Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a global humanitarian organization that has been working on the front lines of some of the world's most pressing crises. Established with the mission to create a future of possibility where everyone can prosper, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries with a workforce of more than 5,400 team members. The organization focuses on addressing poverty, disaster, violent conflict, and the impacts of climate change, emphasizing local partnerships and solutions. A significant aspect of their approach is that 84% of their team members are from the countries where they work, ensuring that their strategies are culturally relevant and effective. Mercy Corps is committed to creating global change through local impact, and they engage with various stakeholders, including local governments, corporations, and social entrepreneurs, to develop sustainable solutions to complex challenges.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordinator will play a crucial role in managing the implementation of the Energising Humanitarian Futures (EHF) project in Uganda. This position involves close collaboration with the EHF Program Lead and the Global Platform for Action (GPA) Secretariat team. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for engaging with key stakeholders across the humanitarian and energy sectors, identifying project opportunities, and designing energy programs that cater to the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in refugee hosting districts. The role requires a proactive approach to building partnerships and advocating for sustainable energy solutions that enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, livelihoods, and overall well-being in humanitarian settings. The Project Coordinator will also be tasked with generating knowledge based on program outputs and ensuring that all activities align with the overarching goals of the EHF project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordinator's duties include managing work plans, overseeing budgets, ensuring donor compliance, and reporting on project progress. They will organize workshops, scoping missions, and stakeholder consultations to support public-private partnership incubation and project pipeline development in Uganda. The role also involves leading data collection efforts, managing relationships with government entities, private sector partners, INGOs, and local NGOs, and ensuring the inclusion of refugee-led organizations in project activities. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for communications and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities, as well as advocating for the implementation of identified projects through donor-facing briefing notes. They will also conduct technical assessments and provide support for the design and implementation of energy access projects, ensuring alignment with donor and government requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate proven expertise in advocacy, particularly with the Government of Uganda, UN agencies, and INGOs. Previous experience in energy or humanitarian teams is highly recommended, along with a background in Uganda's refugee response. A minimum of 8 years of experience providing technical support in sustainable energy access or climate resilience is required, encompassing skills in grant writing, research, proposal development, technical advisory, stakeholder engagement, and business development. Familiarity with integrated approaches and systems thinking is essential, as well as experience in monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge dissemination.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is preferred, with a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as humanitarian response, energy access, sustainable development, climate resilience, or environmental engineering being advantageous. Candidates should also be familiar with major donors such as USAID, FCDO, ECHO, and relevant foundations and corporations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, particularly in providing technical support related to sustainable energy access and climate resilience. Candidates should have a strong track record in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and business development, with experience interfacing with government stakeholders, UN agencies, INGOs, and the private sector being a significant advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in another language is preferred. This linguistic capability will enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and facilitate effective project implementation.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Uganda and may require up to 20% travel to support program activities, including travel to areas with limited amenities and potential security concerns. Mercy Corps emphasizes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. The organization values diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture of trust and respect among team members. They are committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to strict safeguarding and ethical standards.