Project Coordinator

Position: Project Coordinator (National Position)

Reports to: Program Manager West Nile

Job location:  Arua

Starting date: January 2025  

Vacancy closing date: 1st January 2025 

Duration position: 1 year renewable contract 

Working hours: Fulltime (40 hours per week) 

About ZOA

We are here for people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster.

ZOA, as an international NGO, supports people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover – providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East Region, and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.

Our work in Uganda

In Uganda, ZOA has offices in Kampala, West Nile (Arua), Acholi (Gulu), and Karamoja (Amudat). ZOA Uganda works both in relief and recovery on the themes of food security & livelihoods, education, and conflict management with a special focus on land Rights.

About the projects

The Livelihood Support project runs from January 2025 – December 2027. The project's Overall Objective is Resilient local food systems.

Outputs

• Output 1: Local and regional buyers and agro-processors have capacity to buy produce from smallholder farmers.
• Output 2: Households are supported with access to improved inputs, including irrigation and fertiliser.
• Output 3: Improved financial inclusion for smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.

The NOURISH project will run from January 2025-June 2026. It will explore the potential for the Oysternut value chain to improve climate adaptation, livelihoods and nutritional outcomes for vulnerable refugee and host community households in Uganda. Oysternut is native to Uganda. It is a perennial climber which does not need extra land, fertilisers, pesticides or intensive labour. The vine does not suffer from climatic variations, reducing household vulnerability to climate change.

Outcomes

• Outcome 1: Refugee and host community livelihoods are improved through inclusive private sector growth.
• Outcome 2: Refugee and host community households are less vulnerable to climate change.

ZOA Uganda is looking for a Project Coordinator to be based in Arua.

Your challenge

The Coordinator, with support from the Programme Manager, is responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing the activities of the Livelihood Support and NOURISH projects assigned to him/her.

Your main tasks and responsibilities

General 

• Implements project activities in relation to the project proposal to achieve optimal project outputs and outcomes in line with ZOA/donor procedures and targets;   
• Strengthens the culture of innovation among field staff; 
• Any other duty as assigned by the supervisor in line with the project;
• Foster collaborative and trusting relationships with financial service providers and the private sector.

Project planning

• Develop project plans, timelines, and schedules.
• Lead in preparing the workplans, risk register, and procurement plans for the project.

Project Monitoring

• Support the MEAL team in designing surveys, monitoring, and reporting tools.
• Track and monitor the status of project tasks to ensure on-time completion.
• Identify delays, risks, and issues, escalating them as needed.
• Use project management tools to analyze and report on project performance.

Representation and coordination 

• Actively participate in the required and relevant technical working groups; 
• Participate in relevant coordination meetings concerning the project. 
• Serve as the point of contact for external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication.
• Maintain good working relationships with OPM, UNHCR, local government and other partners operating in the project area.

Procurement and finance 

• Initiate timely purchase requisition of project goods/services; 
• Ensure expenses are in line with approved budget; 
• Provide appropriate codes for expenses.
• Support finance department to ensure compliance with financial guidelines especially regarding accountability of project activities.
• Attend BVA meetings to ensure satisfactory budget utilization rate and cash flow.
• Support in developing and updating procurement plans.
• Ensure appropriate and effective use of project inputs in project areas

Reporting 

• Consolidate project reports according to donor requirements and submit for review.
• Identify, document lessons learned and best practices, write success stories and articles to be published after approval;
• Contribute to annual reports and implementation plans; 
• Organize efficient and effective monitoring and data recording systems of activities in the project;   
• Provide verbal and written reports to ZOA management when required;  
• Ensure timely data collection and entering in to the data base for easy retrieval.
• Ensure all records of project activities, including progress reports necessary documentation and accountability are shared timely by project officers and well maintained.

Accountability

• Sensitize all stakeholders (beneficiaries, service providers, partners, government and other) on feedback and complaint mechanisms implemented by ZOA Uganda
• Upon receipt of a complaint or feedback, ensure that it is correctly documented following correct reporting procedures
• Understand ZOA’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies, ensure adherence to these policies and that project activities are implemented with a “Do No Harm” approach

Your profile

Identity

• The candidate is expected to fully support the vision, mission and Christian values 0f ZOA (see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity)

Knowledge & Experience:

• Degree in Agricultural Sciences, Agribusiness, Agricultural Education, development studies, Project Planning & related fields; Specialised qualifications in agriculture, agri-business, financial inclusion welcomed
• At least 3 years successful experience in a similar position implementing livelihoods related projects;
• Value chain profiling and Market linkages with MSMES;
• Experience with private sector engagement for shared value partnerships;
• Understanding of the refugee context, culture, and languages as an added value;
• Excellent spoken and written command of English.

Skills:

• Good communication, writing and facilitation skills;
• Innovative, creative and enthusiastic;
• Good leadership skills
• Organization and time management skills
• Result oriented and possession of learning power.
• Coaches, challenges and provides opportunities for growth.
• Good computer skills: Ms Excel and Ms Word;
• Self-motivator, able to take initiatives with limited supervision;
• Ability to drive a motorcycle with valid driving/riding license is a MUST.

Attitude/behaviour:

• High level of personal integrity;
• Flexibility and adaptability;
• Interpersonal and cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Able to work under pressures and meet deadlines;
• Able to work in a sometimes fluid and innovative environment;
• Commitment to ZOA’s mission, vision and values (see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity)

Special conditions/circumstances

The Project Coordinator will be based at the ZOA West Nile office in Arua. Regular field visits to the project locations/other districts in the region are anticipated, which may necessitate overnight stays. Visits to other ZOA programme locations may also be requested for coordination, training and learning.

The role is 1.0 FTE (40 hrs/ week). Working hours are outlined in the ZOA Uganda Conditions of Service. Some flexibility on working hours may be required, e.g. for travel at weekends, or during reporting times.

The role is recruited at Grade 4 salary scale 2025.

Our offer

• ZOA offers a challenging role in a dynamic context, and you will be part of an inspiring and motivated team.
• We offer good benefits and remuneration which suits the NGO sector.

Do you need more information?

For more information about ZOA, please visit our website www.zoa-international.com.

Interested and ready to apply?

All interested and qualified candidates please apply directly via this link, at the latest by 1st January 2025

CV’s of no more than 5 pages in length are appreciated. Please provide at least 3 references related to your previous employment listed in the application. References of previous positions held should not be older than five years.

Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. 

ZOA operates with an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace.
Qualified women and men, people of all nationalities, and cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.

Please note that, as part of its recruitment process, ZOA carries out background and reference checks for all candidates. As ZOA participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a written questionnaire, the ‘Statement of Conduct’, which will be sent to past employers regarding misconduct (such as sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment).