The Government of the Republic of Uganda 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 (PREINOR), and intends to apply some of the Proceeds to recruit staff to implement the project. PRELNOR covers the districts of Adjumani, Agago, Amuru, Gulu, lamwo, Kitgum, Nwoya and Pader.
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 small holder farmers with increased and profitable access to domestic and export markets. The Ministry of Local Government is now inviting suitably qualified Ugandans to fill the following vacant posts that exist at the Project Management Unit:
Project Manager
Duty Station- Gulu
The Project Manager has overall responsibility for the day-to- day activities of PRELNOR. He/She will manage the Project Management Unit (PMU) and report directly to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government. He /she will act a Secretary to the Project Policy Committee (PFC), liaise with and report quarterly to the Agencies directly funding PRELNOR, and coordinate implementation activities with other Projects engaged in support for Community and Rural Development in Acholi Sub- Region and Adjumani.
The Project Manager will also have the responsibility for the Market Access Process sub-component for PRELNOR. .

Specific duties of the Manager include but not limited to the following:
• Provide overall strategic guidance to PMLI staff relating to PRELNOR strategy and implementation and the related administrative functions required
• Provide technical and policy direction to PIAU 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 transaction performed at PMU, and facilitate disbursement of loan an grant funds needed for the implementation of PRELNOR.
• Liaise with MoLG, MFPED, Ministry of Trade, Industry an Cooperatives (MTIC), IFAD and other financers on matters o policy and project administration.
• Liaise with other projects, partners and agencies supporting the rural development and commercial sectors in the project area to ensure consistency and complementarity
• – Supervise and guide preparation of annual work plan and budgets (AWPB) and Procurement Plans for PRELNOR activities for approval by the PPC. On the basis of AWPB, approve the quarterly WPBs and authorise the subsequent releases of funds
• 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
• Take ultimate responsibility, with assistance of the Sociologist 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 adaptation activities are mainstreamed through the project activities
• ln addition to overall project management and coordination, the Project Manager will take the lead in implementation of project activities under the Market Access Processes sub- component. Under this responsibility, he/she will:
• Establish lines of communications and coordinate with all major stakeholders for PRELNOR implementation ie the Project District Local Governments (DLGs), the District Farmers Associations (DFA’s), the Traders’ Associations and other Strategic Partners delivering similar technical services in the Project area.
• Facilitate linkages between farmers‘ groups on one hand, and output and input market actors such as Produce Buyers, Input Dealers and Financial Institutions, to ensure farmers have access to fair markets.
• Work closely with the Agronomist and Community Development Specialist to build the capacity of Farmers’ Groups in Agribusiness
• Establish procedures for screening and selecting applications for grants and cost-sharing under the Market Access Processes sub component;
• Provide guidance to Market Stakeholders to ensure smooth management and operation of market sites constructed by the project.
• Undertake any other responsibility agreed with MoLG that will ensure smooth and effective implementation of the project

Qualifications and experience:
• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Agriculture, or Management, or Business Administration, or Social Sciences, or Development Studies from a recognized University/Institution. An Honors Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, or Environment, or Social Sciences, or Development Studies.
• Experience in Rural and/or Small and Medium Enterprises Development and in managing a major Programme/Project or Institution is required.

Other requirements include:
• At least eight years of working 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
• At least four years of demonstrated experience in the agri-business arena, specifically in the rural Ugandan context
• Demonstrated 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 us Managers and implementers of Large—Scale Rural/Community/SME development projects.
• Strong organizational Skills and knowledge of strategic planning.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English
• A good understanding of Climate Change, Capacity Building and Gender issues

Contract: Two-year Contract, with six months‘ probation period, renewable based on agreed performance targets and deliverables

Applications accompanied with detailed curriculum vitae, copies of certified academic certificates, transcripts and testimonials including names and addresses of three referees should be submitted to the following address:

The Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Local Government, Worker‘s House, 2nd Floor P.0. Box 7037, KAMPALA.