Online Volunteer for Strategic Framework Redesign

Job Posting Organization:
Enabling Rural Opportunity Network (ERONet), formerly known as Agoro Community Development Association (ACDA), is a community-based organization located in Lamwo District, Northern Uganda. Established to represent and support rural communities affected by conflict, displacement, and poverty, ERONet focuses on empowering vulnerable populations, particularly women, girls, and marginalized groups. The organization implements interventions that emphasize education, child protection, livelihoods, and community development, aiming to address structural inequalities in rural, post-conflict, and refugee-hosting communities. ERONet's mission is to improve access to education, strengthen household resilience, promote child protection, and support inclusive, community-led development.

Job Overview:
The primary function of this position is to assist ERONet in redesigning its 2025–2030 Strategic Framework. The organization is transitioning from a small-scale, project-based approach to a more structured and strategic model that is capable of attracting partners and funding. The volunteer will work closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director and will be responsible for reviewing the existing strategic plan, analyzing current thematic areas, identifying gaps, and reframing the strategy to focus on problem-driven areas rather than sector-based ones. This role is crucial for enhancing ERONet's institutional positioning and ability to mobilize resources effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The volunteer will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing the existing strategic plan document to understand its current structure and effectiveness.
• Analyzing current thematic areas to identify gaps and overlaps that need addressing.
• Reframing the strategy from a sector-based approach (such as education, health, WASH) to a problem-based focus that addresses specific issues like girls' school dropout rates, household poverty, social vulnerability, and limited access to services.
• Developing 3–4 clearly defined strategic focus areas that are grounded in the local context of Northern Uganda.
• Aligning the strategy with donor expectations to ensure clarity, focus, and fundability.
• Strengthening key sections of the strategic framework, including the introduction, context analysis, strategic positioning, theory of change, and strategic objectives.
• Ensuring that the framework reflects the realities of rural poverty, post-conflict recovery dynamics, refugee-hosting pressures, and the inclusion of gender and disability considerations.
• Refining the language of the document to ensure it is clear, concise, professionally written, and suitable for donor engagement.
• Participating in regular check-ins (1–2 per week) with the ERONet leadership team to review progress and provide feedback.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively in a remote environment. Experience in strategic planning, particularly in the context of non-profit organizations or community development, is essential. The candidate should also have excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise documents suitable for donor engagement. Familiarity with the challenges faced by rural, post-conflict, and refugee-hosting communities will be an advantage.

Educational Background:
A background in social sciences, international development, public policy, or a related field is preferred. Candidates with advanced degrees or relevant certifications in strategic planning or organizational development will be highly regarded.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in strategic planning or organizational development, particularly within the non-profit sector. Experience working with community-based organizations or in rural development contexts is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Northern Uganda would be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote volunteer position, allowing for flexible working hours. The duration of the assignment is not specified, but regular check-ins will be scheduled to ensure effective collaboration. The role is suitable for individuals looking to contribute to meaningful community development efforts and gain experience in strategic planning within a non-profit context.