Job Application for Market Development Coordinator at GOAL Uganda (2024)

Job Title: Market Development Coordinator
Location: Jinja, Uganda
Reports to: Deputy Team Leader

Application Deadline: 15th August 2024

Direct Reports: Market Development Officers

GOAL and its consortium partner, Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR) and Technical Partners Resilience BV and Agriterra will be commencing on a 5 years resilient and inclusive economic development programme – INSPIRE, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Kampala. The objective of the programme is to build climate resilient and more productive farming systems and livelihoods, with environmentally sustainable and commercially viable practices, as such sustainably increasing productivity and income of 200,000 smallholder farming households (SHF) in Busoga and Lango regions. Through a participatory and community-led approach, INSPIRE aims to tackle the root causes of: Limited social resilience and agency of SHF; Underdeveloped farming systems with high vulnerability of SHF for climate and economic shocks - SHF generally; and Inefficient, inequitable markets in Lango and Busoga regions, to contribute to the goal of “resilient and inclusive economic development of rural lowland communities”. The project works through four pathways to achieve its goal “increased income and livelihood resilience of SHF to climate change and market failures”. Pathway and Outcome 1 focuses on enhanced social resilience and agency in SHF households and communities ; Pathway and Outcome 2 focuses on ensuring SHF farming systems are more sustainable, productive and resilient to shocks.; Pathway and Outcome 3 focuses on SHF actively participating and benefiting in inclusive markets; and Pathway and Outcome 4 ensures SHF have enhanced voice and influence to address market system issues. This can only be achieved with the active and full participation of SHF and local stakeholders from the onset.

Job Summary

The Market System Development Coordinator is a hands-on technical expert on markets and Value Chain Development within INSPIRE project in the two regions and s/he will report directly to the Deputy Team Leader. S/he will lead intervention portfolio strategy development and planning, facilitate program and partner management processes, and coordinate with the multiple consortium and technical partners, as well as market actors to design and deliver robust, high impact market systems strengthening programming. S/he will work closely with the in-country technical team and apply INSPIRE program tools and approaches in and across pathway and Outcome 3 that focuses on strengthening the functioning of, and access to (local) markets for Smallholder Farmers. More specifically, the Coordinator is accountable for financial allocations within the portfolio. S/he will also be responsible for the capacity development and up- skilling of the program team in inclusive market development to successfully and seamlessly implement all aspects of the sustainable farming systems components, setting clear team and individual objectives and KPIs and ensuring timely and accurate reporting. The position thus has a supervisory and backstopping role of the market system development officers in both regions, and works cross-functionally with the Farming Systems Coordinator, PIP & Community Strengthening Coordinator and Farmer Organisational Development Coordinator. S/he will work with private sector actor to ensure smallholder farmers and their households have increased access to and utilization of agribusiness services, agricultural inputs, technical training including on good agronomic practices (GAP), postharvest and value addition technologies, finance (saving and loan products) to enable increased production volume, quality, sales and profit (disposable income) and build mutual relationships and trust between smallholder farmers and other value chains actors. The Market Systems coordinator will also develop tools, resources and conduct training and coaching to staff and partners and support cross-project learning and the overall technical of inclusive markets portfolio. Pathway and Outcome 3: The expected results of the INSPIRE programme for which this position will be responsible for are:

• SHF households have increased living income and diversified their sources of income from on- and off farm employment.
• SHF households have increased production volume, quality, sales and profit (disposable income)
• Climate smart, sustainable and high value crop and livestock production, aggregation, processing and marketing systems adopted and or utilised by SHF

Job Function:

1. Strategy Development, Planning, and implementing market development activities.

• Lead the analysis of the current market systems and the underlying causes of market failures; including supporting the development of tools and resources to conduct market assessments, identify critical constraints and opportunities in the agricultural sector.;
• Provide technical oversight and direction that will ensure the identification and co-design of inclusive portfolio of agricultural market system development activities and implementation strategies.
• Work closely with the outcome 4 Coordinator to establish agribusiness clusters consisting of farmer groups, cooperatives and other relevant local market actors (input providers; aggregators; processors, etc) to increase farmers access to agribusiness enabling services and ensure that both government and private sector service provision is more responsive to SHF needs.
• Take lead in identifying Private Sector Partners (PSPs) with the right “skill and will” for systemic change, lead in the PSP onboarding and partnership management processes.
• Manage Potential Partner co-design of offerings and interventions that are, SHF-centered, innovative; ensuring their successful implementation and documentation of evidence based- learning.
• Ensure smallholder farmers are organised, their knowledge on selected value chains is enhanced and and linked to private sector actors for access to and adoption of climate smart and high value crops, livestock production practices, aggregation, processing and collective marketing systems.
• Identify and support alternative opportunities for on-and-off season employment/entrepreneurial activities based on the PIP plans and ensure development of the business cases
• Provide technical direction and support to the Market Systems Development officers to ensure smooth implementation of the programme and that the programme meets its targets.
• Monitor implementation of program strategies and consistently review their effectiveness in prioritising and achieving inclusion for rural young women and men, vulnerable households and other vulnerable groups
• Work closely with GOAL Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team to ensure that the programme has appropriate M&E plans and staff are adhering to them and reporting on a timely basis
• Report on implementation progress, prepare regular impact stories and case studies.
• Contribute to the preparation of all monthly, quarterly and annual reports for the agricultural market’s component.
• Work with private actors to identify value-addition opportunities that strengthen economic opportunities, for young women and rural youth, in the livestock and agriculture sectors.
• Apply process improvements in the PIP scaling process on quality technologies and practices important for reaching the project targets on improved production, income and resilience to climate and market related shocks and stresses.

2. People Management

• Steer colleagues and coach associated PIP implementing organisations, and other external stakeholders on quality within the PIP context of assignments.

3. Documentation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Support monitoring and evaluation team to capture the required data for measuring output and impact of the programme
• Ensure accurate and timely flow of information from the field and entry in the program database and for preparation of communication materials.
• Prepare and submit monthly, and quarterly reports that will be indicative of program progress during implementation.
• Maintain proper filing system in regard to market development activities of the program.
• Document case studies and most significant change stories.

4. Collaboration/Networking

• Strengthen linkages between youth, private sector actor, farmers associations, micro and small business owners, government agencies, microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and banks.
• Establish and maintain good coordination and working relationships with Partners and district leadership and local government departments, representing GOAL in district coordination meetings and soliciting their participation in all activities where appropriate and as directed by the line manager.
• Ensure close coordination and sharing of information with relevant stakeholders such as local government departments, NGO’s and local authorities, as appropriate and advised by the line manager.
• Participate in the planning of learning and review meetings that bring private and public sector entities together to collectively review and discuss technology developments and innovation.

5. Representation and Coordination

• Represent GOAL Uganda in a range of external fora and building strategic relationships and partnerships
• The MDC is expected to be the lead person for all coordination, partnership and related activities with local level private sector services providers, and related stakeholders within the district of jurisdiction
• Liaise with other international, local NGOs and civil society organizations, and other for cross learning and to avoid duplication of services as well as ensure support for and acceptance of INSPIRE for Youth market-based interventions.
• Maintain close working relationships with development organizations, and local partners, including representing the programme at district coordination meetings as assigned.

Essential Criteria

• MA/MSc/MBA or equivalent in Agriculture, Agri business, Natural Resources Management, International Development, or related fields.
• A minimum of 7 years of active work experience of which 5 years must be at a senior technical level in agricultural market systems, climate adaptation, and economic development; experience in an international development context is required
• Knowledge of Market Systems Development approaches to program design, implementation and performance measurement, MSMESs at local level.
• Experience working with private sector actors, smallholder farming systems; specific expertise and/or experience in M4P approaches; understanding of PIP approach highly desirable.
• Highly motivated and motivating individual who can lead SME’s from both the front and behind (depending on the situation)
• Partnership management skills and knowledge
• Proven people and budget management experience

Desirable Criteria

• Some practical experience in working with small and medium sized companies in a development setting,
• Knowledge of the agricultural sectors highly desirable
• Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines, focus on and prioritize day-to-day tasks at hand while also working towards longer-term objectives with an understanding that the workload will change continuously
• Excellent Communication skills
• Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.
• Willingness to spend more time in the field and work closely with program target groups.

GOAL

Established in 1977, GOAL is an international humanitarian agency, with a global team of 2,400 personnel, dedicated to alleviating the needs of the most vulnerable communities. Currently operating in 14 of the world’s most vulnerable countries, GOAL delivers a wide range of humanitarian and development programmes, ranging from humanitarian relief in disaster situations, to focusing on nutrition, food security, and building greater resilience and sustainable livelihoods

General description of the country programme:

First operational in Uganda in 1979, the current GOAL Uganda country programme focuses on Health (including WASH, Health Accountability and Nutrition programming); and a market based systems approach to improving agricultural livelihoods and WASH. GOAL Uganda mainstreams gender, child protection, social behaviour change and resilience strategies across all programming. GOAL works on a district focused approach and uses a mixture of direct implementation and partnerships with national and international civil society organizations, local government, the private sector and communities to give effect to our mission.

Safeguarding

Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.

Accountabilitywithin GOAL

Alongside our safeguarding policy, GOAL is an equal opportunities employer and has a set of integrity policies. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability:

• Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols.
• Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area.
• Report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour of a GOAL staff or partner.

GOAL Uganda has a skilled team of approximately 130 personnel and manages an annual operating budget of approximately €9.7 million (2024). GOAL is currently operational in the North, South, East and West of Uganda with six established offices in Kampala, Lira, Mbale, Kabarole, Moroto, Kaabong and Agago Districts. GOAL Uganda country programme is funded by a number of donors who include Mastercard, charity water, Irish Aid and some small foundations.

Our package includes a competitive salary, health insurance cover for up to 3 dependents, comprehensive 24-hour personal accident cover, terminal benefits equivalent to one month for each completed year of service, a flexi-work arrangement and our working hours provide for a half day on Fridays. GOAL promotes a learning and development environment with training & study opportunities aligned to our staff development policy.