Vacancy Announcement Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Operating in Uganda since 2006, Mercy Corps has field offices in Kitgum, Pader, Kotido and Kaabong and implements programs that cover a wide variety of program sectors including food security, health/nutrition, water/sanitation, peace building, youth, agriculture, and econ development

LEARNING AND INFORMATION OFFICER – 2 VACANCIES ( BASED IN KOTIDO AND KAABONG) PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: Mercy Corps implements high-quality, analytical development work in very difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement development programs in the Acholi and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, EC, SDC, and USDA. We were recently awarded a market-development focused 5-year USAID/Food for Peace-funded program working in the northern half of Karamoja. The project, called the Northern Karamoja Growth, Health and Governance (GHG) program, aims to support the immediate needs of program beneficiaries while promoting long-term development by spurring systemic improvements in key economic sectors of northern Karamoja. We are in search of an inquisitive individual to support project staff in Abim, Kotido and Kaabong districts in using a market facilitation approach, conducting research and gathering and analyzing data to deliver top notch results. It is an opportunity for sharp thinkers looking for a serious challenge. GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The primary focuses of the Learning and Information Officer (LIO) will be to support staff in using a facilitative approach, build data gathering and analytical tools, maintain a set of data on results and behavior change, and conduct research into specific areas of data need. The LIO will ask staff tough questions on their approach, forcing them to consider whether or not their approaches maximize leverage and lead to behavior changes that catalyze systemic changes that grow and last beyond the project's direct intervention. S/he will hold staff accountable for gathering data and keep a system where it is easily accessible when needed. The LIO will also develop and support processes for integrating that information into program design (and re-design). S/he will work with teams to identify critical knowledge gaps and carry out targeted research on those areas, engaging external assistance, when necessary. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Market Facilitation Support:  Coach program staff in use of market facilitation techniques;  Find, organize and share market facilitation resources with program staff;  Challenge program staff to think critically about strategy decisions and reflect on what they are observing. Monitoring and Evaluation:  Create a dynamic program environment that promotes inquiry;  Develop tools to simplify data gathering and reporting and ensure teams gather and report necessary data, including maintaining Podio entries for mapping progress with partners;  Support program staff in monitoring and evaluating the progress and impact of work including setting and measuring benchmarks along results chains; 

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Development and maintain a central database to track all IPTTrequired project information, and provide to Chief of Party, on request Prepare data analyses to be used in quarterly strategic reviews, annual reports, and a midterm evaluation.

Research:  Conduct research projects on specific subjects critical to team success and recommend hiring of external support, where necessary;  Where needed, support external evaluations by research partner Feinstein International Center and other organizations; Communication and Publication:  Contribute data, analysis and write-ups to regular organizational publications and reports;  Work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Communication Manager to develop publishable communication material about GHG;  Author occasional papers for wider distribution; Other:  Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;  Other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:  At least 3 years of related professional experience  Demonstrable quantitative skills, including familiarity with database management and analysis  Superior writing and analytical skills  Proven skills in networking, assessing information needs and developing appropriate tools  Excellent reporting, communication and representation skills  Knowledge of Uganda’s economy and business environment, particularly in the context of rural development and Karamoja.  A sense of humor on par with one’s level of curiosity.  Good skills to plot and generate good maps using GPS coordinates  Ability to speak Ngakarimojong is added advantage SUCCESS FACTORS:  Promotes and captures learning across the project, institutionalizing activity reviews, identifying and evaluating preconceptions and promoting a culture of inquisitiveness.  Ability to manage a large quantity of data and deliver timely analysis to staff and to management.  Degree to which that person provides insight to teams through rigorous and efficient research in critical need-to-know areas, identified by program staff but researched with close support from the LIO.

Applications: Submit your application including a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates to the HR/Admin Manager, Kampala Head Office 4th Floor, Embassy Plaza Plot 1188,1189&1190 Ggaba Road. E-mail applications with cover letter to [email protected] will also be accepted. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Tuesday, 25th November, 2014. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.