Job Opportunities at CIPESA

Announcement |

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is in a phase of dynamic growth and we are actively seeking exceptional individuals to join our team. We are excited to announce two job opportunities, and the application window remains open until October 31, 2024. To explore further, simply click on the role that resonates most with you:

Job Opportunity: Programme Officer

Call for Applications |

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is seeking a Programme Officer to Support the implementation of activities that advance respect for human rights by businesses in Uganda. 

Job Title: Programme Officer 

Location: Kampala, Uganda 

Duration: Two (2) Years

Reports to: Programme Manager

Deadline: October 31, 2024

About CIPESA

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) works to defend and expand the digital civic space to enable the protection and promotion of human rights and to enhance innovation and sustainable development. With a focus on disparate actors, including the private sector, civil society, media, policymakers, and multinational institutions, our work aims to engender a free, open, and secure internet that advances rights, livelihoods, and democratic governance. CIPESA’s work responds to a shortage of information, research, resources, and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights, and society. Indeed, CIPESA’s establishment in 2004 was in response to the findings of the Louder Voices Report for DFiD, which cited the lack of easy, affordable, and timely access to information about ICT-related issues and processes as key barriers to effective and inclusive ICT policy-making in Africa. 

Job Summary 

The Programme Officer will be responsible for planning, implementing, and reporting all project activities related to business and digital rights. Their duties will include organising and participating in training and mentoring partners, supervising research activities, and engaging with and maintaining relationships with various project stakeholders. 

Key areas of accountability include:
Partnership Building 
  • Identify project partners and develop sustained relationships with various stakeholders in the human rights, digital civic space and the private sector.
  • Build relationships with government actors, particularly those who work on human rights, labour, and digital policy. 
  • Support the capacity building of various stakeholders in advocacy for respect of digital rights by businesses.
  • Participate in events by organisational and project partners. 
Policy Engagement
  • Lead in the convening of digital rights and business policy dialogues. 
  • Coordinate CIPESA research in the area of business and digital rights. 
  • Support policy engagements with District Local Governments, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Training and Mentorship
  • Participate in the development of digital rights advocacy toolkits for businesses.
  • Participate in training civil society organisations and SMEs in advocacy for digital rights protection in the business context.
  • Mentor civil society, small business enterprise owners, and associations in implementing digital rights awareness campaigns.
  • Support the development and dissemination of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.
Project Management and Reporting
  • Ensure that project outcomes are delivered on time, on budget and according to the quality of standards of CIPESA and funding partners.
  • Prepare project reports and briefs and ensure timely submission to the CIPESA Management and funding partners.
  • Monitor the progress of project milestones and activities against the scheduled work plans and objectives.
  • Support the wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements among partners and other stakeholders. 
Qualification and Experience 
  • An undergraduate degree in human rights, law, social or development studies, governance, or project planning and management. A Post-Graduate/ Masters qualification will be an advantage.
  • Four or more years of experience in human rights, governance or humanitarian programming with a reputable institution, preferably in the civil society/ non-government sector. 
  • An understanding of digital rights and human rights in the business context.
  • Effective communication, excellent written and presentation skills, and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrable experience in project management and implementation. 
  • Experience in effective teamwork, as well as interpersonal and liaison skills.
  • Experience in coalition building, advocacy and working with civil society actors to deliver effective policy change.
  • Training and mentoring experience, particularly for adults.
  • Donor funds management and reporting experience.
  • Ability to conduct research and write policy reports and briefs is desirable.
Standards of Professional Conduct:

CIPESA staff and partners must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Code of Conduct, and the Safeguarding against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH) Policy. In accordance with these, CIPESA operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, and several others.

How to Apply:

Applications, including a cover letter outlining how you fit the job requirements, your areas of expertise, and salary expectations, a CV, samples of your work, and the names and contacts of two referees, should be submitted in one PDF file to [email protected] with Application for Programme Officer in the email subject line.

Job Opportunity: Driver

Call for Applications |

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is seeking a Driver to support the implementation of organisational activities. 

Job Title: Driver

Location: Kampala, Uganda 

Duration: Three (3) Years with possibility of renewal 

Reports to: Procurement and Logistics Officer 
Deadline: October 31, 2024

About CIPESA

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) works to defend and expand the digital civic space to enable the protection and promotion of human rights and to enhance innovation and sustainable development. With a focus on disparate actors, including the private sector, civil society, media, policymakers, and multinational institutions, our work aims to engender a free, open, and secure internet that advances rights, livelihoods, and democratic governance. CIPESA’s work responds to a shortage of information, research, resources, and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights, and society. Indeed, CIPESA’s establishment in 2004 was in response to the findings of the Louder Voices Report for DFiD, which cited the lack of easy, affordable, and timely access to information about ICT-related issues and processes as key barriers to effective and inclusive ICT policy-making in Africa. 

Job Summary

The Driver will be responsible for driving company vehicles to support the implementation of organisational operations. The Driver will also be responsible for maintenance of the organisation’s fleet of vehicles per CIPESA’s Travel and Fleet Management Policy. 

Key responsibilities: 

Vehicle maintenance

  • Ensure that all organisation vehicles are in sound mechanical condition and are serviced promptly. 
  • Ensure that all organisational cars are kept clean and well-maintained.
  • Report any mechanical faults or accidents to the Procurement Officer. 
  • Regularly check that the First Aid kits are complete and that every vehicle has the required spare parts and tools. 
  • Regularly check vehicles and submit a checklist report to the Procurement Officer.
  • Where possible, perform minor repairs as required but recommend significant cases to a garage/auto repair shop.

Record keeping

  • Maintain vehicle log sheets and ensure the accurate record of all vehicle trips, fuel fill-ups, time and mileage readings.
  • Ensure a timely and accurate fuel fill-up of vehicle log sheets.
  • Monitor and ensure that vehicle request forms are filled out and submitted to the Procurement Officer for travel allocation.
  • Ensure that all vehicle repair reports are forwarded to the Procurement Officer every time a repair is done.
  • Regularly check and ensure that vehicle comprehensive and third party insurance is valid before any trip and inform the Procurement Officer a month in advance for renewals. 

Qualifications and Experience 

  • Minimum of O’Level certificate or equivalent 
  • Valid driver’s licence of class ‘B’ and/ ‘D’
  • A Defensive driver’s certificate
  • Demonstrable experience of at least five years of class B and/or D driving 
  • Experience working with an NGO, with at least three years in the field. 
  • Excellent understanding of vehicle mechanics, maintenance and management 
  • Clean criminal record. 
  • Good command of the English language.
  • Good interpersonal skills.

Standards of Professional Conduct:

CIPESA staff and partners must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Code of Conduct and the Safeguarding against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH) Policy. In accordance with these, CIPESA enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, and several others.

How to apply 
Applications, including a cover letter and CV with the contacts of two referees, should be submitted in one PDF file to [email protected] with “Application for Driver” in the email subject line.

Job Opportunity: Finance and Grants Manager

Announcement |

We are searching for a Finance and Grants Manager who will be responsible for overseeing financial transactions, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and regulations.

Job Description

Position: Finance and Grants Manager 

Organisation: Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)

Location: Kampala, Uganda

Duration: Three years (renewable)

About Us: Established in 2004, CIPESA is a leading centre for research and analysis of information aimed to enable policy makers in the region to understand ICT policy issues, and for various multi-stakeholders to effectively use ICT to improve governance and livelihoods. Our work responds to shortage of information, resources and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights and society in Africa. We conduct our work mostly through research, advocacy, capacity development, and convenings.

Main Purpose of Job:

The Finance and Grants Manager is responsible for overseeing financial transactions, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and regulations. This role plays a vital part in the organisation’s financial management and supports decision-making processes by providing accurate and timely financial information. Furthermore, the Manager will support the CIPESA management in donor compliance, timely reporting, project document filing, and project management.

Key responsibilities

  1. Financial Transactions:
    • Process and record financial transactions, including payments, invoices, receipts, and expenses.
    • Ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data and documentation.
    • Review and verify financial documents for compliance with organisational policies and procedures.
  2. Budget Management:
    • Assist in budget preparation, monitoring, and control.
    • Track budget expenditures and report on variances.
    • Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure adherence to budgetary guidelines.
  3. Financial Reporting:
    • Prepare and generate financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
    • Provide regular financial reports to management, highlighting key financial metrics and trends.
  4. Bank and Cash Management:
    • Manage bank accounts and perform bank reconciliations.
    • Monitor cash flows and ensure adequate liquidity to meet organisational needs.
    • Facilitate cash and fund transfers as required.
  5. Audit and Compliance:
    • Assist in the preparation for internal and external audits.
    • Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements.
    • Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.
  6. Financial Analysis:
    • Conduct financial analysis to support decision-making and long-term financial planning.
    • Provide insights and recommendations based on financial data.
  7. Payroll Processing:
    • Administer payroll processes, including salary calculations, deductions, and tax compliance.
    • Ensure accurate and timely disbursement of employee salaries and salary slips.
  8. Vendor and Supplier Management:
    • Manage relationships with vendors and suppliers.
    • Review and process supplier invoices and payments.

     9. Grant Management:

  • Oversee the implementation of grant-funded programs and projects.
  • Monitor grant progress, track expenses, and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
  • Prepare and submit required grant reports and documentation in a timely manner.
  • Maintain accurate records of grant-related activities

   10. Relationship Building:

  • Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with donors, funding agencies and programme partners.
  • Attend meetings, conferences, and networking events to stay informed about grant opportunities and trends.

   11. Compliance and Risk Management:

  • Ensure that the organisation complies with grant requirements and regulations.
  • Identify and mitigate risks associated with grant-funded projects.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
  • Professional certification (e.g., CPA, CFA) is a plus.
  • Proven experience in finance or accounting roles and grants management .
  • Familiarity with financial regulations, accounting principles, and best practices.
  • Proficiency in financial software e.g. QuickBooks and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.
  • Knowledge of donor compliance regulations
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Standards of Professional Conduct:

CIPESA staff and partners must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Code of Conduct, Equal Opportunity Policy, and Safeguarding against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH) Policy. In accordance with these CIPESA operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, and several others.

Application Process:

Refer to the application procedures here.