LEARN Pathway Lead – Seas of Change project (Re-advertised)

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 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 LEARN Pathway Lead is a senior position which involves engaging with partners at high-level to rethink the learnings between regenerative agriculture (RA) and productive use of renewable energy (PURE) systems. The project aims to shift mindsets and drive systems transformation through the three interlinked pathways (Learn, Link, and Leverage). He/she will provide leadership, strategic direction and guidance on the activities and intervention within the LEARN pathway. He/she will collaborate closely with other Pathway Leads to ensure coherence in quality implementation and reporting. Work closely with identified program partners and local actors across the targeted regions of Uganda. He/she will be responsible for driving the development and roll-out of the Learning agenda which underpins the integration of the RA-PURE nexus thinking into the program. A critical aspect of the program design is that the three pathways will operate concurrently rather than in isolation.

Fostering Learning

• Support evidence-based decision making for the program through opportunity assessments, synthesizing research and aligning evidence dissemination with the needs of partners and stakeholders to drive replication and scaling efforts.
• Facilitate sector collaboration through strengthening coalitions and platforms at national and district level, fostering partnerships, and supporting peer-to-peer learning to advance RA-PURE nexus transformations.
• Work closely with the MEL Lead and Communications and Advocacy Advisor to generate actionable insights by building on existing initiatives, developing evaluation tools and metrics, and creating learning agendas for the program to strengthen capacities of partner coalitions and platforms towards nexus thinking.
• Support the Communications & Advocacy Advisor in designing and implementing strategic communications to raise awareness, share key findings, and promote the adoption of RA-PURE practices among diverse stakeholders.
• Support in advancing systems transformation through facilitating the creation of joint RA-PURE agendas that enhance collaboration among ecosystem actors to drive the momentum for adoption of RA-PURE practices in Uganda.
• Develop work plans and related budgeting to ensure quality implementation and value for money.
• The Pathway lead will provide leadership, strategic direction and guidance on the activities and intervention, collaborating closely with other Pathway leads to ensure coherence in quality implementation and reporting.

• A Master’s degree in Agriculture, Energy, Business Administration, Development Studies, or related disciplines is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in programmes in areas of learning, linking and leveraging.
• Good understanding of the Ugandan agriculture and energy sectors.
• Strong leadership skills, experience in partnership development and deep understanding and experience in consortia management.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, with excellent reporting facilitation and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel to all program locations, including remote areas.

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.