Program Assistant

Location:  Eastern, Central, and Western Uganda

About UWEAL:

UWEAL was established in 1987. UWEAL is an apex woman in business organisation with 5.7 million women benefiting from its programmes with presence in 109 districts/chapters. The women are segmented in 14 clusters including Agribusiness, manufacturing, professional/service, textiles, Art and craft, tourism, oil and gas among others. 

Since its establishment, UWEAL has remained a force to reckon with in promoting women's entrepreneurship in Uganda. Rooted in its core pillars of advocacy, capacity building, networking, and Institutional development. UWEAL has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive and prosperous business environment for the last 37 years. Over the past three decades, the organization has played a pivotal role in advocating for women's active participation in business, aiming to create a more equitable and dynamic business landscape in the country. 

Project overview:

The GROW Project is an innovative initiative designed to elevate the status and productivity of women-owned enterprises in Uganda. It aligns with the government's broader objectives under the Third National Development Program (NDP III), aiming to empower women economically and create sustainable impacts on the national economy through entrepreneurship.

The project will strategically focus on three regions: Eastern, Central, and Western Uganda, emphasizing capacity building and facilitating Women Entrepreneurs Platforms. reneurship.

Position Overview

The Program Assistant/Project Field Officer will be instrumental in the local implementation of the GROW Project. This role will involve extensive fieldwork, ensuring that project objectives are met while providing direct support to women entrepreneurs in their respective districts. Program Assistants will work collaboratively with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform Coordinator, local stakeholders, and UWEAL team members to facilitate training, provide resources, and create an enabling environment for women's business development.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Act as the primary liaison between UWEAL and women entrepreneurs in assigned districts, establishing trust and rapport within the community.
• Conduct community outreach to inform women about the GROW Project, emphasizing the benefits of participation and the resources available to them.
• Organize community meetings and forums to discuss women's entrepreneurship issues and gather feedback on project initiatives.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Develop and facilitate training sessions and workshops tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs, covering topics such as business management, financial literacy, marketing strategies, and digital skills.
• Assess the specific training needs of women entrepreneurs in the community and report findings to the Project Coordinator to refine program offerings.
• Create training materials and resources that are culturally relevant and accessible to participants.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Collect and maintain comprehensive data on project activities, participant progress, and outcomes, ensuring accurate reporting to the Project Coordinator and management.
• Implement monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the effectiveness of training programs and community engagement efforts, providing insights for continuous improvement.
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports that highlight achievements, challenges, and recommendations for enhancing project impact.

Support Services for Women Entrepreneurs:

• Assist women entrepreneurs in navigating business registration processes, accessing financial services, and utilizing resources effectively.
• Facilitate connections between women entrepreneurs and local market opportunities, helping them to expand their networks and enhance their business visibility.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to women entrepreneurs, addressing their individual challenges and promoting best practices in business operations.

Facilitate Networking and Collaboration:

• Organize and facilitate networking events, workshops, and forums where women entrepreneurs can connect, share experiences, and collaborate on business initiatives.
• Encourage participation in local business associations and networks to promote knowledge sharing and mutual support among women entrepreneurs.
• Collaborate with other NGOs, community-based organizations, and government agencies to leverage resources and enhance project impact.

Advocacy and Representation:

• Advocate for the rights and needs of women entrepreneurs at the local level, ensuring their voices are represented in relevant discussions and decision-making processes.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders to promote policies and initiatives that support women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.
• Prepare advocacy materials and support campaigns that highlight the contributions and challenges of women entrepreneurs.

Feedback Mechanism and Continuous Improvement:

• Establish a feedback mechanism for women entrepreneurs to share their experiences and suggestions regarding project activities and support services.
• Use feedback to identify areas for program enhancement and communicate findings to the Project Coordinator.
• Stay informed about best practices in women’s entrepreneurship and share relevant knowledge with the team and community.

Qualifications and Skills

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration, Gender Studies, or a related field. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in community development, project implementation, or capacity building, with a focus on women’s empowerment or entrepreneurship.
• Prior experience working directly with women-led enterprises and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

Knowledge of Local Context:

• Familiarity with the socio-economic conditions of the assigned districts, including insights into local markets and available resources for women entrepreneurs.
• Understanding of local customs and cultural dynamics that impact women’s participation in entrepreneurship.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and local organizations.
• Proficient in both English and the local language(s) relevant to the district of operation.

Organizational and Analytical Skills:

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Analytical skills to assess project data and outcomes, providing actionable insights for improvement.

Problem-solving and Initiative:

• Proactive problem-solving abilities, with a focus on identifying challenges and developing practical solutions that empower women entrepreneurs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

Technology Proficiency:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with digital communication and social media tools to enhance outreach efforts.

Reporting

The post holder reports to Project Coordinator. 

Working Hours

This is a full-time position working 40 Hours per week during normal office hours with occasional evening/weekend working and the option to work flexibly to be agreed on appointment. The contracted place of work will be UWEAL’s Head Office in Kampala. However, there is the potential for some home/remote working subject to negotiation with the Line Manager. 

How to Apply:

All applications will be received and Reviewed through BrighterMonday Portal by Clicking on the 'Apply Here' section