Programme Associate

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Uganda, present since 1959, focuses on defeating hunger through food security initiatives. Operating in a country hosting over 1.9 million refugees, FAO implements emergency response, resilience-building, and rural development programs. These efforts target both refugee and host communities, particularly in climate-vulnerable areas and refugee settlements, aiming to enhance food security, livelihoods, and foster self-reliance and harmonious coexistence amidst challenges like reduced food support and land tenure issues.

Job Purpose

This role supports FAO's ongoing efforts in Uganda to address food security and livelihood challenges faced by refugees and host communities. The Programme Associate will contribute to enhancing self-reliance and economic empowerment through initiatives like block farming, which aims to improve land access and resource utilization. The position is crucial for strengthening FAO's program implementation, particularly in coordination with partners like UNHCR and JICA, and for securing funding to mitigate financial challenges and staff shortages. The objective is to ensure coherent, evidence-based programming aligned with the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework and Global Refugee Forum pledges.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Food Security and Livelihoods Coordinator, the Programme Associate will conduct needs assessments and evaluations for displaced populations and host communities, focusing on block farming and income generation. Responsibilities include supporting the development of FAO's block farming model, tracking development financing, and assisting in the preparation of project proposals for funding opportunities. The role involves engaging in advocacy, partnership building, and coordination with bilateral donors (e.g., JICA), NGOs, and private sector entities to assess project progress and strengthen public-private partnerships. At the national level, the Associate will contribute to stakeholder coordination, ensuring FAO's refugee response aligns with the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework and Global Refugee Forum commitments.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required in areas such as agriculture, communication, community development, crisis response, development programs, or environmental initiatives. Experience in conducting assessments, evaluations, and data analysis in humanitarian contexts is beneficial. Skills in stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and coordination with diverse actors, including donors, NGOs, and government institutions, are important. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and strong communication and interpersonal skills are also necessary.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, creativity, commitment, motivation, judgment, planning, organization, professionalism, self-management, and teamwork. Technical skills encompass agriculture, community development, and development programming. The role requires strong oral and written communication, reporting abilities, organizational and coordination skills, and the capacity to work effectively in a multicultural and challenging environment.

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