Full-Time Program Coordinator in Uganda
Job Description
Bicycles Against Poverty (BAP) is seeking a Program Coordinator to begin in October or November 2014. This position will be based in the headquarter office in Gulu, Uganda. The position is at least 1.5 years, with the expectation that the chosen candidate will stay for 2 years.
ABOUT BICYCLES AGAINST POVERTY
BAP works with in East Africa to provide access to affordable bicycles. Currently piloting its program in northern Uganda, BAP’s bicycles are distributed on a financing plan so that clients pay back the bikes in small installments. The bicycles—primarily used by smallholder farmers—are used to transport goods to the market as well as access social services, such as healthcare, clean water, and education.
We believe that simple and affordable transportation changes lives—mobility leads to upward mobility. We’re working to get more smallholder farmers the transportation they need to access opportunities and, in turn, live more sustainable lives.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
We’re looking for self-starters who are driven, tenacious, and passionate. Given the early stage of the organization, this position will touch upon a variety of different areas of operations, including programming in Uganda, team building / management, and administrative logistics. This is a position that fluctuates between strategic thinking, office work, and operations in the field.
The position will give hands-on experience with a growing organization. It requires work at all levels—from big-scale strategizing and team management, to administering logistics to run the operations. The chosen individual will need to autonomously manage and lead. They will work with BAP’s Operations Manager and BAP’s Executive Director on other organizational operations.
This is a new role and, as a result, will largely be defined by the individual’s creativity, drive and passion.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):
• Working with BAP’s Operations Manager to director and coordinate field operations, including delegating tasks and providing proper follow-up when needed to Field Officers
• Communicating and directing relations with partner organizations that BAP works with
o Coordinating and leading meetings with partner organizations
o Following-up with partner field teams when necessary
• Managing bicycle distributions, including logistics surrounding bicycle delivery (e.g. transportation, bicycle assembling, and client communication).
o Strategizing for supply chain logistics to improve this process for the long-term.
• Ensuring that loan operations remain in high standing.
o Keeping track of repayments in database and ensuring all loans are up to date.
o Flagging areas of concern and helping to address problems as they arise.
o Communicating issues to management while simultaneously working with field teams to problem-solve on the ground.
• Strategizing and implementing new business models and other program adjustments.
o At our current state BAP is testing several new business models and we expect all team members to help strategize for new ideas to implement.
o After strategizing, this position will be in charge of setting up operations to effectively implement and monitor test models.
• Helping to roll out and refine BAP’s new Monitoring and Evaluations program, including improving on current plans to make the survey program more efficient.
• Drafting and editing grant proposals.
• Administering logistics for communications and development materials.
o Including managing monthly newsletters, website and blog updates, and writing marketing material.
• A small amount of time will be devoted to corresponding with BAP’s (part-time) Operations Coordinator in the U.S. to ensure logistics are running smoothly in NYC.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Self-starter with grit and perseverance
• Ability to manage effectively and delegate in a clear and direct manner
• Strong attention to detail
• Easily adaptable and able to work between two cultures
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to creating social change
• Previous work in developing countries is strongly preferred
• Willing to go the extra mile
BENEFITS
Position advantages: The chosen candidate will learn what it takes to build a successful business with operations on foreign soil. Opportunity for upward mobility and the chance to adjust responsibilities after one year.
The position is catered to young professionals and therefore this is an opportunity for individuals with little experience to have autonomy, large responsibility, and the chance to make significant change firsthand.
Compensation and benefits: monthly stipend and living allowances (market equivalent of salary); housing; and healthcare. Travel to / from Uganda is negotiable.