Project Coordinator

SAO U seeks to recruit a Project Coordinator to provide overall leadership and technical coordination of the Kindernothilfe-funded Self-Help Group (SHG) Approach Project in Sironko District.

The Project Coordinator will provide overall leadership, technical guidance, planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, reporting and financial oversight of the project. The successful candidate will ensure that project interventions are implemented in accordance with SAO U's strategic objectives, donor requirements and the Self-Help Group Approach.

The position will be based in Sironko District, with frequent field-based travel within the project area, and will report to the Programmes Manager.

SUMMARY OF KEY ROLES FOR THE POSITION

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project Coordinator will:

Lead the planning, coordination and implementation of project activities in accordance with approved work plans, budgets, organisational policies and donor requirements.

Provide technical leadership in the implementation of the Self-Help Group Approach, including the formation, strengthening and graduation of SHGs and strengthening of People's Institutions such as Cluster Level Associations (CLAs) and Federations.

Guide and support project staff and community facilitators to ensure quality and consistent application of SHG methodologies, including savings, internal lending, financial literacy, livelihoods and community action planning.

Supervise, mentor and build the capacity of Programme Officers, Community Facilitators, Volunteers and other project staff, while promoting teamwork, accountability and professional development.

Coordinate project monitoring, evaluation and learning; ensure quality data collection, verification and analysis; monitor project indicators and prepare timely, accurate and high-quality project and donor reports.

Participate in project budgeting and budget revisions, monitor expenditure against approved budgets, support financial forecasting and ensure prudent and accountable utilisation of project resources in accordance with organisational and donor procedures.

Build and maintain effective working relationships with District Local Governments, development partners, community leaders, financial institutions, private sector actors and other relevant stakeholders.

Strengthen community participation, leadership and ownership, with particular attention to women's economic empowerment, child wellbeing and protection, gender equality, disability inclusion, environmental sustainability and climate-smart livelihoods.

Identify project risks and coordinate appropriate mitigation measures, while promoting sustainability and transition of community structures.

Participate in concept development, proposal writing, resource mobilisation and programme development, and document project impact, learning and best practices to support fundraising and programme expansion.

Ensure compliance with SAO U's Anti-Fraud, PSEAH, Safeguarding and Child Protection policies and related procedures by project staff, volunteers and community structures.

Uphold SAO U's Christian values and mission and promote spiritual nurture and Christian leadership among project staff and communities.

Education

The ideal candidate should possess:

A Bachelor's Degree (Honours) in Social Work and Social Administration, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Rural Development, Business Administration or another relevant field.

A Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Management or a related discipline is an added advantage.

Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in an NGO implementing community development programmes.

At least three (3) years' experience supervising staff and coordinating projects.

Demonstrated hands-on experience in implementing the Self-Help Group (SHG) Approach, including experience strengthening SHGs and community People's Institutions. Experience working with Cluster Level Associations (CLAs) and/or Federations will be an added advantage.

Experience managing or coordinating donor-funded projects, including compliance with donor requirements, project reporting and accountability.

Proven experience in project planning, budgeting, expenditure monitoring and financial management.

Experience in monitoring, evaluation, data management, reporting and programme learning.

Experience in livelihoods, community empowerment, women's economic empowerment and community institutional strengthening.

Strong understanding or experience in child protection/child wellbeing, gender equality and disability inclusion.

Experience working effectively with District Local Governments, development partners, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Experience in proposal development, concept development and resource mobilisation.

Experience facilitating community structures and promoting community ownership, sustainability and resilience.

Integrity, Anti-Fraud, PSEAH and Safeguarding

SAO U is committed to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct. The organisation has zero tolerance for fraud, corruption, bribery, financial misconduct, sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. The successful candidate will be required to comply with and promote SAO U's Anti-Fraud, PSEAH, Safeguarding and Child Protection policies, and contribute to maintaining a safe, respectful and accountable environment for staff, children, communities and other stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be required to meet SAO U's safeguarding and pre-employment screening requirements.

CORE COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

Strong leadership, supervision and team management skills.

Strong technical understanding of the Self-Help Group Approach and community institutions.

Excellent project planning, coordination and organisational abilities.

Strong budgeting and financial management skills.

Strong monitoring, evaluation, analytical and reporting skills.

Proposal development and resource mobilisation skills.

Excellent communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Ability to work independently and effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Strong understanding of safeguarding, accountability and ethical standards.

High integrity, professionalism and commitment to confidentiality.

Computer proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office applications.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate must:

Be fluent in English and able to speak the local language spoken in the Bugisu/Sironko project area or a related language.

Possess a valid riding permit and demonstrate the ability to ride a motorcycle.

Be willing and able to travel extensively within the project area.

Be a spiritually mature, born-again Christian committed to SAO U's vision, mission, core values and Christian ethos.

Demonstrate a high level of integrity, accountability, trustworthiness and commitment to safeguarding children and communities.