Deputy Project Manager at SNV, Kampala, Uganda

SNV is implementing a program that will work at the nexus of regenerative agriculture (RA) and productive use of renewable energy areas (PURE). It builds on a shared philosophy between SNV and its partners to accelerate the transition towards a more equitable, secure, and sustainable future where people and the planet can thrive. The programme applies an innovative hybrid implementation model where it leverages existing initiatives and expertise within the ecosystem and connects actors to facilitate processes and encourage synergies; it has an overall objective to achieve systems transformation within the RA-PURE nexus space. The programme is therefore not a traditional one but seeks to identify and work with partners already operating within the RA and/or PURE nexus space. SNV seeks to build a movement with and through its partners – in Uganda, but also the wider East Africa region – with SNV’s role being one of facilitation and coordination.

The program will have three intervention pathways of LEARN: Practice-based learning and evidence, LINK: Action-oriented collaboration among system actors and LEVERAGE: Through these pathways, the program seeks to facilitate a new way of working to achieve an integrated, sustainable and resilient agri-food system; to leverage additional funding and resources; and to improve people’s lives and livelihoods in Uganda.

The program will be implemented in 30 districts in four regions of Uganda. Initial efforts will focus on 15 districts in the Central Region (Masaka, Mpigi, Mubende, Luwero, Nakasongola, and Kayunga), Eastern Region (Mbale, Iganga, and Jinja), Lango sub region (Lira) and Western Region (Mbarara, Kabarole, Isingiro, Kasese, and Ntungamo). The program will then move into 15 additional districts in the Central Region (Mukono, Kalungu, Lwengo, Kyankwanzi, Kiboga, and Lyantonde), Eastern Region (Kween and Kamuli), Lango sub region (Apac, Dokolo, and Otuke) and Western Region (Kamwenge, Bushenyi, Kyenjojo, and Sheema).

The Deputy Project Manager (RA-PURE) will ensure that learnings are generated, and advocacy activities are well aligned with those learnings, and provide high-level insights on integration of productive use of renewable energy in regenerative agriculture practices. He/she will work in line with SNV standards, SNVs approach to project management and administration, and remains compliant to donor regulations for high quality project deliverables. Working closely with the Project Manager, he/she will support in the management of partnerships that include but not limited to Local Capacity Builders, local implementing organizations, government departments at both County and National level, ensuring adherence to MOUs and contracts. He/she will be leading the planning, reporting, inception, implementation, document management (SharePoint), documentation closing and the workforce of the project, within scope, budget, timeline and acceptable quality levels along the commitments specified in the contracts signed with the donor(s) and other relevant stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships and collaborations with ecosystem actors within the RA-PURE nexus, including ministries, local government authorities, private sector, civil society and partners.
• Liaise with Project Manager to provide operational guidance and support to programme activities, including developing work plans, budgets, and a competency table within financial responsibilities and mandates.
• Provide support in knowledge development, case studies, testimonials and documentation of the evidence and results from the project interventions, including the business models or cases.
• Provide leadership, strategic direction and guidance to the Pathway Leads on the project activities and interventions, to ensure coherence in quality implementation and reporting.
• Coordinate with the Project Finance Officer (PFO) to undertake quarterly budget monitoring and variance analysis for the project and support in reviewing and tracking spending to adhere to annual budgets.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to project teams and partners, enhancing their understanding of opportunities and challenges on integration of productive use of renewable energy technologies in agriculture.
• Support project teams and partners in appraising productive use of energy solutions, to identify technological, financial or governance issues which may hinder the intended impacts of using renewable energy in agriculture.
• Provide strategic direction to RA-PURE actors in Uganda to reflect and rethink the linkages between agri-food and energy to create alignment & synergies in implementing RA-PURE nexus initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Master’s degree in Energy, Business Administration, Development Studies, Engineering or related disciplines is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in programmes related to learning, linking and leveraging.
• Good understanding of the Ugandan energy and agriculture sectors.
• Strong leadership skills, experience in partnership development and deep understanding and experience in consortia management.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, with excellent reporting facilitation and presentation skills.
• RA-PURE Experience in managing productive use of renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and/or small and medium sized enterprises business development will be desirable.