Vacancies | Metge

Job Vacancies

Post 1: Executive Director

Post 2: Safeguarding Officer

About the Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise

The Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE) is an NGO based in Mbale, Uganda dedicated to mitigating and adapting to climate change, and the alleviation of poverty through the planting of trees. In this respect METGE has recently passed the 15-million target of trees distributed, free of charge to smallholder farmers. Its aspiration is to plant 25 million trees by 2025 in the Mount Elgon region of Uganda

Our mission:

To enable individuals and communities to see the benefits of growing trees: mitigating the effects of climate change, providing sustainable supplies of fuel, shelter and food, and alleviating poverty for today and for future generations

METGE was formed in 2017 and has achieved NGO status. Working closely with local leaders and rural communities in seven districts in the Mount Elgon Region it is being recognised as a leading promoter of agroforestry in the region. Over the period 2020-21 the organisation saw significant investment and growth both in its capacity to produce trees and the infrastructure to support its committed implementing partners. The organisation is at an exciting phase of its evolution and expectations are high to deliver at pace and continue its success and support its mission.

The Central Office team consists of eight staff who are responsible for the delivery of the programme through its implementing partners and the extended network of around 100 local people through 55 community nurseries.

METGE is generously funded by the Size of Wales charity and the Welsh Government from the UK to combat climate change and to enhance the wellbeing of rural communities in Eastern Uganda.

Post 1.

Executive Director

Job Role: To provide overall strategic leadership to METGE as an NGO. To work closely with the Chair and the Board of Directors to ensure that the organisation’s Mission, the Board’s strategic direction and deliverables are being implemented successfully. The successful candidate will be passionate about the environment and making a difference to the wellbeing of rural communities.

Reporting to: the Chair of the Board of Directors

Location: Mbale, Uganda, East Africa

Website:

Job specification

Provide inspirational leadership for METGE staff to drive results against agreed performance targets
Provide support to the Board in the delivery of the programme in maintaining financial oversight, performance of the programme and compliance with Ugandan laws
Build capability and capacity of the organisation to ensure that as funds become available it can match increasing targets
Take responsibility for the annual organisational planning and budgeting process timescales
Maintain performance against an annual budget and targets set by the Board
Develop and ensure that METGE policies are followed and maintain staff performance at all levels
Work with the Programme Manager to ensure that the annual programme performance targets and budgeting are in place at the beginning of the financial year
Always promote the organisation positively through your own behaviour and protect its reputation for integrity
Report to the Board of Directors at regular intervals and compile both financial and performance reports, including reports to funders and donors
Host and attend, on METGE’s behalf, high level strategic visits and meetings and relevant international conferences to form partnerships that will enhance the organisation’s advancement and reputation
Initiating, supporting, and facilitating the organisation’s marketing and communications strategy
Establish and nurture beneficial relationships with funders, key stakeholders and other climate change and tree planting programmes
Identify funding gaps within the programme, advise on and support development plans that require resources to present to the Board
Establish and/or maintain strong expertise in tree planting/agroforestry programmes and stay up to date with relevant developments in the sector including through participating in local, national and international networks
Ensure that mainstreaming of Safeguarding and Gender Equality of Social Inclusion is delivered
Develop and oversee METGE’s monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems

Person specification

First degree and/or a master’s degree in forestry, agriculture, or environmental studies
An MBA or substantial high-level experience or a professional qualification in a business-related discipline
A strong background in leadership in achieving tasks, building and maintaining a team, and developing and motivating individuals
Three years minimum experience in implementing donor projects and requirements
Substantial proven senior management experience in a reputable international organisation (preferably an NGO) including reporting to the Board of Directors or Senior Management Team
The ability to manage organisational change at pace, ensuring staff are consulted, involved, and motivated
Established successful project and financial management skills and experience
Proven interpersonal, networking and people management skills in relation to key stakeholders to create consensus and effective decision making
Experience of developing and implementing programme monitoring and evaluation [M&E] systems
Strong demonstration of analytical, strategic thinking, and advocacy skills
Excellent report writing and communication skills in English.
A good working knowledge and familiarity with IT including MS Office
Experience of working closely with marketing and communications staff to oversee planning and the strategic use of media
A current vehicle driving permit

Salary

A competitive salary will be offered to the successful candidate

Equality and Diversity

METGE is committed to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) supporting the principle that everybody should have the same opportunities for employment, development and progression based on their ability, competence and suitability for the job.

This means that no applicant or employee should receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of their race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, religion, family or domestic responsibilities.

Application:

Letter of application stating why you believe you have the necessary skills and experience to make a success of this job opportunity (max. 600 words)
Detailed Curriculum Vitae
Communication details of three (3) referees, one must be your current or most recent employer

Closing date: 26 April 2021

Send your application to putting Executive Director in the subject line

Note: Copies of degree and other certificates are not required at this stage.

Post 2.

Safeguarding Officer

Job Role:

To provide overall strategic leadership to METGE as an NGO in Safeguarding (SG), Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in leading specific actions across all the supported Districts to integrate SG and GESI throughout both service delivery and in communities, focusing on institutional change and whole community transformation. The officer will also support the mainstreaming of Safeguarding and GESI into relevant METGE planning and operations.

Scope of work: The position holder will ensure that the Safeguarding, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion activities of the tree planting programme are implemented to highest international standards in a coordinated and collaborative approach with key stakeholders. They should work and integrate with the programme delivery team in its partner network to mainstream these areas and be able to support data input for monitoring and evaluation.

Reporting to: Executive Director

Location: Mbale, Uganda, East Africa

Website: https://www.metge.ug

Key accountabilities

To deliver the strategy and implementation of METGE policies in the areas of Safeguarding, and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
Ensure development and regular review of the SG and GESI workplans
Oversee implementation of the Social inclusion and Gender and Social inclusion interventions as laid out in the work plans developed, including organising and facilitating trainings, orientation, and community engagement sessions.
Provide continuous technical support and guidance to Implementing partners (IPs) on gender mainstreaming, women empowerment and leadership skills.
Undertake appropriate measures to prevent and respond to all forms of harm, abuse, exploitation, and harassment that may result into negative programme outcomes.
Ensure that the above measures are instituted at all levels of METGEs operations while putting special focus on vulnerable individuals and communities to make sure we Do No Harm in our work with children, youths and vulnerable adults; making efforts to minimise and mitigate harm from “METGE associated persons,” and ensuring METGE’s operations and programmes in no way contribute to or increase their risk of harm
Capacity building of staff and IPs through trainings, orientations, coaching and mentorship on safeguarding, gender mainstreaming and disability inclusion
Support integration of SG and GESI in all the METGE service delivery aspects through review of their work plans, activities, reports, and identify SG and GESI related gaps to be addressed.
Ensure that the correct procedures are followed as laid out in METGE policies, are documented and reputational risk is minimised
Support the Model Village/Parish committees to promote female leadership
Support the board of directors in SG and GESI awareness, reporting and development
Liaise with the monitoring and evaluation office to support monitoring of interventions by ensuring collection and reporting of quantitative and qualitative information on SG and GESI related indicators, utilising the recommended data collection tools; document success stories and lessons learnt
To assist with data collection, inputting of data and the development of the systems and processes relevant to monitoring and evaluation
To support other areas of METGE’s business as deemed necessary from time to time

Stakeholder engagement and advocacy

Engage with key stakeholders including funders, other NGOs, Government Ministries, IPs and others that will be relevant in identifying gaps in delivery of SG and GESI
Develop relevant materials for addressing SG and GESI awareness in communities in METGEs operations in collaboration with the METGE Marketing and Communications Manager
Engage with IPs and other stakeholders through the community groups to ensure the needs of the women, girls and excluded groups are prioritised
Coordinate with IPs to ensure that community interventions and outreach activities to women, girls and other excluded groups and ensure negative social cultural gender norms are addressed.
Organise and lead advocacy and awareness raising activities on SG and GESI aspects with community (including with Local councils, church leaders and male engagement activities) and during international and national events such as Women’s Day.

Person specification Qualifications and experience:

Essential

University degree or advanced training/ course in psychology, sociology, anthropology, gender studies, or social work
Minimum of two years’ experience working with vulnerable communities, basic needs, and social service experience, and/or advocacy programmes
Experience of working with or in a Non‐Governmental Organisations (NGO)
The ability to train the organisation’s staff and programme delivery network personnel
Good understanding of Safeguarding and GESI principles and practice

Desirable

Experience in community mobilisation
Capability to develop communication materials for target identified audiences with clear messages
Good interpersonal skills
Ability to manage confidential or sensitive information
Good communication skills and ability to conduct training and awareness
Good Computer skills (Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel)
Good organisational and management skills.
Ability to build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders