Cardno International Development (ID) manages a number of donor-funded programs throughout the world and engages in international development as a holistic, multidisciplinary and integrated process. Strengthened by our geographic and market diversity, we are committed to providing innovative and integrated solutions that create opportunities for significant, lasting change in emerging economies. Collaborating with multilateral and bilateral donors, private clients, governments and communities to develop sustainable solutions to complex challenges, we work with local counterparts to achieve meaningful impact. Cardno has implemented more than 120 projects in Uganda.
Cardno is implementing the five-year (2021-2026) USAID-funded Feed the Future Uganda Institutional and Systems Strengthening (ISS) Activity. The goal of the Activity is for key national level Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and industry apex organizations (IAOs) that are vital to driving inclusive agriculture-led economic growth to fulfill their mandate, leading to pathways to prosperity, improved resilience, and better nutrition for the people of Uganda. The purpose of the Activity is to improve the performance and structures of MDAs and IAOs. This purpose will be achieved through the following four objectives: (1) Improve the internal processes of selected MDAs and IAOs, making them more responsive to the needs of their consumers, members, and the general public; (2) Improve the policy framework that supports the functionality of selected MDAs and IAOs; (3) Strengthen key capacity elements of select MDAs and IAOs to perform their mandates; and (4) Strengthen the “structures” or key vertical and horizontal linkages within, between and among institutions so that they work together more effectively to achieve their goals.

Responsibilities:
The Senior Policy Specialist will be responsible for achieving project success through implementing policy interventions under the objectives of the project including:
• Identifying and building Government of Uganda MDAs and IAOs knowledge, skills and attitudes to support their ability to design and implement policy and perform their mandates
• Providing technical design and capacity building and training tasks that focus on strengthening MDAs and IAOs to develop, design, and implement policy that relates to the agriculture sector
• Serving as the point of contact for/working with GOU counterparts to ensure policy, legal and regulatory action plans are implemented as planned.
• Build trust and real partnerships and relationships, helping institutions to address and overcome their policy constraints, ultimately increasing local ownership in planning and managing development.
• Ensure that assistance to MDAs and AIOs is effectively and efficiently used to attain project objectives
• Linking MDAs to IAOs and counterparts to integrate their insight and ideas into market systems and the national policy framework
• Assisting in developing workplans and reports as stipulated in the USAID ISS contract.
• Identifying targeted research needs for policy development, implementation/enforcement and work with local counterparts to conduct research, develop simplified and streamlined regulations and procedures, and distribute final products.
• Handling aspects of coordination and communication including with various levels of government, civil society, private sector, other donors, and implementing partners.
• Contributing to the success of the project by supporting team work and identifying cross-cutting issues that require all sections to work together.
• Identify possible service providers/suppliers for research.
• Take on any other duties duly assigned relevant to the Activity.

Qualifications:
• A Master’s Degree in public policy, public administration, international relations or other related field.
• Minimum 5 years of mid- to senior-level international development management experience with progressively increasing responsibilities is required, including working with USAID-funded projects, implementing complex donor-funded projects with multiple activities, and direct knowledge of Uganda’s policy environment.
• Excellent track record of achieving results in similar types of activities with a demonstrated high level of technical, analytical writing, and interpersonal skills
• Experience working with senior government officials at central and local levels and building consensus among diverse actors is required;
• Participate in internal and external technical meetings in consultation with the Deputy Chief of Party;
• Collaborate with other FtF Activities in Uganda on activities that contribute to ISS’s objectives
• Proven leadership qualities and excellent management skills;
• Innovative and critical thinker
• Proficiency in English required.
• Must be a Uganda citizen

Estimated Period of Performance:
The opening is a full-time position and will require staff time of 40 hours a week.
Estimated Level of Effort
This is a long-term position and is based in Kampala, Uganda with limited travel throughout the country
Reporting:
The Senior Policy Specialist will report to the Deputy Chief of Party