The Programs Associate will play a pivotal role in supporting the technical implementation of ASIGMA’s programs in Uganda, focusing on Market System Development (MSD) approaches. This dynamic position requires collaboration with cross-functional teams, including the MSD Programs Lead, Program Managers, and external stakeholders, to design and deliver impactful projects that drive agricultural and livelihoods development. As the Programs Associate, you will lead specific projects, contribute to business development activities, and ensure the successful execution of key initiatives. The ideal candidate is highly proactive, detail-oriented, and passionate about sustainable development in the agricultural sector.

Job Scope

This is a technical project management/ leadership and business development role. It involves project organizing, execution planning and actual field activity delivery. The position requires routine travel to project implementation areas and will call for innovative approaches to designing logically coherent and sound projects and solving systemic market systems problems.

Responsibilities

Lead Implementation of Project Activities:

• Assist in the execution of capacity-building initiatives through direct training, mentorship, and coaching for various stakeholders including but not limited to Member Based Organizations (MBOs). This will also involve coordinating logistical arrangements for training sessions and workshops.
• Facilitate the dissemination of thematic technical knowledge components to project participants. This may range from delivering training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Post-Harvest Handling, Financial Inclusion, and varying Business Development Services to project participants.

Facilitate Financial Readiness and Market Access:

• Support the design of initiatives to enhance partners’ access to input and output financing.
• Organize B2B matchmaking events to link MBOs with aggregators and input dealers.
• Contribute to the effective roll out and execution of ASIGMA’s value chain financing fund and monitor progress of beneficiary recipients.

Leverage Technology for Market Participation:

• Assist in the deployment and maintenance of the Symos platform.
• Support the integration of climate data into Symos and ensure timely dissemination of climate information to farmers.
• Provide technical support to MBOs and other partners using the Symos platform, including troubleshooting issues and training users.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Collect and compile data on program activities, outcomes, and impact.
• Assist in preparing regular reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into the Symos platform and other reporting tools.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Maintain regular communication with partners and other key stakeholders.
• Foster relationships with financial institutions and market actors.
• Represent ASIGMA at partner meetings, workshops, and other relevant events.

Business Development:

• Identify prospective partnerships and business opportunities (grants and subcontracts) aligned with the firm’s strategic focus.
• Lead design and development of concept notes, proposals, expressions of interests and pitch decks in response to opportunities and partnership needs.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Support the monitoring and evaluation of project activities to assess effectiveness and impact.
• Collect feedback from partners to inform program improvements.
• Conduct field visits to monitor progress and gather informative insights.
• Supervise field level technical structures such as the Commercial Service Providers (CSPs).
• Review and approve CSP reports.
• Ensure the CSP monthly payments are processed in time.
• Lead utilization of technology systems for MEAL.
• Lead writing and submission of donor deliverables (i.e. Milestone Reports and any Periodic Reports, Probes, etc.).

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Business Management, or a related field.
• A Post Graduate Diploma in M&E, Project Planning & Management or Financial Management will be an added Advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years in managing and implementing Agricultural Development, or Economic Empowerment or Livelihoods projects.

Technical Skills:

• Strong skills in project design, management, and implementation.
• Proven ability in excellent winning proposal writing and business development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with data collection tools and digital platforms.

Communication:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Organizational Skills:

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

Problem-Solving & Decision Making:

• A proactive approach to problem-solving, with excellent decision-making capabilities.

Flexibility:

• Willingness to travel regularly within Uganda, including hard to reach regions, to support field-level activities and project implementation.

Key Competencies

Leadership & Management. Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple project components simultaneously.

Innovative Thinking. Demonstrates creativity in solving market system challenges, designing and delivering effective interventions.

Stakeholder Engagement. Skilled in building and maintaining relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and private sector partners.

Results-Orientation: A strong focus on delivering measurable impacts in line with project objectives.