LEVERAGE Pathway Lead – Seas of Change project job at SNV

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all. In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. In Uganda SNV operates through a decentralised approach with a country office in Kampala and regional offices in Fort Portal, Lira, Jinja and Mbarara. SNV implements donor-funded activities across more than 100 districts in Uganda, ensuring broad and diverse impact.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

Project information

SNV is implementing a program that will work at the nexus of regenerative agriculture (RA) and productive use of renewable energy areas (PURE). It builds on a shared philosophy between SNV and its partners to accelerate the transition towards a more equitable, secure, and sustainable future where people and the planet can thrive. The programme applies an innovative hybrid implementation model where it leverages existing initiatives and expertise within the ecosystem and connects actors to facilitate processes and encourage synergies; it has an overall objective to achieve systems transformation within the RA-PURE nexus space. The programme is therefore not a traditional one but seeks to identify and work with partners already operating within the RA and/or PURE nexus space. SNV seeks to build a movement with and through its partners – in Uganda, but also the wider East Africa region – with SNV’s role being one of facilitation and coordination.

The program will have three intervention pathways of LEARN: Practice-based learning and evidence, LINK: Action-oriented collaboration among system actors and LEVERAGE: Through these pathways, the program seeks to facilitate a new way of working to achieve an integrated, sustainable and resilient agri-food system; to leverage additional funding and resources; and to improve people’s lives and livelihoods in Uganda.

The program will be implemented in 30 districts in four regions of Uganda. Initial efforts will focus on 15 districts in the Central Region (Masaka, Mpigi, Mubende, Luwero, Nakasongola, and Kayunga), Eastern Region (Mbale, Iganga, and Jinja), Lango sub region (Lira) and Western Region (Mbarara, Kabarole, Isingiro, Kasese, and Ntungamo). The program will then move into 15 additional districts in the Central Region (Mukono, Kalungu, Lwengo, Kyankwanzi, Kiboga, and Lyantonde), Eastern Region (Kween and Kamuli), Lango sub region (Apac, Dokolo, and Otuke) and Western Region (Kamwenge, Bushenyi, Kyenjojo, and Sheema).

Job Purpose

The LEVERAGE Pathway Lead is a senior position which involves engaging with partners at high-level to rethink the leverages between regenerative agriculture (RA) and productive use of renewable energy (PURE) systems. The project aims to shift mindsets and drive systems transformation through the three interlinked pathways (Learn, Link, and Leverage). He/she will provide leadership, strategic direction and guidance on the activities and intervention within the LEVERAGE pathway. He/she will collaborate closely with other Pathway Leads to ensure coherence in quality implementation and reporting. Work closely with identified program partners and local actors across the targeted regions of Uganda. He/she will be responsible for driving the development and roll-out of the Leverage agenda which underpins the integration of the RA-PURE nexus thinking into the program. A critical aspect of the program design is that the three pathways will operate concurrently rather than in isolation.

Responsibilities

Influencing Policies and Leveraging Resource Flows

• Enhance coordination mechanisms by building local capacity, integrating inclusive representation, and driving evidence-based advocacy to incorporate RA-PURE solutions into policy and legislative frameworks at national and district levels.
• Facilitate the integration of RA-PURE principles into organizational policies, procedures, and operations through learning exchanges, advocacy, and support for sector champions to bring nexus perspectives to discussions on agriculture or energy policy and legislative frameworks.
• Support partner advocacy efforts for inclusive policy development by ensuring marginalized voices are represented and leading efforts to secure government and financial sector commitment to RA-PURE integration.
• Support lobbying by partners for financial resource allocation to support RA-PURE integration into government and institutional operations, and advocate for funding mechanisms that address financing gaps for smallholder farmers and agri-businesses.
• Promote systemic change by fostering inclusive coordination, policy integration, and advocacy for widespread RA-PURE adoption so that the RA-PURE nexus becomes the new normal.
• Support formation or catalysing existing RA/PURE Multi-Stakeholder platform to enhance collaborations, synergies and improve efficiency.
• The Pathway lead will provide leadership, strategic direction and guidance on the activities and intervention, collaborating closely with other Pathway leads to ensure coherence in quality implementation and reporting.

Qualifications& Experience

• A Master’s degree in Agriculture, Energy, Business Administration, Development Studies, Engineering or related disciplines is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in programmes in areas of learning, linking and leveraging.
• Good understanding of the Ugandan agriculture and energy sectors.
• Strong leadership skills, experience in partnership development and deep understanding and experience in consortia management.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, with excellent reporting facilitation and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel to all program locations, including remote areas.