Placement Organization: Strengthening Decentralization for Sustainability (SDS) Program, USAID
Placement Location: Kampala, Uganda
Eligible Citizenship: American

About: Strengthening Decentralization for Sustainability (SDS) is a 5-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded program in support of the Government of Uganda (GOU) at the district and local government level. The project aims to improve the results and sustainability of decentralized social service delivery through appropriate tools, technical assistance, and financial support, with an initial emphasis on health and HIV/AIDS services at Local Government levels. Activities include 1) Strengthening coordination of activities at the district and sub county level; (2) improving district management of resources and programs; (3) providing financial support through grants to local governments for better service delivery; and (4) instituting and supporting innovative approaches to sustain social sector service delivery. SDS is directly supporting 35 districts in coordination of activities within the districts through its three regional offices: Western, Central and Eastern Uganda.

 

Position Overview:

  • Strengthen district coordination activities and improve the district management of resources and service delivery
  • Scale up the management of the district systems through capacity building/technical assistance (TA) to ensure sustainability

 

Responsibilities:

  • Help promote and support introduction and demonstration of innovative concepts for institutional strengthening of district health service delivery, particularly in support of SDS Innovation Grant Program
  • Participate in building the capacity of the district officials
  • Help jointly coordinate the district Implementing Partners with the district management committee
  • Help set up functional system to address identified gaps in current district management systems
  • Support to the DOP secretariat in coordination of the Implementing Partners in allocated districts. Support district staff to produce accurate and timely activity reports

 

In performing the above, the fellow will work closely with senior SDS technical management in Kampala in overall execution of SDS activities (including coordination with Ministry of Health and other government counterparts), but would also have a lead role in delivery of SDS assistance in one or two selected SDS partner districts

 

Required Skills and Experience:

  • At least two years of progressive work experience in a relevant field
  • Excellent writing and analytical skills
  • Ability to work with minimal direction and to work in a team
  • A proactive and quick learner
  • Communication skills to work well with senior counterparts, especially at the local level
  • Ability to work under pressure and deliver

 

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Masters in Public Health/Development Studies/Project Management and Planning or Political Science, or a related Master’s
  • Proficient use of computers: ability to use Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, PageMaker, Epi Info, SPSS

 

Living Conditions: Fellows will be provided with housing, health insurance and a living stipend of $550/month. Fellows will also receive an award of $1500 upon successful completion of the fellowship year.  Flights to and from the placement site and all other costs associated with GHC programming are included. The fellow will live in a rented fully furnished apartment in Kampala. They will be based in the SDS head office and have access to cellphones, computers and all office basics that SDS staff access.