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JOB DETAILS:
Description
Our client Integrated Seed and Sector Development Uganda (ISSD Uganda) is an independent local NGO in Uganda, which aims to be a leading agricultural development organization in fostering resilient seed and food systems for sustainable agricultural production.

Currently, ISSD Uganda is implementing the Common Ground Project which is a is a 4-year project funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kampala. The project is a land restoration and farming systems project in the Western and South Western Highlands of Uganda, implemented in a collaborative partnership between Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR) as lead partner, and ISSD Uganda, as the local implementing partner.

ISSD Uganda is looking for a competent and experienced Deputy Chief of Party to be based in Fort Portal, Uganda

Reports To: Chief of Party and supervises the operations team and works closely with ISSD Uganda’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Human Resource Manager (HRM) on personnel matters.
Duty Station: Fort Portal
Organizational Unit: Operations
Employment Type: Full Time
Employment Category: Fixed Term

Main Duties and Responsibilities
Management and administration
• Support the COP in developing a strong, coherent technical vision and initiate innovative strategies across the programme and deputise the COP as and when required.
• Provide oversight and day-to-day support to all finance, procurement, HR, grants and administrative processes of the project
• Line manage and supervise the project operations team including finance manager, procurement officer, admin officers, and other project support staff
• Address HR issues raised by staff (voluntarily or whistleblowing) and for reporting to COP
• Oversee and if necessary adapt management systems to successfully achieve performance and results targets within established budget parameters and critically reflect and make constructive recommendations for all project pathways.
• Ensure that the project provides timely deliverables (including work plans, performance reports and accountabilities) to meet M&E and donor requirements
• Help to ensure effective overall contract management, reporting, communications and partner relationship management.
• Ensure effective implementation and compliance with the overall finance policy, procurement policy and compliance with procedures required by WENR or grant or contract agreements
• Ensure the adequate operational, logistical and moral support for the implementation of all project activities.
Financial management
• Together with the COP, oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of annual project budgets
• Oversee and ensure a robust budget monitoring system that will minimize significant expenditure variances and provide frequent updates to the COP
• Review accuracy of accounts and carry out periodic internal audits on project financial matters
• Oversee the grant management system which is consistent with the overall organisation fund management policy and promote its application in accordance with donor rules and regulations to ensure low risk audits.
• Conduct final reviews and endorsement of grant contracts for final execution.
• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of financial reports to ensure they comply with all aspects of ISSD policies and donor funding requirements
• Oversee the timely submission of financial reports to the COP and WENR financial controller which includes reviewing the reports before submission
• Review and approval of monthly payroll
• Serve as the second principal signatory for the project’s bank account(s)
• Oversee the procurement processes according to the ISSD policy and provide final authorisation for all procurements within the DCOP approval limits.
• With delegated authority from COP through WENR, sanction procurements to an agreed limit
• Enforce zero tolerance policy on fraud and financial mismanagement, and ensure fair investigation of any rumours in this regard for reporting to the COP and onward reporting to the donor.
Human resources management
• Provide leadership support to project staff and promote best practices in human resources management
• Ensure compliance with established ISSD HR policy and guidelines and the Ugandan labour laws
• Conduct reviews of the HR policy and procedures and advise ISSD management of necessary updates
• Oversee implementation of the performance management system including performance objectives and planning, review, appraisal and staff development, in collaboration with the COP
• Oversee and monitor efficiency and fairness of the recruitment processes of the project
• Oversee the handling of staff disciplinary matters related to the project
• Ensure regular meetings with middle management team and all staff for the purpose of exchanging information, coordination and learning
• Discuss collaboration and other issues that need attention with the COP, regional coordinators, and thematic experts
Representation
• Serve as the main contact person for legal issues and requirements related to the project (tax exemption, work permit acquisition, etc.)
• In collaboration with the ISSD HQ COO, act as main project liaison for the organization’s lawyers.
• Develop and nurture relationships with statutory bodies like Uganda Revenue Authority, NGO Forum, Immigration Department
• Ensure good linkage and communication between the respective project team members and WENR/WUR; e.g., between finance team and the WENR Financial Controller; and between the project administration team and the WENR liaison officers and legal office.
• Keep abreast with the trends within the donor environment within the country and internationally.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills
1. Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Development Studies, Business Administration or its equivalent in a related field of relevance for the project
2. At least 10 years of senior management level experience in project/organizational management and team leadership for a 40 + team
3. Proven track record in coordinating complex international projects.
4. Proven experience in human resource management, including staff supervision, coaching and development.
5. Excellent communicator with the ability to lead as well as serve the team.
6. Skills in mediation, negotiation and diplomacy and natural authority
7. Being able to create a conducive working environment for staff and partners.
8. Able to work in a structured way and strong skills in planning and time keeping.
9. Able to understand the financial management and financial reporting systems of ISSD and WENR
10. Experience of working in a multicultural setting
11. Proven analytical and writing skills
12. Professional working proficiency in English
13. Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, etc.
14. Personal and financial integrity is crucial to the position
15. Willingness to travel extensively within Uganda is required

Job application procedure
Candidates who meet the criteria outlined above should submit their applications, resume and academic documents in pdf format with “HCBSU-DCOP-DEPUTY CHIEF OF PARTY” as the Email subject via recruitment@hcbsltd.com

Note:
• The deadline for applications is not later than 05:00 pm, Saturday 20th January 2024.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.

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