Uganda Liaison and Partnerships Officer

General Description

• To support the ministry of Children of the Nations (COTN) by facilitating and mediating communication between the International President, the COTN Uganda Country Director and COTN Uganda National Board.
• To manage details of the designated country and its coordination with other supporting countries.
• To represent the children and programmes of COTN Uganda to the greater COTN family.
• To engage and educate individuals and groups in the UK and Ireland, acquiring new partners and developing existing relationships, with the goal of mobilising them to participate in the vision of raising children who transform nations. 

Communication/Information/Follow-Up

• Ensure weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports are submitted to the International President
• Facilitate the flow of information between COTN Uganda and Supporting Countries across all divisions and departments (calendar, budget, projects, pictures, stories, other media, etc.)
• Create agenda for and facilitate all regular meetings involving the International President and the COTN Uganda Director or COTN Uganda National Board
• Meet regularly with the COTN Uganda Director and manage information flow/issues to bring up with the International President and/or International Founder & Executive VP
• Ensure effective communication between COTN Uganda National Board Members and International President as needed
• Be a knowledgeable information source: COTN staff, children, programmes, culture, and government, etc. related to the implementing country
• When working in Uganda, represent the International Development Branch at meetings of management staff, National Board, and at other functions as requested or invited

Organisation Development:

• Assist COTN Uganda Board and Country Director in strategic and annual operational planning (calendar, annual goals, annual budget, project proposals, budget reconciliations, reporting, etc.)
• Research and seek out new partnerships that can help COTN Uganda move forward strategically
• Strategise with the COTN Uganda Country Director and COTN Uganda National Board in the coordination of training and problem-solving
• Help facilitate/complete programmatic audits of implementing country’s activities, ensuring compliance with Standards of Service, Partnership Covenant, and Grant Agreement
• Liaise with International Development Heads and COTN Uganda Country Director/Program Directors
• Liaise with International Finance Director and COTN Uganda Country Director regarding COTNI grant and project disbursements.
• Track budget performance and compliance with COTNI grant requirements through analysis of monthly financial reporting and regular communication with International Finance Director
• Participate as part of the International Development Branch in the development of goals, systems and organisational infrastructure for COTN.

Partner Development:

• Alongside the UK & Ireland Director, help develop an annual partner development and fundraising strategy including clear objectives, timelines, targets and performance measures
• Engage and cultivate partnerships with individuals, churches and groups to provide financial support for projects and programmes, generate volunteers and recruit Venture teams.
•  Develop and coordinate strategic events throughout the year with key partner churches, individuals and groups
• Oversee implementation of the COTN UK & Ireland Social Media Strategy and contribute to its ongoing development
• Assist in the leading of Vision Trips to COTN implementing countries when requested for the purpose of service, exposure, and solicitation of resources for future ministry activities.
• Manage partner database and prepare accurate reports

Personal/ Professional Growth

• Maintain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of COTN
• Faithfully uphold COTN’s ministry in prayer
• Raise awareness and financial support for COTN
• Encourage professional growth by monitoring and keeping up with culture and politics, current affairs, development trends, best practices, etc.
• Foster connectedness to COTN "family" and organisation by regular participation in COTN prayer meetings, All-Staff meetings, and yearly International Branch meetings and Homecoming weeks.
• Participate in COTN staff enrichment training sessions when provided
• Participate in personal/employee goal setting and evaluations, including regular one to ones with UK/Ireland Director
• Participate in meetings of the COTN UK and Ireland Board when requested to do so
• Perform all duties in accordance with COTN policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Person Specification

Qualifications and training

Essential:         

• Third level qualification

Desirable:         

• Full driving licence (and access to a car)

Experience and knowledge

Essential:          

• Experience of overseas ministry (in a paid or voluntary capacity)
• Minimum two years’ experience strategic planning, partnership or ministry development
• Knowledge of issues and needs among children in Uganda
• Fundraising experience

Desirable:         

• Experience of working with volunteers
• Experience of raising personal support
• Experience of public speaking in a church context

Skills and abilities

Essential:         

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build a network for spiritual / prayer support
• Excellent computer skills, including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Apps and Skype
• Able to work on own initiative
• Excellent organisational skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Attention to detail
• Persuasive – helping people to capture the vision for the work and support it
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Desirable:         

• Book-keeping skills

Personal / character / other

Essential:

• Personal faith in Jesus and a passion for reaching the world with the gospel
• Strong commitment to uphold the vision and mission statements of the employer
• Willing to work flexibly, including evening and weekend working
• Willingness to travel internationally