Cluster Coordinator (three positions)

at Heifer International
Location Kampala, Uganda
Date Posted February 15, 2024
Category Management
Job Type FULL_TIME
Currency UGX

Description

Implement plans to support Producer organizations to setup robust business, leadership extension systems and link producer organizations to input and service providers.

Provide support in exploring non-agribusiness opportunities, identify participants and link them to SME’s for training and subsequently skills acquisition.
With the guidance of the partnership manager, implement private sector engagement strategies.
With the guidance of the Gender and Safeguarding specialist and Youth and Engagement specialist streamline gender and youth activities which promote production and productivity within the cluster.
Support the development of model farms and put in place strategies to upscale adoption of productivity enhancement technologies.
Facilitate the transition of SHGs into cooperatives and support in the registration process.
Monitor performance of hub businesses and provide required support and ensure they are profitable.
With the guidance of the Business development specialist, support youth groups/hubs to access affordable financial products.
Productivity analysis & market assessments at the Cluster level conducted to ensure hubs have profitable businesses.
85% of the planned cluster level milestones achieved by the project.
Altleast 10 agri-hubs and youth associations Supported in preparation of articles of incorporation, bye laws and facilitated to register.
Hub board members trained in business development, private sector engagement, leadership, group dynamics and good corporate governance.
Model farms established and operational.
Financial institutions linked to hubs and youth groups to access loans and grants.
B. Management and Compliance

Track productivity and use of project inputs and services at cluster level.
Manage the Cluster budget &resources and ensure these are used in compliance with approved guidelines.
Accountable for ensuring that the project’s cluster level administrative, human resource and finance functions are timely, efficient and in compliance with Heifer’s global, area and country-level policies and procedures within the framework of local law.

Ensure 100% compliance to the donor contractual obligations.

Enhanced compliance and accountability in the management of project resources achieving 100% compliance.
Ensure fund requests and accountabilities are submitted in time.
C. Project Reporting and Documentation (25%)

Compile regular monthly, quarterly and annual reports and ensure compliance with requirements in terms of quality and timeliness and ensure these are of the highest standards.
Document project lessons learnt and experiences for dissemination and sharing to inform future project development.
Create databases for the clusters.
Lessons learnt from SAYE implementation documented and impact of the project interventions reported on quarterly basis.
Document the project progress, lessons learned, success stories, good experiences and impact of the project interventions.
Submit timely weekly, monthly, quarterly, semiannual and annual reports through the Project Technical Lead.
Maintain updated cluster data bases on youth membership, jobs/employments created, hub businesses among others.
D. Partnership and Engagement (20%)

Coordinate cluster team and external partnerships to bring best farm practice to the project. eENFb4W u3B5x
Represent SAYE in various district level stakeholder meetings, workshops, conferences and shared learning events.
Coordinate the hubs and private sector engagement to enhance the hub businesses.
Coordinate and build linkages and networks with the appropriate government Cooperative Office and other organizations, as required.
Support the hubs to strengthen relationships with local partners working with youth in agribusiness to facilitate access to best farming practices and market linkages.
Hubs proactively supported to develop their value chain businesses and to access markets and linkages to service providers.
Conduct hubs and private sector business pitching fora µ enterprise fairs to promote and market hub businesses.
Provide reports to the Project Technical Lead.
E. May perform other duties as assigned (5 %)

Performs other duties assigned by his/her supervisor or designee.
Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in the fields of agricultural economics, social sciences, agribusiness, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Science or a related field, with five (5) years’ managerial experience in dairy production, dairy, poultry, oilseeds value chains management and three (3) experience working with the cooperative model.
Preferred requirements

Master’s degree in the fields of agricultural economics, Animal Science, social sciences, agribusiness, or a related field is required, plus five (5) years working experience in the agro-enterprise development (specifically dairy, oilseeds, poultry, and swine enterprises) and cooperative development.
Proven experience in building the capacity of partner institutions, knowledge management, and measuring progress among others.
Demonstrate experience in conducting business, investment analyses, and capital budgeting and sufficient evidence on how the results were used to develop potentially viable business ideas and subsequently tangible businesses.
Experience in developing private-public partnerships, especially at the country level working in a matrix reporting environment.
Demonstrate experience in project management including donor project budgets management.
Most Critical proficiencies

Knowledge of and experience in agro-enterprise and selected project value chains i.e., oilseeds, dairy, swine, poultry and horticulture.
Familiar with the project target area and the social economic challenges.
Knowledge of the non-profit sector and the context in which non-profit organizations operate.
Demonstrated knowledge of the latest developments in advancing good/best practices in value chain development that reaches the youth and vulnerable.
Demonstrated creativity, ability to think systematically, willingness and ability to incorporate innovative solutions and design catalytic activities within the selected value chains.
Demonstrated experience in setting robust and sustainable extension systems for producer organizations. This requirement is in line with the need to have built-in exit strategies within the project as a measure of ensuring that there are self-sustaining businesses by project end.
Proven team leadership, project management, motivational and supervisory skills with ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff. Computer literacy including facility with word, excel and other relevant Microsoft office suite applications as well as any other databases.
Proficient in communicating in English and local languages, oral and written.
Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands

Motivated to work responsibly with little supervision.
Ability to meet and deal with others in a courteous and tactful manner.
Produce and present reports in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail.
Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the general public.
Working in a multi-cultural setting and commitment to promoting teamwork, gender, equality and sensitivity to unemployment and poverty issues.
Sensitivity to the needs and priorities of disadvantaged populations particularly women and persons with disabilities.
Ability to work under pressure in response to changing needs and ability to work well in a team.
Constant sitting, standing and walking, with occasional bending and lifting; may work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Sound judgment, professionalism and a positive attitude with the ability to demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity.
Ability and willingness to work with a flexible schedule.