues and forward them to the advocacy department.
• Convene thematic committee meetings for the AMBD programme.
• Coordinate the technical content development for publication within the AMBD programme.
• Spearhead development and execution of research agenda for the AMBD programme.
• Undertake research agendas and ensure dissemination of findings to inform programme designs.
• Establish and maintain collaborations with research institutions, private sector actors, governments and other stakeholders.
• Spearhead the development of AMBD models and methodologies.
• Identify and oversee the application of AMBD models (including initial capacity building and customization of models/ methodologies).
• Periodically review and improve on the models to stay relevant to the emerging trends and lessons.
• Provide technical support to organisations applying the models within their work with communities.
• Guide the selection process for member organisations to be considered for capacity building opportunities.
• Oversee capacity building activities (trainings, learning visits, technical backstopping and mentorships) for member organisation and other partners in the areas of Agroecological Markets & Business Development and participate in the trainings.
• Supervise and develop the training content/ agenda for the capacity building activities including concept note development.
• Identify and procure potential resource persons to support facilitation of capacity building activities.
• Oversee and review the activity reports for the capacity building activities undertaken.
• Spearhead the technical aspects of the project proposal development process for the AMBD programme.
• Support proposal development process for other programme areas within PELUM.
• Identify existing and potential funding opportunities.
• Facilitate donor visits and assessments as necessary.
• Ensure that resources under his/her care are properly deployed and utilised.
• Participate in raising resources for building PELUM’s reserves.
• Support in operationalizing the development of ELUM centre.
• Maintain good donor relations.
• Spearhead the compilation of periodic reports for the AMBD programme as may be required and share with the HoP.
• Conduct project inceptions to ensure good understanding of new projects by the team and other stakeholders.
• Participate in AMBD programmes monitoring and organize periodic project reviews to ensure that the project incorporates new learnings and maintains relevance.
• Support mid-term and end of term project evaluation process and baseline surveys and support the M&E personnel to develop programmes specific monitoring tools.
• Support M&E Officer in preparing narrative donor reports.
• Participate in the organisation’s other key institutional events such as the country working group, related events and fora.
• Review partners mapping and profiling to establish relevant partnerships for the AMBD programme.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships relevant for the AMBD programme.
• Regular communication and information sharing with strategic partners in liaison with the HoP.
• Coordinate national, regional and sub-regional level thematic initiatives.
• Ensure Human Resources are efficiently deployed in AMBD.
• Identify and address the human resource capacity needs in the AMBD programme.
• Maintain good communication, coordination and leadership of the AMBD programme team.
• Provide support supervision, set targets and regularly appraise and give feedback to AMBD programme staff.
• Participate in the selection, recruitment and induction of AMBD Programme staff and volunteers as required.
• Ensure Regular AMBD programme meetings and development and approval of activities schedules.
• Support the Management team in developing and implementing a membership development & retention strategy.
• Recruit and nurture new members according to the membership development plan and strategy and membership policy.
• Coordinate assessments of new applicants, orientation of all new members.
• In conjunction with other programme team members, undertake periodic assessments of member organizations’ capacities and capacity needs and devise strategies to respond to the needs.
• Maintain regular communication with all members on programmatic, management and governance issues and be the key contact for all PELUM members.
• Create an enabling environment for members to showcase their work within the PELUM network and international scene.
• Organize membership fora and maintain membership engagement platforms so as to foster peer learning and mutual support among members.
• Ensure active participation of members in PELUM’s programmes and activities.
• Update PELUM Uganda staff on developments within member organizations.
• Participate in member organizations’ activities and programmes.
• Prepare periodic (quarterly, annual) membership status reports for PELUM management.
• To adhere to our organizational values and to actively promote their application amongst colleagues.
• To undertake tasks in a creative, self-driven and innovative fashion.
• Participate in relevant organisational, meetings and fora.
• Participate in raising resources for building PELUM’s reserves.
• Ensure that all activities are implemented in a gender sensitive manner.
• Adhere to PELUM's policies, procedures, and performance expectations in all functions.
• To identify and implement additional tasks/ ideas of benefit to the organization (whether directly linked to one’s job or not).
• Any other duty as may be assigned by the supervisor.

• Ability to mobilize and utilize resources
• Knowledge in Market development and Value Chain analysis and engagements
• Knowledge of Project Planning and Implementation
• Research and documentation
• Training/facilitating skills
• Strong experience in leading and managing projects
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with various internal and external stakeholders
• Team player with positive attitude, flexible mind, and good coaching and motivational skills
• Ability to inspire confidence and create trust
• Managerial and supervisory skills
• Proactive
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Excellent analytical, critical reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Open to change and ability to work in a transitional and complex organizational structure
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity and commitment to PELUM's mandate
• Paying attention to details
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work under pressure, plan personal workload effectively and delegate
• Ability to understand new issues quickly and make wise decisions
• Strong coaching skills and ability to provide effective feedback
• Comfortable working in multi-cultural settings
• Strong Writing skills
• Effective interpersonal skills to work with colleagues, stakeholders and donors
• Proven negotiation skills

• Minimum of Master’s degree is a relevant field and a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Business and Administration/Management, Marketing, Agriculture or in any related field.
• A Master’s degree qualification in a related area is a MUST
• Diploma in Project Management and Planning is an added advantage.
• Knowledge on Agroecology is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in agriculture market development in the field of sustainable Agriculture or agribusiness in NGO related setting.
• Understanding of Agriculture development and project Implementation.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the agricultural sector and working with small holder farmers.
• Experience of managing grants and partnerships.
• Experience in working with an international/interdisciplinary team.