Company Description

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all. In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. In Uganda SNV operates through a decentralised approach with a country office in Kampala and regional offices in Fort Portal, Lira, Jinja and Mbarara. SNV implements donor-funded activities across more than 100 districts in Uganda, ensuring broad and diverse impact.

Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside. Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030. For more information on our operations in Uganda and SNV visit our website: www.snv.org.

Project information

Stagnating poverty, unpredictable shocks, due to climate change, ecological degradation, rising social inequalities, declining food security and challenges in achieving the required just energy transition will continue to be an issue in the coming decades, negatively impacting incomes, livelihoods, and productivity. Energy is a critical element of any agri-food system; it is largely driven by fossil fuels and the large, centralised machinery it powers is often inefficient and inappropriate to the needs of small food producers. Despite the intricate linkages between the two sectors, solutions are largely siloed, short-term in nature, and lessons are not shared. The result is further inefficiencies and outcomes that can even prove to be counter-productive in the broader ecosystem.  

It is imperative to re-think the linkages between agri-food and energy systems to alleviate the pressures on socio-economic conditions and natural resources that perpetuate poverty. Traditional, extractive, energy-intensive, centralised models around the supply, consumption, and disposal of food and energy need to be challenged. SNV believes an approach is required that can bridge the gap between these sectors, break silos and shape solutions that work with and for the targeted ecosystem actors. 

The Seas of Change Uganda project is envisioned as a 10-year project in two implementation phases that will work at the nexus of the regenerative agriculture (RA) and productive use of renewable energy (PURE) areas. The project will apply an innovative hybrid implementation model where it leverages existing initiatives and expertise within the ecosystem and connects actors to facilitate processes and encourage synergies.

The Seas of Change Uganda project falls under the Strategic Partnership umbrella programme. The Strategic Partnership programme will provide strategic steering and support to the RA-PURE nexus portfolio (in and beyond SNV), with dedicated programmes towards advancing the RA-PURE nexus in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and 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).

Job Purpose

The Systems Transformation/MEL Advisor is responsible for leading the overall MEL framework (development and implementation) as well as the institutionalisation of systems transformation thinking within the core team and among partners. They will be responsible for leading the design and evaluation of the programme (baseline, mid-line, and end-line evaluations), ensuring the integration of systems thinking throughout and stimulating this within the project team and implementing partners. They will provide close guidance and support to SoC Uganda programme partners to implement the innovative MEL framework developed for this unique programme and steer the MEL Officer in data collection and analysis processes. They will work closely with the SoC Uganda Programme Manager and Pathway Leads to track the programme’s progress, capture learnings, and supply relevant data to inform adaptive management decisions. They support the team by providing clarity on the programme’s MEL requirements, balancing donor and organisational requirements with the requirements to steer a systems transformation driven programme, and the effective application of relevant MEL tools. They support capacity building and learning initiatives for the programme team and implementing partners, including the organisation of learning exchange visits, relevant training sessions, and developing PME learning briefs. The aim is to underpin evidence-based project design, execution and learning in the project.

Job DescriptionDevelop the MEL framework and information system to track delivery against targets, outcomes, and impacts. He/she will lead analysis of data collected by implementing partners for assessment of progress (on-the-ground and at system level) to measure the programme’s progress towards strategic outcome areas as well as to capture learnings and inform adaptive management.Maintaining a high-level and strategic overview of the programme’s progress and engaging with other RA-PURE nexus programmes in East Africa to continuously refine programme strategies and monitoring efforts.Direct engagement with programme implementation partners to build their understanding and capacities of the programme’s ToC, MEL framework, and data collection tools, and accordingly actively ensuring the collection of high-quality data by programme partners.He/she will also support PME capacity building and learning activities for SoC Programme staff.Lead the collection and documentation of programme learnings by organising in and cross-country learning events and exchange visits and capturing these learnings in the form of knowledge products (including case studies, learning briefs, best practice documents, and success stories).He/she will guide reporting processes amongst technical staff and consolidate program reports, promote learning and knowledge sharing on best practices and lessons learned.Collect, consolidate and review impact results at corporate level in coordination with the Project Manager. Manage the corporate level results database and support distribution of planned and actual results to management. Supports Sector and Country teams with use of global harmonised indicator (GHI) data on request.

QualificationsA Master’s degree in Statistics, Qualitative Economics, Social Studies, International development, or related disciplines is required.A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in programmes in areas of MEL.Familiarity with donor and SNV reporting requirementsDemonstrated skills in quantitative data analysis, data management and in the presentation of results for the identification of best practices and to inform decision-makingProficiency in using databases and statistical software is required (e.g. SPSS or EPI-Info, STATA, LogAlto) as well as strong skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and mobile technologies to report data.

Additional Information

Additional requirements: 

Conceptual thinking: Having and gaining insight into situations, problems and processes. Deconstructing problems and systematically investigating the various components.

Coaching: Encouraging and guiding employees in order to make their performance more effective and to enhance their self-perception and problem-solving skills.  

Focus on quality: Setting high quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.

Result orientation: The ability to take direct action in order to attain or exceed objectives.

Persuasiveness: The ambition to win over other people for one’s views and ideas and to generate support.

How to apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and motivation letter in English. Deadline is Thursday 20th February 2025.

Working at SNV

We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from and contribute to an international global network of experts. For more information, please visit our website: www.snv.org.

NB: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement.