Post Title: Field Volunteer

Based: Mbale, Uganda

Duration of Appointment: At least 2 months

Background:

Active since 2013, Seeds NGO was created in Switzerland with the aim of supporting development projects in developing countries, and more specifically in the Eastern Region of Uganda since 2014. The targeted projects are initiatives linked to micro-finance and social enterprise. The projects can be grouped into 3 categories. The first and main activity of Seeds is the creation of Village Savings Loans Associations (VSLA). Secondly, Seeds is also supporting the creation of new and the improvement of already existing financial cooperatives. Finally, Seeds is also supporting small Income-Generating Activities (IGA) in the region.

Seeds s methodology is centered around the principle of sustainability. As such, its projects are always implemented in coordination with a local partner community organisation, based in the area of implementation. By providing capacity-building as well as financial support, Seeds accompanies the projects until they reach complete autonomy.

Seeds-NGO is divided between a team based in Europe and a field team based in Uganda. Both teams are composed of energetic and committed individuals working on a voluntary basis. However, the field team is coordinated by a national professional Projects Coordinator. He/She oversights and is responsible for the management, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in the field. Seeds-NGO is looking for motivated individuals who are willing to come to Uganda and bring their skills and motivation to the projects while learning from this specific life and work context. He/She will work directly under Seeds Projects Coordinator.

Scope of the work:

The Field Volunteer will have (some of) the following duties and responsibilities:

I. Managing the Projects

i.Development of Village Savings and Loans Associations Supporting the Projects Coordinator in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the development of the projects, in particular by: physically visiting the projects, taking part in the training, conducting project and social impact assessment and reports and analyzing those, as well as by bringing innovative ideas for the improvement of the projects.

ii.Development of Credit Cooperatives

Supporting the Projects Coordinator in the creation of a credit cooperative in the Sironko District, through technical, reporting and all other necessary support, in particular by: physically visiting the projects, taking part in the training, logistically supporting both the project and the Credit Cooperative as well as by supporting the Credit Cooperative in its financial management.

iii. Development of Income-Generating Activities**

Supporting the project development through the coordination and the supervision of the activities of the businesses Supporting the businesses by proving capacity-building on the organisation development, its production and marketing activities as well as its book-keeping. Bringing innovative ideas for the improvement of the businesses

II. Communication

Supporting Seeds team in Europe by communicating to them activity informations, including but not limited photographs, videos and data from the field in order to communicate to Seeds network and donors. Reporting immediately to Seeds Board of Directors any critical issue regarding the field activities.

III. Project and Partnership Growth

Networking for the creation of potential new partners

Maintaining good and professional relations with existing partners.

Participating in the evaluation, planning and implementation options for improving the current developed projects.

IV. Other Activities as Required

Degree of Expertise and Qualifications:

The Field Volunteer should have:

Some education in and/or experience in field relevant to Seeds activities.

English fluency

Capacity to work successfully across cultures

Ability and willingness to travel to remote locations

Personal flexibility, great capacity to work independently and high motivation

Good interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to identify needs and priorities and respond accordingly

Willingness to live in basic living conditions

Reporting and Supervision:

The Field Volunteer will report directly to the Projects Coordinator. He/She will work closely and in coordination with any potential technical support volunteer who might come to the field to support Seeds within a particular project.

Please note:

As this is an unpaid position, the willingness and ability to work without remuneration is required.

Seeds NGO is also unfortunately unable to cover for plane tickets, visa nor insurance. Although the cost of living in Uganda is considerably low (minimum of approximately (350 per month).

How to apply:

Please send your CV and motivation letter to:

hr@seeds-ngo.org