Plan International recruits 01 Project Officer
Project officer – Smart Up Factory
Location: kampala, 102, UG
Company: Plan International
The Organisation
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.
We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.
Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.
We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.
We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.
ROLE PROFILE
Title: Project Officer – Smartup Factory Project
Functional Area: Programs
Reports to: Youth Engagement Manager
Location: Gulu/Lira
Travel required: Yes
Grade
Plan International is an independent child rights and humanitarian organisation committed to children living a life free of poverty, violence and injustice.
We actively unite children, communities and other people who share our mission to make positive lasting changes in children’s and young people’s lives. We support children to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to claim their rights to a fulfilling life, today and in the future. We place a specific focus on girls and women, who are most often left behind.
We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 75 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.
Gender equality and non-discrimination are key components in the Plan Global as well as Country Strategy to deliver on transformational changes at programmatic as well as on how individuals confront and tackle gender inequalities. We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination and its girls who are most affected.
The project seeks to impart skills, knowledge and opportunities for youth especially girls and stakeholders through innovation, mentorship and access to youth friendly spaces in order to address the barriers inhibiting them to realize their full potential.
role PURPOSE
The project officer will be primary focal person in charge of the Smartup factories in Northern Program Area specifically based in Either Gulu or Lira, guiding and coaching the youth champions & youth mentors so that they are highly motivated to create and come up with innovate ideas. The officer will be responsible for the day to day running of the Factory in Gulu and Alebtong including any additional hubs to that maybe created in those locations, including developing schedules for the activities, being the contact person; ensure control, monitoring, and utilization of equipment and other related items. She/he will be regularly engaged with Plan to ensure proper integration of the Factory in other projects and with other partnerships.
The Smart up project is expanding knowledge and opportunities of youths and stakeholders through innovation, mentorship and access to youth friendly spaces in Kampala, Alebtong, Gulu, Kamuli and Tororo districts. In addition project seeks to focus innovation and mentorship to address barriers affecting girls and women in particular to realize their full potential. This is expected to ultimately increase youths and especially girl’s possibilities to productive and sustainable livelihoods, Girls empowerment and contribute to economic growth, cross-sectoral partnerships and address community challenges
The Project Officer is overall accountable for day to day running of innovation centres in their locality. He/she will work with the project team including mentors, youth champions, and other Plan staffs engaged in YEE. He/she will participate in project planning, monitoring and review.
The Project Officer belongs to the YEE Team and promotes coordination and integration within the YEE thematic area and other projects implemented within Plan International Uganda.
Dimensions of the Role
Project Implementation – take lead in project implementation planning, making sure the process is, regular, participatory and gives opportunity to the project key stakeholders to input, learn and reflect together, dealing with issues and creatively integrating the different elements of the project plan, including gender transformatory outcomes in his/her location
Mentors Management – This position supervises all mentors under the project.
Partnership Management – manage the relationships with partners involved in the implementation of the Smart up project with support from the Programme Area Managers; and support their capacity building process.
Budgets/Assets – responsible for project implementation following a properly approved budget lines and ensure all the assets from the project are in proper custody.
Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Control – participate in measuring the project progress and help in identifying appropriate corrective action in situations where the project’s performance deviates significantly from the plan. Report to donors following the donor compliance guidelines.
End of Project Transition – implement all the transition activities to ensure proper closure of the project (lessons learned, financial and contractual closure activities, etc.)
Advocacy, Influencing and Visibility –represent Plan International at district to implement the advocacy interventions related to smart up.
Resource Mobilisation – Support efforts to mobilise resources for youth economic interventions.
Accountabilities
Project set up and project planning
Creates an atmosphere of inspiration, can-do mentality and safe and supportive environment.
Take lead in supporting development and nurturing of innovations developed and under ideation
Effectively build and manage functional relationships with youth champions and mentors.
Provide leadership at the Smart up Factory.
Responsible for providing support to innovation hubs in Northern program areas.
In charge of linking Smart up development to other Plan projects, partners and organization aligned to youth development.
Responsible for all technology
Knowledge of current and emerging technologies
Expert knowledge on digital transformation, innovation and generally technology industry
Knowledge of systems development
Support testing and development of technology based processes
Support identification of mentors training needs
Responsible for implementation of Sol5 technology
In charge of identifying capacity gaps and their addressing through capacity building of the youth champions.
Ensure the safety and control of the Factory premises and equipment.
In charge of tracking youth participation in the Factory and level of satisfaction with the services provided, including Management Information System.
Produce a detailed annual plan and quarterly update plan.
Responsible for the Management of Project Outline.
In charge of documentation of the activities, lessons learned and areas for improvement, including case studies on quarterly basis.
Staff Management
This position does not manage any staff however, has the responsibility of managing all youth mentors and youth champions within the hubs where he/she is based working hand with hand with other project staffs.
Project Implementation
Execute the project according to the project plan.
Liaise with the MER team to develop forms and records to document project activities.
Set up files to ensure that all project information is appropriately documented and secured.
Monitor the progress of the project and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the successful completion of the project.
Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of the project,
Ensure that the Programme Quality Policy and Procedures are followed in his/her project.
Ensure gender equality related action plans are planned, implemented with clear gender transformatory outcomes.
Partnership Management.
In collaboration with the respective PAM and Partnership Manager Manage the relations with the local governments where the Smart up Factory/ district hubs are implemented
Identify potential CSOs that can collaborate with Plan international Uganda in achieving YEE objectives as stipulated in the country strategy.
Ensure all legal documentation is in place before bringing partners on board.
Ensure that the partners follow all the requirements stipulated by the donor.
Project Monitoring and Evaluation and Control
Participate in measuring the project progress and identify appropriate corrective action in situation where the project’s performance deviates significantly from the plan.
Participate in writing quality reports to donors following the donor compliance guidelines.
Follow the communication protocols with donors, Project Manager and the Resource Mobilization team and provide information as outlined in funding agreements.
Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures, ensuring value for money and strong accountability.
Ensure that all financial records for the project are up to date.
With support from Finance Department, participate in preparing financial reports and supporting documentation for funders as outlined in funding agreements. Ensure consistency between narrative and financial reports.
Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of quality.
Evaluate the outcomes of the project as established during the planning phase.
Optimize the use of the SAP system to manage project outputs, budget, and expenditure and project closure.
Manage project risks, ensuring they are effectively tracked and reported. Manage audit process and follow up audit action list.
Advocacy, Influencing and Visibility
Represent Plan International at district and regional level to implement the advocacy.
Facilitate young people to take a lead role in advocacy initiatives.
Support with technical documentation of evidences from the project and write stories of change when required.
Ensure close technical and operational collaboration and coordination with Government Agencies & YEE Net works.
End of Project Transition and Project Integration
Implement all the transition activities to ensure proper closure of the project (lessons learned, financial and contractual closure activities, etc.)
Promote full integration of the Smartup projects with other initiatives implemented in the same location in close coordination with the Programme Area Managers.
Participate and provide valuable input into the technical network meetings.
Support the Resource Mobilization Unit and the National Programme Manager in developing proposals that may facilitate the continuity of the project.
Dealing with Problems:
Building and sustaining smooth working relationships with project stakeholders.
Compliance to donor requirements and ensuring quality and timely project outputs and communications
Child Protection Policy Responsibilities (mandatory for all staff)
Adhere to the Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct and reporting any CPP issues.
Responsible for the implementation of the CPP standards as they apply to area of responsibility plus the development of actions to address identified gaps and monitoring their effectiveness.
Ensure that all Plan International partners, visitors and associates in his/her area of responsibility are provided with, are made aware of and have signed and returned a copy of the child protection policy. Inform the partners, visitors and associates that they must comply with the policy in all contacts and communications with children during their visit.
Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
Sponsorship Commitments Responsibilities
Design and support implementation of programmes that are aligned with the Sponsorship Commitments, ensuring that the interventions benefit Sponsored Children.
Key relationships
Communicates with tact, diplomacy and maintain professional working relationships at all times.
Close collaboration and interdependence with the Programme Team and Resource Mobilization Unit at PU level, and other support departments (Finance, Admin, Risk Management, HR, Sponsorship)
Regular working relationship with PU teams, especially PUM and other focal points implementing similar projects.
Communications Department to ensure proper visibility and compliance to branding.
Local, national and international Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector actors, Government institutions and UN agencies to ensure Plan’s work is well linked to other initiatives.
Plan Federation: other COs, Regional Offices, National Offices and IH as requested by the project demands.
Technical expertise, skills and knowledge
Essential
Knowledge
A degree in information science, Technology, Adult and community Education, social innovation and technology, software development Social Sciences, Social Work and Social Administration, Development studies, or Entrepreneurship.
At least 3 years’ experience with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in implementing of employability, Innovation and youth engagement interventions for young people preferably with an International Non-Governmental Organization and/or private sector.
Knowledge of management of innovation hubs and support to start-ups is an advantage
Knowledge of current innovation environment and technology practices
knowledge of Youth empowerment and development agenda including existing networks, CSOs and government stakeholders
Knowledge of digital transformation and IT industry.
Excellent project implementation t and team leadership skills
Demonstrated skills and experience in report writing, donor compliance and budget management.
Influencing and skills in working with advocacy networks at national and district level.
Effective with digital access and utilization skills
Commands usage of current technology trends and experience in software development is a plus.
Knowledge and dynamic in working with vulnerable young girls and boys.
Promotes working together among project staff and providing vision to the youth mentors
Establishes effective partnerships with external organizations.
Mentors all young people in the hubs
Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, with ability to work with people from diverse cultures
Proven computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft software including MS Word processing, Power point presentation, Excel spreadsheets, e-mail and web based research.
Experience of gender mainstreaming, gender equality and inclusion in YEE
Desirable
Skills/Competencies
Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques. Strong verbal communication skills, including networking, negotiating ability and influencing others.
Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the project and to create new opportunities.
Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people from diverse cultures, ability to lead and motivate people to work in teams
Good understanding and ability to use participatory approaches for involvement of stakeholders and creating program ownership.
Excellent skills of working with children, facilitating child participation and gender equality.
Plan International’s Values in Practice
We are open and accountable
Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people
We strive for lasting impact
Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.
We work well together
Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
We are inclusive and empowering
Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
Physical Environment
Field based with frequent travel to different hubs within Uganda (at least 50% of time).
Level of contact with children
This position has been classified as “Mid contact”: Occasional interaction with children.
Additional Responsibilities:
Child Protection Policy Responsibilities (mandatory for all staff)
Adhere to the Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct and reporting any CPP issues.
Responsible for the implementation of the CPP standards as they apply to area of responsibility plus the development of actions to address identified gaps and monitoring their effectiveness.
Ensure that all Plan International partners, visitors and associates in his/her area of responsibility are provided with, are made aware off and have signed and returned a copy of the child protection policy. Inform the partners, visitors and associates that they must comply with the policy in all contacts and communications with children during their visit.
Location: Gulu/ Lira
Type of Role: Fixed Contract
Reports to: Youth Engagement Manager
Grade: C1
Closing Date: 15/02/2019
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy.
As an international child centred community development organisation, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realisation of children’s rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.
Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for. Our organisation is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.
We will provide equality of opportunity and will not tolerate discrimination on any grounds. We foster an organisational culture that embraces and exemplifies our commitment to gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion while supporting staff to adopt good practice, positive attitudes and principles of gender equality and inclusion.