Organization Overview

The International Development Division focuses on improving the lives and economic well-being of people in lower and middle-income countries. We command technical expertise in health, agriculture, climate change, food security and governance—as well as in international evaluation. Our multi-layered health portfolio includes policy, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. In partnership with government clients and local experts, our high-quality programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are known for impact and innovation.

Project Description

USAID’s Integrated Community Agriculture and Nutrition Activity (ICAN) is USAID/Uganda’s flagship resilience project, awarded in July 2018. The Activity goal is to enhance the resilience of vulnerable households in the eight districts of Kanungu, Kisoro, Rukungiri (Kigezi sub-region); Gulu, Lamwo, Nwoya (Acholi sub-region); Kaabong and Kotido (Karamoja sub-region) in Karamoja region.

The overall objective of the project is to sustainably enhance the resilience of vulnerable households in its area of operation by maximizing economic opportunities for vulnerable households, stabilizing their access to and consumption of diverse and nutritious diets and increase social capital by reinforcing relationships among formal governance systems and communities.

Job Summary

The Governance Technical Lead is responsible for provision of technical solutions on the USAID ICAN whilst assisting other employees especially the regional teams to overcome any governance related technical challenges. This role provides technical feedback and impact to internal the Activity team.

Under the supervision of the Deputy Chief of Party, the Governance Technical lead is responsible for overseeing implementation of ICAN activities that seek to strengthen local governance structures and their ability to respond to shocks. Provide thought leadership and technical expertise on community engagement strategies, partnerships, and activities during annual work planning.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Program Quality Assurance

• Makes smart recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and implementation of Activities
• Recognize opportunities for improvement, communicate them persuasively to management and partners for adoption
• Provide deep specialist guidance and support in the area of local governance and community engagement, e.g. governance training manual content development, design of governance intervention models and engagements with partners
• Participates in the development of and/or review of program quality assurance standards, and methods of working in local governance and community engagement
• Consider a broad range of options and apply sound judgement to develop solutions within your respective area of specialty. This shall involve influencing direction in your area of specialization at a senior level
• Assist other team members of the ICAN in resolving complex technical problems; investigate the root cause of problems and recommend smart correction actions
• Participates in reviews of deliverables/achievements; carry out formal and informal checks on the quality of implementation and documentations
• Take lead in soliciting for MEL data relevant to the sub purpose area and lead  evidence based programmatic discussions in the sub purpose aimed at improving achievements in all regions of ICAN work. This will include working with MEL team and district based sub purpose focal persons

Networking and representation

• In consultation with the DCOP establish and maintain strong working relationships with other USAID implementing partners
• Identity and manage effective relationships with private sector/public partners within the area of local governance and community engagement.
• Represent and seek opportunities for the Activity in establishing networks that are relevant to local governance and community engagement
• Facilitate coordination with USG and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for leverage and synergies that catalyze the Activity key performance indicators

Documentation and Learning

• In consultation with the field director, provide thought leadership in development of annual work plan, quarterly report and monthly sector updates for the respective sector
• Take leadership in identification of learning opportunities for the regional teams based on gaps realized from the day to day implementation. This shall among others include provision of on job mentorship and coaching
• In consultation with the DCOP and the communications specialist, document lessons learnt and practice materials for publicity/sharing with other stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or other relevant field. Masters degree in the area of governance or other relevant field is desirable
• 6 years of experience in program management and local governance
• Demonstrated on job experience supporting rural communities enhance capacities in local governance and engagement
• Excellent track record of achieving results on related development activities
• Demonstrated high-level technical, analytical, interpersonal skills and ability to meet tight deadlines with logical analyses and clear presentation.
• Proficiency in MS Outlook, MS Word and other Microsoft Office programs as well as common internet applications

• Fluency in written and spoken English required
• Ability to travel to remote rural locations in Uganda.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of time within the country

Minimum Qualifications

• (6+) years of experience and a master degree OR the equivalent combination of education and experience

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Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce.  Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer:  Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.