Vredeseilanden East Africa Job Vacancies

Vredeseilanden wants to contribute to viable livelihoods of organized family farmers in South and North. We choose family farmers as the starting point in the implementation of our ambition.

Income from sustainable agriculture is a key element in livelihood improvement. We contribute to their empowerment to improve their position in the whole agricultural chain, from production to consumption. In these chains consumer demand and markets are driving forces.

Therefore, Vredeseilanden facilitates marketing initiatives identified and defined by the farmers.

We are recruiting for our Regional office in Kampala, Uganda and in our anteanne office in Tanzania.

1. Finance, HR and Administration Manager RO
Purpose


Develop and ensure the regional finance management, HR management and administration are in line with the VE global policies and guidelines and local legislation

External key relationships
Maintain relationships with key boundary partners in the region
Maintain relationships with financial and credit institutions
Maintain relationships with employer’s associations, trade unions, …
Maintain relationships with the VECO global finance and HR team
Reports to Regional VECO Representative
Manages Finance and Administration Officer Regional Office
Finance ,Administration Coordinators (Tanzania and Uganda)
Position in the organisation Part of the Management Team of the Regional Office
Location
Job size
Travels Regional office of Vredeseilanden
100 % of full-time
Occasional Travel

Responsibilities
Responsibilities Finances
 Initiate and implement the required systems for reporting, internal control and external audit for the regional office,
 Conduct quarterly financial analysis and provide timely financial information, feedback and recommendations to the Regional VECO representative and VECO HO in Belgium on financial status of all the regional programs
 Elaborate, together with the VECO regional representative and the regional programme team the annual budget for the regional programme
 Conduct budget monitoring and budget management and provide timely information to the regional representative for decision making
 Coordinate and ensure professional financial management in the regional office
 Contribute to the development of an appropriate fund raising strategy and related funding proposals for the regional programme
HR
 Develop and implement a local HR policy in line with Head Office policy and guidelines and local legislation and implement it together with the VECO Regional Rep
 Ensure a correct HR administration
 promote conditions for optimal performance, motivation, efficiency and development of the regional programme staff
ICT
 Initiate and supervise the implementation of the appropriate ICT and administration systems.
Learning
Contribute to organizational learning within VE and its partners regarding HR, finances and administration


Profile
Qualifications
and technical knowledge
 University degree in Financial Management, Finance & accountancy or equivalent by experience
 Post graduate diploma or relevant courses in Human resource management .
 Good knowledge of relevant PC software.
 Knowledge of Navision is an asset
Languages

 Knowledge of the official language in the region
 Knowledge of national language(s) may be necessary
 Very good knowledge of English as working language of the global organisation of VECO
Experience


 At least 3 years experience in similar regional position or at country level.
 Experience of living and working in East Africa
 Experience with people management.
 Experience in a international environment
Skills and knowledge

 Has an in depth knowledge of finance and Human resource management
 In depth knowledge of analytical and double bookkeeping, treasury and budgeting methods and systems
 Can identify and use the accounting requirements and specific reporting requirements for the countries involved.
 Has a good knowledge of accounting software and general ICT knowledge.
 Has a good view on the major issues in the local labour legislation of different countries in the region and knows where to find other relevant information.
 Analytical skills.
 People management skills.
 Is able to work autonomously with a minimum of supervision.
 Is reliable, accurate and respects deadlines
 Excellent cross-cultural communicator and active listener
Attitude
 Has a strong affinity with VE mission and values
 Has a positive attitude focussed on win-win solutions
 High level of integrity and respects others (working together)
 Constructively challenges self and others (making it happen)
 Can be relied on to deliver commitments (accountable)
 Creates strong morale and spirit in his/her team, fosters open dialogue and shares successes (building effective teams)
 Inspires people to act (in accordance with the vision/plan of Vredeseilanden)
 Is willing to learn and share lessons learnt

2. Finance and Administration Coordinator
Purpose


1. Update the accounts of the regional office on a monthly basis and translate them into quarterly reports for the use of Management
2. Give financial information regarding the regional programme that is in accordance with the regulations and standards set by the HO Financial Desk
3. Deliver appropriate and effective administrative support of the regional office
4. Give finance and administrative support to field antenneas
External key relationships Maintain relationships with key boundary partners in the region concerning financial issues
Reports to Finance and Administration Manager RO
Manages Field Finance officer
Administrative Clerk
Administrative and Support Staff
Position in the organisation Officer level
Location
Job size
Travels Regional office of Vredeseilanden
100% of full-time
Frequent travel to Uganda field programs

Responsibilities
Responsibilities Finances
 Perform the daily bookkeeping tasks and the monthly integration of the financial information from the antennas.
 Monitor the use of the resources in the regional office and in the field antennae programs
 Implement the required reporting systems for the regional office, antenna program, for Head Office, External audit and for donors.
 Collect financial data, check upon conformity with ruling regulations and quality standards
 Provide timely financial information, reports, feedback and recommendations to the Regional finance and HR manager, for reporting and budgeting
 Coordinate daily bookkeeping tasks and the monthly integration of the financial information from the antennas to the Regional Office.
 Treasury: banking, financial and cash flow management and budgeting, in line with local and Head Office requirements.
 Provide financial and administrative support to the antennae offices
 Assist in the HR function of the Regional Office
ICT and Administration
 supervise the implementation of the appropriate ICT and administration systems.
 Promote initiatives of best practice sharing across partner organizations and within the organisation

Profile
Qualifications
and technical knowledge  Certificated accountant or equivalent by experience
 Good knowledge of relevant PC software.
 Knowledge of Navision is an asset
Languages

 Knowledge of the local language(s)
 Very good knowledge of English as working language of the global organisation of VECO
Experience

 At least 2 years experience in bookkeeping.
 Ngo-experience or experience in an international environment is a plus.
 Experience living and working in East Africa
Skills and knowledge

 Has an in depth knowledge of analytical bookkeeping
 Knows the accounting requirements and specific reporting requirements for the countries involved.
 Knows treasury and budgeting methods and systems.
 Has a good knowledge of accounting software and general ICT knowledge.
 Can identify and elaborate the key elements in regional financial and HR policies in line with VECO policies and with local legislation and practices.
 Has a good view on the major issues in the local labour legislation and knows where to find other relevant information.
 Is able to work autonomously with a minimum of supervision.
 Is reliable and accurate.
 Is well organised, efficient and respects deadlines
 Listens actively
 Is willing to co-operate with various actors and communicates clearly in a variety of settings and styles. Can get messages across that have the desired effect
Attitude
 Has a strong affinity with VE mission and values
 Has a positive attitude focussed on win-win solutions
 Acts with integrity and respects others (working together)
 Constructively challenges self and others (making it happen)
 Can be relied on to deliver commitments (accountable)
 Inspires people to act (in accordance with the vision/plan of Vredeseilanden)
 Is willing to learn and share lessons learnt

3. Sustainable Agriculture Chain Development specialists (SACD): East Africa-Tanzania
Purpose

Promote and ensure a better position of organized family farmers in local chains in Tanzania through optimal use of SACD, Credit facilitation and Business organisational and institutional development (BOID) strategies in order to improve their incomes and food sovereignty.
External key relationships
- Maintain relations with SACD, Credit and BOID resource persons and organisations in Tanzania and/or East Africa region
- Maintain relations with key country and regional strategic partners in the program’s chains
- Maintain relations with non-profit and commercial finance organizations on national level and/or the region in conjunction with the CCP and regional representative
Reports to Regional Representative VECO East Africa
Manages No one since this is an advisory/staff function
Position in the organisation Senior program officer level
Part of a Country and regional program team
Location
Job size
Travels Based in Tanzania to support the Tanzania programs
100 % of full-time
Extensive travelling is required within the different field programs in SAME/Simanjiro, Chunya and Mukuranga. in the region on a frequent basis

Responsibilities
Responsibilities  Ensure the development of and support SACD staff in practical application of appropriate policies and strategies on SACD (chain selection, chain analyses, Business Intervention Plans (BIP); Credit Facilitation (strategy development to access finances) and the BOID function (Strengthening of CFOs) for the country programs
 Support SACD/Credit/BOID staff and partner staff in Tanzania technically through advice, training and accompaniment in implementing a regional SACD policy
 Stimulate the establishment of concrete value chains for the selected enterprises in the country and region with active involvement of all key actors.
 Stimulate functional linkages between chain service providers and supporters in the country and region such as appropriate financial institutions and business sector in general to stimulate investment in SACD.
 Stimulate the implementation, strengthen documentation and scaling up of innovative pilots in SACD in local and regional chains
 Contribute to an effective PLA system in the region by setting and guiding appropriate quality standards upon which the Chain Intervention Framework (CIF) can be monitored
 Stimulate learning among SACD staff in the region and ensure linkages with the regional and global learning
 Contribute towards chain related advocacy of the programs based on field evidence
 Contribute to securing adequate funding for the relevant country program, in particular for SACD, BOID and Credit
 Promote mainstreaming of the transversal themes (gender, intercultural equity, sustainability, participation and HIV/Aids) in the programmes
 Support the CCP with appropriate field evidence and program progress reports to enable the CCP and the Regional rep to exercise his/her monitoring function of the antenna programmes
 Other responsibilities that go with the content and the level of this function, such as fundraising, communication and campaign support

Profile
Qualifications
and technical knowledge  Academic degree in Agricultural Economics, Agri Business Development or other relevant subject with a focus on business development and financing
 Familiar with relevant Computer software.
Languages
 High level of proficiency in English
 High level of proficiency in Swahili language
Experience


 Several years experience with SACD development, marketing advice and -support of farmers and farmer organisations.
 Experience with facilitating credit for small family farmers is an added advantage
 Experience of living and/or working in East Africa
Skills and knowledge

 Has a good understanding of the strategies, issues and experiences in using the Sustainable Agricultural Chain Development (SACD) approach to promote family farming
 Has a good understanding of country, regional and global market dynamics including schemes, mechanisms and actors in credit financing
 Is creative and has a sense for innovation and experiments
 Is knowledgeable about local agri-business development in the East African region and able to quickly collect critical information thanks to an already well established network in the country/ region.
 A knowledge of strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation methods is an asset
 Has a global vision, is able to see problems from different angles.
 Is an active listener and an excellent cross-cultural communicator, in particular in conveying complicated financial matters in simple terms
Attitude
 Has a strong affinity with VE mission and values inclusive gender sensitivity
 Has a positive attitude focussed on win-win solutions
 Acts with integrity and respects others (working together)
 Constructively challenges self and others (making it happen)
 Can be relied on to deliver commitments (accountable)
 Inspires people to act (in accordance with the vision/plan of Vredeseilanden)
 Is willing to learn and share lessons learnt

4. Regional Sustainable Agriculture Chain Development (SACD) and Advocacy Coordinator:
Purpose

• Promote and ensure a better position of organized family farmers in sustainable agricultural chains in the region in order to improve their incomes and food sovereignty in line with VECO’s organisational mission and strategy.
• Promote and ensure that the advocacy processes of the regional programme improve the position of organized family farmers in Selected chains in line with the advocacy strategy and organisational mission
• Ensure effective functioning of Planning, Learning and Accountability (PLA) system) and support processes in view of achieving the organisation’s mission.
External key relationships
- Maintain relationships with:
- SACD, Credit, BOID resource persons and organisations in the and region
- Strategic advocacy actors in the region
- Key boundary partners in the region
- Key regional operators in the program’s chains
- Institutional donors
- Global Coordinators and officers of SACD, Advocacy, and PLA in the head office
Reports to Regional VECO Representative- East Africa
Manages No one, since this is a staff function
Position in the organisation Senior program coordination level
Coordinates SACD, Advocacy and PLA in the VECO East African regional program
Part of the Regional program coordination Team
Part of the Regional and global advocacy team of VECO
Part of the regional and global SACD team of VECO
Part of global PLA team of VECO
Location
Job size
Travels Based in Kampala to support the regional program
100 % of full-time
Extensive travelling is required in the three East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania


Responsibilities
Responsibilities SACD
 Ensure the development and implementation of appropriate policies and strategies (including fundraising files) on SACD in the region that enhance regional cohesion ,intra regional trade with a clear link to strategic regional and country agricultural chains while mainstreaming cross cutting issues (gender, sustainability and participation).
 Support SACD/Credit/BOID staff and partner staff in the region technically through advice, training and accompaniment to implement SACD in the region (chain selection, chain analyses, Business Intervention Plans (BIP); Credit Facilitation (strategy development to access finances), business organisational development (BOID)
 Stimulate functional linkages between partners within the region with appropriate chain actors and service providers such as financial institutions and business sector in general to stimulate investment in SACD.
Advocacy
 Ensure the development and implementation of appropriate policies and strategies on advocacy that strengthen the position of farmers in country and regional trade policy dynamics while mainstreaming cross cutting issues (gender, sustainability and participation)in the region
 Stimulate and provide support to the advocacy activities of farmer organisations, networks and alliances at regional level
 Provide content and training on advocacy to field antennas and partners in the region
PLA
 Co-ordinate the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of an effective PLA system in the region in order to ensure appropriate quality standards for monitoring, optimal accountability, continuous critical self reflection on own performance, mutual learning ensuring linkages with global learning in Vredeseilanden while mainstreaming cross cutting issues (gender, sustainability and participation).
 Coordinate documentation, reporting and communication of all processes in SACD and Advocacy integrating cross cutting issues (gender, participation and sustainability)in the region and facilitate scaling up of innovative processes and outcomes by other major actors.




Profile
Qualifications
and technical knowledge
 Academic degree in Agricultural Economics, agri-Business, Finances and related agricultural policy Development or other relevant subject with a focus on chain development and policy advocacy
 Familiar with relevant Computer software.
Languages
 High level of proficiency in English
 Knowledge of Swahili language is necessary and important.
Experience


 5 years experience with SACD development, marketing advice, agricultural economic policies and -support of farmers and farmer organisations.
 Experience with facilitating credit and agricultural financing for small family farmers is an added advantage
 Experience in facilitating lobby and advocacy
 Experience in facilitating participatory learning, monitoring and evaluation
 Experience of living and working in East Africa
 A good knowledge of the region (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) and regional trade dynamics
Skills and knowledge

 Has a good understanding of the strategies, issues and experiences in using the Sustainable Agricultural Chain Development (SACD) approach and chain related policy advocacy to promote family farming
 Has a good understanding of local economic and social politics in the regional as well as global market and agri- business dynamics including policies, schemes, mechanisms and actors in credit financing
 Has an in depth understanding of advocacy processes and how to manage them.
 Has an understanding and practical knowledge of methods of mobilisation and empowerment of individuals and groups.
 Ability to translate experiences into workable concepts and strategies
 Analytical skills
 A knowledge of strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation methods is an asset
 Has a global vision, is able to see problems from different angles.
 Is willing to co-operate with various actors and communicates clearly in a variety of settings and styles. Can get messages across that have the desired effect
 Is creative and has a sense for innovation and experiments
 Listens actively, Can persuade and inspire individuals and groups and is a team Worker
 Has a knowledge of the key partners in the region
Attitude
 Has a strong affinity with VE mission and values inclusive gender sensitivity
 Has a positive attitude focussed on win-win solutions
 Acts with integrity and respects others (working together)
 Constructively challenges self and others (making it happen)
 Can be relied on to deliver commitments (accountable)
 Inspires people to act (in accordance with the vision/plan of Vredeseilanden)
 Is willing to learn and share lessons learnt

To Apply: Send your Motivation Letter, mention your Salary Expectation & Availability Date to The Regional Representative, VECO EAST AFRICA Regional Office, PLOT 57, Kanjokya Street P.O. Box 7844 Kampala Uganda, Tel. +256/414/53.38.55 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +256/414/53.38.55 end_of_the_skype_highlighting - Fax. +256/414/53.38.56 or mail it to veco-ea@veco-eastafrica.org, before 11th April 2011 for the Finance Positions and Before 15th April 2011.Please mention the recruitment channel as a reference in your application letter.