Programme Officer - Climate Adaptive Programming

Programme Officer - Climate Adaptive Programming

Organization: Save the Children International Location: Gulu, Uganda Country/Region: Uganda

Overview

Join a global and diverse technical community to lead sustainable change for children. Be part of an inspiring, dynamic global movement advocating for children while using your expertise to bring about lasting change.

The Role

The programme officer – climate adaptive programming will provide technical oversight of the implementation of the NORAD framework’s Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation component, ensuring effective systems and processes are in place that support high-quality programming. The position holder will facilitate implementation of multi-sectoral, integrated resilience and climate change adaptation programmes in either Karamoja or Northern Uganda, working closely with District Local Government (DLG) while using community capacity and systems strengthening approaches. The programme officer may be called upon to support the emergency team in cases of humanitarian crisis.

Key Areas of Accountability

Planning:

• Develop climate change monthly and quarterly work plans aligned to the DIP and budget
• Lead planning efforts at community and district levels to ensure effective and efficient resource tracking and use
• Participate in planning efforts and ensure effective integration of climate change and adaptive programming activities
• Work closely with other project teams on Education and child protection to ensure well-aligned, coordinated implementation
• Participate in guiding education, training and public awareness programmes on climate change
• Ensure timely and appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans
• Support development of a programmatic approach to integrate climate risk management in NORAD framework documents
• Take active role in unpacking and rolling out new climate change initiatives/innovations with staff, community and partners

Implementation:

• Provide technical guidance and support in implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation activities
• Ensure 100% implementation of climate change and mitigation activities within the designated area of operation
• Assist in establishing and maintaining relationships with national, regional and international organizations
• Oversee identification, assessment and strengthening of partnerships relevant to Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
• Oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities to enhance program quality and impact
• Develop and foster local partnerships with other organizations to meet program goals
• Ensure active participation of beneficiaries/stakeholders throughout all stages of project cycle
• Support implementation of the accountability and learning framework
• Participate in filling monthly activity target tracker and quarterly Indicator Performance Tracking Table
• Identify areas for capacity building and follow-up on implementation of action plans
• Document best practices and most significant stories
• Implement project sustainability and exit strategy
• Monitor and follow up Project Partner activities and ensure timely delivery of planned activities
• Support proper documentation of project activities – case studies, best practices and unique experiences
• Regularly monitor project activities, including quality benchmarks as per the MEAL plan
• Submit monthly reports (progress against planned activities, expense against estimated budget) to line manager
• Ensure appropriate filing and availability of documentation for internal and external communications, accountability, audits, and evaluation
• Monthly capture pictures of project implementation and share with PM
• Assess project performance to identify success factors and incorporate best practices
• Research and advise on linkages across programme activities to identify critical points of integration
• Document and analyse innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches
• Lead development of program learning; identify opportunities for learning, research, and publications
• Facilitate dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned
• Build capacity and provide direct backup technical support supervision to partners and community resource persons
• Participate and contribute to project reviews as required
• Contribute to intervention design, including building linkages within different thematic components
• Review and provide input to reports, briefs and other documents
• Organize and participate in program meetings to build synergy and collaboration

Budget Monitoring:

• Monitor daily expenditure to ensure project budgets are spent within acceptable limits and timelines
• Track budgets to avoid over and under expenditure and follow donor requirements
• Take due diligence in ensuring correct coding and verification of expenditure as per financial reports
• Review financial reports to ensure accuracy of reporting

Coordination and Collaborations:

• Provide coordination of all climate change and mitigation interventions at district and sub-county levels
• Work closely with District Department, other NGOs and Agencies to identify collaboration areas
• Network with other Save the Children International Projects to improve synergy and holistic approach

Reporting and Documentation:

• Generate timely, consistent and accurate monthly and quarterly progress reports
• Actively participate in generation of semi-annual and donor reports
• Participate in and share progress during weekly regional meetings
• Document key success stories and areas of innovation for quarterly sharing

Partnership:

• Continuously identify and map potential implementing partners and recommend for assessment
• Support and monitor day-to-day partner implementation and identify capacity gaps
• Document best practices and unique experiences for sharing and learning
• Follow up with partner reports and accountabilities
• Monitor project partners to ensure activities align with project design and planned activities
• Innovatively support children to participate, own and benefit from project interventions
• Mobilize and facilitate active participation of parents and communities
• Build capacity of children, parents and community to collectively engage local leaders

Qualifications and Experience

• At least a Bachelor’s Degree in climate sciences, environmental sciences, earth sciences, natural resource economics, or related field
• At least 4 years of relevant work experience related to climate change, environment, disaster management and/or project/programme management
• Experience working with government, donors or the UN is an asset
• Experience in policy analysis and development work in climate change and related issues is desirable
• Knowledge of the country’s institutional framework and climate change policies is an asset
• Experience in development planning and project management and implementation is a major asset
• Good motorcycle riding capability and possession of a valid riding permit is an asset
• Strong knowledge and understanding of climate adaptation and mitigation programming, specifically in Karamoja context; knowledge in education sector is an added advantage
• Excellent relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings
• Strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Experience supporting child-centred climate adaptation and mitigation interventions is a plus
• Demonstrated understanding of resilience and livelihoods development activities