MEAL Officer

Do you want to fight for equality? Tackling inequality at its roots, together with colleagues, our partner organizations and activists in more than 90 countries? To change the systems behind it, once and for all?

Oxfam Novib stands behind the people who stand up for equality. Together, we fight for a world where everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of gender, ethnicity or skin colour. A world where everyone feels safe; where income gaps are shrinking instead of growing, where climate change is tackled more firmly and honestly.
 
Equality is the common thread throughout our activities and projects, but also internally. We are aware that our team of colleagues can be even more diverse and that having a diverse team is the only way to see the world from a broad perspective. To obtain a multi-voiced team, we are therefore calling all persons to apply for this job.

Becoming part of Oxfam? Oxfam in Uganda is looking for a

Position title:                                         MEAL Officer

Deadline for Applications:                   June 8th 2024

Duty Station:                                         Mbale, Uganda

Type of Appointment:                          Fixed-term Contract

Work Schedule:                                    Full-time 40 hours per week

Reports to:                                            Program Quality & Learning Coordinator

Salary & Scale:                                      D1

Contract Duration:                               12 Months renewable

Start Date:                                             As soon as possible

 

Context:

Oxfam in Uganda started work in the 1960s delivering development and humanitarian support as part of the Oxfam confederation, a global movement of people fighting to end inequality and injustice. Today, we continue to tackle the inequalities that make and keep people poor. We save and protect people’s lives in times of crisis. We work with people to build their resilience and rebuild their livelihoods. We enable vulnerable people’s voices to be heard and campaign for genuine, durable change.

Objective of the position

To provide designated MEAL support to the Humanitarian projects in the Elgon Region and any other as may be assigned by the Line Manager.
 

Job Responsibilities

MEAL System development and implementation:

  • Work with the programme team and the Program Quality  Coordinator in developing/ updating MEAL frameworks and data collection tools that can generate the required information on programme indicators.
  • Work closely with the Program Quality  Coordinator and programme team to ensure that performance indicators are regularly tracked and that program activities are well aligned with the indicators.
  • Coordinate with the humanitarian team and  Program Quality  Coordinator to ensure appropriate allocation of MEAL resources and budget in Programme proposals and annual plans
  • Provide day to day direct support to Programme team in preparation and reviewing of annual and quarterly Programme reports and plans.
  • Utilise MEAL budgets and ensure timely implementation of MEAL activities.
  • Provide technical support to the team in review reviewing TORs for consultancy work

Data gathering, Information management and reporting:

  • Prepare a clear data collection plan in discussion with the programme team and the Program Quality  Coordinator; ensure that any changes to such a plan are well managed and communicated promptly.
  • Maintain an updated Programme Indicator Performance Tracker Table (IPTT) and Output tracker, in addition to other report requirements as may be requested
  • Support the Resilient livelihood project team to prepare timely and quality reports for the Resilient livelihood theme ensuring that such reports demonstrate accountability and learning.
  • Working closely with the Communication team, support the documentation of programme results, impact, best practices and significant changes, and maintain a database of such  information (including photos) that can be easily utilized for reporting and sharing with other stakeholders
  • Working closely with the program quality coordinator, to support the dissemination of learnings, reports, publications and participate in learning sessions, and ensure that the lessons learnt are utilized to inform on-going and future programming and advocacy.
  • Ensure timely and quality reporting of the programme results and contribute to the global reports in terms of provision of accurate information

Accountability:

  • Act as a focal point for Oxfam responsible for facilitating the set-up of relevant contextualized feedback and complaints infrastructures, mechanisms, and approaches to receive feedback and complaints from beneficiaries.
  • Participate in the development of information sharing materials/briefs, posters and brochures, and dissemination of Programme information materials to relevant stakeholders, partners and beneficiaries.
  • Collect and manage complaints and feedback in close coordination with the Programme team. Track timeliness of  response  to complaints  and maintain  an updated  Programme  complaints  tracker
  • Support project teams in strengthening the accountability mechanisms at project level.
  • Support the tracking of the commitments and plans made during the PRISIMA exercise with the partners.

Capacity building for Oxfam and Partner staff:

  • Train the project team and other relevant staff at the partners’ level on MEAL concepts and tools (including the use of  ICT in data management within the program),
  • Undertake periodic monitoring and technical support visits to partner working areas to assess progress against the agreed MEAL system and recommend corrective actions as appropriate.
  • Work closely with partner MEAL team or focal point on overall MEAL issues

Review, reflection and learning:

  • Assist the Programme team and partners in documenting lessons learnt
  • Collecting best practices, case studies demonstrating qualitative and quantitative changes over time Support programme reviews and learning events at project locations.
  • Delivering any other responsibility assigned by the line manager or matrix manager.

Who are we looking for?

  • Of course, you have At least three (3 years) of working experience in humanitarian and development settings. Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in social sciences, statistics, IT, project management and any related field from a recognized university with a postgraduate diploma in monitoring and evaluation. Excellent understanding of indicator matrices, monitoring and evaluation/results frameworks (including expertise in design of indicators and data collection tools, testing and data collection and analysis). Experience with some or all of the following tools Excel (including pivot tables), SPSS, Stata, Survey-CTO, KoBo toolbox. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong commitment to gender equality and social justice, including to the aims and objectives of Oxfam. Ability to work under pressure, ability to prioritize and commitment to meet deadlines. Potential and flexibility of attitude to learn and take on new tasks. Commitment to Oxfam’s overall aims and policies and experience of promoting women’s rights and the interests of marginalized people in all aspects of Oxfam’s work. 

Working at Oxfam Novib

All our work is guided by our core values: Empowerment, Accountability, Inclusiveness, Courage, Solidarity and Equality.

  • At Oxfam Novib, we work according to the Feminist Principles - Oxfam Policy & Practice.
  • Oxfam Novib is committed to offering you a motivating work environment at our offices in Kampala. We offer a two-year contract from the start with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.
  • Oxfam Novib offers an attractive and honest benefits package, including a year-end allowance and yearly pay increase. The salary range for this position is set in scale with a salary range between Grade D1 gross based on 40 hours a week.
  • Oxfam Novib is based on the power of difference. That is why we aim to attract a diverse mix of talented people who share our standards, values and principles, and who are committed to preventing and eliminating any type of misconduct.
  • We have an active policy against sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, any form of abuse of power or lack of integrity and financial misconduct. This subject will be covered in our application and selection process.

Apply now!

  • Do you believe that this is the job you are looking for? Then we would love to receive your application! Be aware that only applications received before the closing date (June 8th 2024) and submitted via our application portal will be taken into consideration.
  • If you have questions regarding the position, please contact the Human Resource Office at +256 (0) 414-390-500
  • At the time of a contract offer, Oxfam Novib will request valid references. Our candidates will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including criminal records and terrorism, financial checks or integrity screenings/references.

  • Oxfam Novib reserves the right, at its sole discretion, not to make agreements regarding this job opening, make an agreement at a lower level, or make an agreement with an amended job description.

    Acquisition on the occasion of this vacancy is not appreciated.

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Terms of Reference for Consultancy to Conduct a Gender-Sensitive Peace and Conflict Analysis in Refugee and Host Communities in Yumbe, Terego, and Obongi Districts, Uganda

  1. Introduction

The refugee influx in Uganda, particularly in Yumbe, Terego, and Obongi Districts, has resulted in complex dynamics within both refugee and host communities. Understanding the gendered aspects of peace and conflict is essential for effective peacebuilding interventions. Therefore, this Terms of Reference outlines the scope, objectives, methodology, and deliverables for conducting a gender-sensitive peace and conflict analysis in these communities.

2. Background about Oxfam in Uganda

Oxfam is an international confederation of 21 affiliate organizations working together with partners and local communities in more than 90 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. Oxfam in Uganda started work in the early 1960s delivering development and humanitarian support as part of the global movement of people fighting to end inequality and injustice. Today, we continue to tackle the inequalities that make and keep people poor. We save and protect people’s lives in times of crisis. We work with people to build their resilience and rebuild their livelihoods. We enable vulnerable people’s voices to be heard and campaign for genuine, durable change.

Oxfam envisions Uganda free of extreme inequality and injustice; a society where citizens and particularly women across all age groups claim and exercise their rights and responsibilities and can influence decisions that affect their lives. Our one country program is hinged on four thematic areas that is Inclusive Governance & Accountability, Resilient livelihoods, Humanitarian Preparedness and Response; and Gender Justice & Women’s Rights.

3. Information about the Project:

 Oxfam and WCC in collaboration with Refugee Led Organizations i.e. Community Empowerment for Creative Innovation (CECI), Youth Social Advocacy Team (YSAT), and Refugee-led Organizations Network (RELON), received  GAC funding to implement ‘Geared for Success’ (GFS), 5-year, gender-responsive initiative in South Sudan and Uganda, with a public engagement component in Canada. although GFS will directly reach people in Canada, the ultimate project participants are students/learners in Uganda and South Sudan. GFS’ ultimate outcome is enhanced equitable and inclusive learning outcomes for ‘refugee, internally displaced and host community children and youth, particularly girls and adolescent girls’ (hereinafter referred to as ultimate project participants) in the districts of Yumbe, Terego and Obongi in Uganda. GFS will achieve this by increasing access to education for ultimate beneficiaries, driven by local refugee-led organizations (RLOs) and community-based organizations (hereinafter referred to collectively as CBOs). 

Oxfam and WCC believe that empowering CBOs is the key to achieve our ultimate outcome. CBOs are on the front lines of providing essential education services for refugees and IDPs. However, their ability to have impact depends on having strong organizational and technical capacity, community support, financial resources, and access to duty-bearers. Unfortunately, resources from governments are overstretched, putting the needs of IDPs and refugees and their organizations, secondary to those of host communities. Even when there are investments for IDPs/refugees and their organizations by governments or other donors, they tend to not be tailored to their needs. To ensure that CBOs are ‘geared for success’, this project will facilitate and provide technical and financial resources to improve their performance -with more female leadership and community support-, allowing them to enable access to education and to successfully advocate for the right to education for ultimate beneficiaries. GFS will also strengthen Canadians’ (including Diaspora) contribution to education for refugees/IDPs and to the ‘Together for Learning’ Campaign, and will advance the evidence base on the role of CBOs in enhancing gender-responsive education for refugees and IDPs.   

The project’s design and Theory of Change is grounded in the following general assumptions, that will be continuously tested and evidenced throughout the project:

Gender equality and women’s empowerment:

  • Women’s and girls’ rights are fundamental human rights and essential to advancing gender justice, equality, non-discrimination, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence.
  • Promoting feminist agency, meaning women’s and girls’ autonomy and meaningful decision-making power, is integral to achieving the project aims.
  • Collaboration, participation and learning among all the key stakeholder groups identified are critical to successful outcomes and lasting change for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Triple nexus approach:

  • The triple nexus approach is necessary to achieve durable education solutions and advance gender equality, particularly for displaced populations, in this context of severe gender inequality, human rights violations, protracted conflict and violence, weak governance, high socio-economic vulnerability and natural disasters. 
  • There are peace and social cohesion dividends from working on the triple nexus – i.e., through connecting communities with each other and highlighting common challenges and goals, including those of children, especially girls and adolescent girls, and through mitigating risks, negative perceptions, and discrimination that may hinder their access to gender-responsive education or increase tensions or disparities. Even activities without an explicit goal of peaceful coexistence, such as designing and implementing a school feeding initiative as part of school garden, have been shown to reduce community tensions and foster greater levels of empathy and engagement, as they give participants an opportunity to spend time engaged in mutually beneficial, constructive tasks, and understand each other’s lives and points of view.

A risk to the achievement of the project’s ultimate outcome is an intensification in conflict in the project locations, that could lead to mass displacements and the inability to implement activities and thereby achieve the project’s intended results. As a mitigation, the project will maintain updated conflict analyses throughout the project’s implementation, as a basis for early warning and early response planning. In conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts, understanding the intricate dynamics of conflict and peace within communities is paramount. However, traditional analyses often overlook the gendered aspects of conflict, resulting in incomplete assessments and ineffective interventions. To address this gap, the project aims to conduct a gender-sensitive peace and conflict analysis in target communities, with a focus on identifying and understanding the gender-specific drivers of conflict, deepen the understanding of the complex interplay between gender dynamics and conflict, ultimately contributing to more effective and sustainable peacebuilding interventions. The Gender-Sensitive Peace and Conflict Analysis will contribute to more informed, inclusive, and effective peacebuilding efforts that recognize and respond to the intersecting needs and experiences of individuals across different genders and social identities within refugee and host communities in Yumbe, Terego, and Obongi Districts, Uganda.

4. Purpose and Objectives:

a. Purpose of the study

 The purpose of the study is to comprehensively understand the nuanced gender dynamics of conflict and peace within the Refugee and host communities. 

b. Objectives of the study:

  • Identify the underlying gender-specific drivers of conflict, including socioeconomic disparities, cultural norms, access to resources, and power dynamics, to address the root causes effectively.
  • To identify the differential impact of conflict on various genders and vulnerable groups.
  • Develop targeted strategies to strengthen the resilience of communities
  • Provide evidence-based insights and recommendations to design and implement gender-sensitive policies and programs that promote sustainable and stability.

   5.  Scope of Work:                                                                                           

Technical Scope: The Study will focus on understanding the gender dynamics, in order to explore gender specific drivers of conflict and highlight the differential impact of conflict on the various vulnerable groups.   And develop targeted strategies to strengthen the resilience of communities. Finally come up with recommendations to design and implement gender-sensitive policies and programs that promote sustainability, peace and stability. In a bid to examine these the study will interact with the different stakeholders, (Government officials, Local leaders of both the refugees and the host community, Community members from both the targeted settlements and the host communities), Partner organisation among others. 

Geographical Scope:

The research will cover Oxfam project Operation areas in West Nile and the geographical coverage will be limited to locations of Yumbe, Bidibidi refugee settlement, Terego - Omugo refugee settlement and Obongi DLGs Palorinya refugee settlement in specific clusters or villages recommended to Oxfam and Partners by OPM. 

6. Methodology

The expected methodology will include both Qualitative and Quantitative approaches in generating primary and secondary data for analysis.

The consultant is expected to articulate the research design and provide detail of study approaches that will be applied. The methods should be sensitive to the target population (unit of analysis), and robust enough to provide adequate responses to the stated research questions. Overall, the methodology section should cover details of study design and approaches, sampling, sample size determination, data collection methods/instruments, data analysis techniques, plan for dissemination of study findings and a statement on quality assurance and ethical considerations during the evaluation. Overall, the section the section should provide details of how the research will be conducted. The expected approach should be described in enoughdetail to enable any other evaluator interested in the same study to apply the same methodology.

The methodology will, be developed by the consultant, as well as all relevant tools presented in the inception report. The three strategic objectives mentioned in chapter 2 should, be assessed, including all research questions under each objective. The data collection should include the use of a number of approaches to gain a deeper understanding of the outcomes of the project, including:

  • Desk Review: Review existing literature, reports, and data on peace and conflict, gender relations, and refugee situations.
  • Stakeholder Consultations: Engage with diverse stakeholders through interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews.
  • Gender Analysis: Apply gender-sensitive analytical frameworks to assess the gendered dimensions of conflict and peacebuilding.
  • Data Collection: Conduct surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions to gather primary data on gender-specific experiences and perceptions.
  • Data Analysis: Analyse collected data using qualitative and quantitative methods, with a gender-sensitive lens, to identify patterns and trends related to conflict drivers and gender dynamics.
  • In addition to the data collection method, an appropriate and strategic sampling method should be selected e.g. snowball sampling, purposeful random sampling or mixed purposeful sampling. The selected consultant will prepare a detailed methodology and share with Oxfam team for review and approval through an inception report.

Note; The consultant should develop their proposal based on the one of the following approaches (see links below). Familiarity and/or proposal based on one and/or more of the following toolkits:

7. Study outputs /Deliverables:

The consultant is, expected to lead, accomplish and submit the following deliverables within the agreed timeframe and budget:

  • An inception report, detailing  how the study will be, conducted. 
  • Draft report.
  • Final report, The report should consist of:
    • Standard cover sheet
    • Executive summary; 
    • Description of objectives, 
    • Methods and limitations; 
    • Study findings, 
    • Conclusions and Recommendations.
  • Raw data in any of the following statistical packages (STATA, SPSS, Excel) and also transcribed qualitative scripts.
  • Presentation: Present the research findings and recommendations, to Oxfam, key stakeholders and partners within 1 week of finalizing the report.
  • Annexes:
  • Relevant maps and photographs of the evaluation areas where necessary
  • Bibliography of consulted secondary sources
  •  Finalized data collection tools
  • List of interviewees with accompanying informed consent forms.

8. Qualification and experience.

The consultancy should have:

  • Bachelor's and or Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Management, a Master’s degree in Gender studies are required and post-graduate diploma in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning is an added advantage. 
  • Should have excellent skills with participatory approaches for research.
  • Demonstrated expertise in gender-sensitive peace and conflict analysis, with experience working in refugee contexts and conflict-affected settings.
  • Strong analytical skills and familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Prior experience in Uganda or similar contexts is desirable.
  • Knowledge of the Ugandan-refugee context, including its cultural and gender dynamics.
  • Strong report-writing skills.
  • Neutral, non-judgmental facilitation skills that can foster constructive conversations around sensitive subjects amongst diverse stakeholders. 
  • Experience in using participatory and engaging workshop facilitation methodologies (strongly preferred) .
  • Strong English language skills required, other local languages an asset. 

9. Ethical Considerations:

The consultant must adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the privacy and safety of all participants.

10. Timeline and estimated working days. 

The proposed evaluation time frame is 30 working days. This will be done in accordance with the OXFAM evaluation criteria.

Activity

  • Consultant to sign a contract for the assignment - 1 day.
  • Review of documents and development of the inception report and study instruments - 3 days 
  • Presentation of Inception report and data collection tools - 1 day 
  • Training of research assistants and pre-testing of study instruments - 2 days 
  • Primary data collection (fieldwork) - 10 days 
  • Data analysis and report writing - 8 days.
  • Submission of the draft study report to Oxfam in Uganda - 1 day
  • Incorporating comments on draft report - 2 days 
  • Submission of the final project study report to Oxfam in Uganda - 1 day
  • Presentation of study findings/ sharing feedback on a report - 1 day

* Timetable depends on the weather, not all areas may be accessible in case of rain or insecurity.

The consultant should provide a detailed budget/ Financial proposal covering all expenses related to the research, including personnel, travel, data collection tools, and other relevant costs.

Oxfam will provide resources professional fees to facilitate implementation of the assignment.

Statutory Deductions, the Consultant will be responsible for declaration of the income for income tax purposes (i.e. 6% from the gross payment) payable to Uganda Revenue Authority in accordance with the income tax regulations of the Republic of Uganda.

13. Evaluation and award of Consultancy

Proposal study Criteria

The technical proposal will be evaluated based on the Quality Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) Criteria: 

  1. The individual general reliability as well as experience and capacity in the carrying out the assignment (30%).
  2. The approach in responding to the TOR and detailed work Oxfam in Uganda (45%).
  3. The qualifications and competencies of the proposed personnel for the assignment (25%).Proposals obtaining more than 70% of the technical points will be considered technically suitable and qualify for financial assessment.

Payment: The consultant will be paid 30% upon approval of the inception report and 70% upon submission and approval of final report and any agreed upon products of the study. The technical fees will be subjected to 6% withholding Tax.

14. Supervision/management of the assignment

The study will be supervised by the Refugee Engagement and Participation Coordinator with support from the Area Manager and the MEAL contact person.

15. Submission of Technical and Financial Proposal:

Interested applicants are expected to submit the following not later than 24th April  2024

  • Technical proposal
  • Financial Proposal: the financial proposal should provide cost estimate for services to be rendered including consultancy fees, transport, accommodation and living costs, stationeries and supplies needed for data collection etc.

Interested applicants/firms are invited to submit the following: 

  • A cover letter outlining relevant experience in similar work (1-2 pages) 
  • CV of the consultant(s) and/or information about the firm.
  • Technical Proposal on the understanding of the TOR, methodology , Sample size and suggested workplan.
  • List of proposed key activities, Level of Effort  and timeframe/workplan  
  • Financial proposal

The application package should also include: 

  1. A list of three references that can attest to their expertise as it relates to this assignment and /or Copies of similar evaluation reports conducted by the applicant where possible and or a recommendation letter from an NGO’s who the consultant has worked with before.
  2. Confirmation of availability for assessment period and ability to travel to project location.

Please ensure your submission email has the subject heading: “Geared for Success - Consultancy to Conduct a Gender-Sensitive Peace and Conflict Analysis in Refugee and Host Communities in Yumbe, Terego, and Obongi Districts, Uganda”. to ugandalogistics@oxfam.org by 5:00pm , 24th April, 2024

 

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Recentering the Civic Internet through Partner Engagement (RECIPE)

CONTEXT

According to latest Freedom House report, internet freedom declined for the 12th consecutive year in 2022. Only 70 countries are assessed, but they represent 89% of the world’s population. The report found only 18% of humanity living in locations categorised as "free”. Activists were arrested, charged, or imprisoned in 53 countries “in retaliation for posts about political or social causes”, and at least 40 countries, authorities blocked “social, political or religious content”. 

The report also noted that “64% of humanity lives in contexts where individuals have been attacked or killed for their online activity”, just in the last 2 years. The Action focuses on 10 countries where the Digital Rights situation is most at risk: Senegal, Tunisia, Kenya, Somalia, OPT, Uganda, Cambodia, Vietnam, El Salvador and Bolivia. 

Oxfam has years of experience working in all these countries, through local partners involved in digital rights, and via technical support/expertise with the Digital in Programs (DIP) Network at the Oxfam confederation and global level. All 10 of the countries selected are categorized by the Freedom House as either "Not Free” or "Partly Free”. 

Each country context has a unique set of issues they confront in the digital rights space, however, there are several common threads among the main problems identified in all focus countries.

Among them are; the lack of basic awareness of digital rights, access to digital resources and digital literacy, and the knowledge and tools to protect themselves against online threats, government control of digital space; either to supress freedom of expression online or actively target CSOs and digital rights defenders for cyber-attacks, harassment & intimidation and/or surveillance, and lack of capacity within national civil society (NGOs, activists, academia) to confront and defend against these digital security and safety risks.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

 With funding support from the European Union, Oxfam in Uganda, and the Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG) are implementing a 3-year nationwide program titled “Recentering the Civic Internet through Partner Engagement to create a value-based digital ecosystem that is safe for both civil society and rights defenders. 

The project will be implemented in 10 countries including Senegal, Tunisia, Kenya, Somalia, OPT, Uganda, Cambodia, Vietnam, El Salvador and Bolivia to increase the collaboration between the ‘Global South’ and ‘Global North’ and amplify the voices of community members.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

To cultivate a rights-respecting digital ecosystem that is values-based, human-centric and safe for civil society actors and human rights defenders. 

EXPECTED RESULTS

  • Civic activists and CSOs have increased agency to promote and defend rights online. 
  • Civic activists and CSOs have increased capacity for long-term participation in global, regional, and national digital rights debate within multistakeholder forums and increased influence on processes and policies that protect digital rights and inform internet governance.   
  • Policies and practices that protect digital rights and promote EU digital principles are enacted and enforced internationally and within participating regions and countries. 
  • CSO & the communities they support, and women and girls, have the access and digital literacy needed to participate socially and politically.

TARGET GROUPS

  • Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
  • Civic Activists and Human Rights Defenders
  • Communities and Civil Society Representatives/Members
  • Tech Companies
  • Government Authorities. 

IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS

  • Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG)

PROJECT COVERAGE

  • National

PROJECT DURATION

  • 3 Years (2024-2027)

FUNDED BY

  • European Union

BUDGET

  • €270,000

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GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

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Leadership Empowerment Access and Protection (LEAP) II

CONTEXT

Uganda has seen several crises, from the ongoing violence in its neighbouring countries to health pandemics like COVID-19 and Ebola that have exacerbated the world food crisis.

Up to 73% of refugees and 94% of host populations are employed in agriculture across all refugee camps. In addition to receiving food help, refugees also run small businesses, yet their overall revenue is still inadequate to cover their necessities. 
Accordingly, recent research indicated that 91% of refugee families in Uganda are very susceptible economically, with West Nile refugees having the greatest degree of vulnerability (96%) as compared to those in the Southwest (84%).
It was also shown that relief assistance is the primary source of income for around 54% of the refugee families. Since refugees have been able to participate in economic activities to a greater extent over time, this percentage has lately decreased to 37% for the many refugee families that have lived in the nation for longer.

With the scaling down of food assistance by the World Food Program (WFP) due to resource constraints, this has meant that relief assistance is based on prioritization; where the neediest families are the focus of assistance thus the least vulnerable families no longer get food aid under this new arrangement. 

As a result, most refugees who are believed to        be capable of farming to support their food needs are left out, which leads to a desire for ongoing supplemental help to produce additional food for refugees and host communities to achieve sustainable lives thus informing Oxfam in Uganda’s implementation of the Advancing Women’s Leadership, Empowerment, and Resilience in Uganda’s Refugee Response: Phase II (LEAP II) project

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Leadership, Empowerment, Access, and Protection (LEAP Il) is being implemented in the Refugee Hosting Districts of Yumbe, Terego, and Kyegegwa. The Norwegian Embassy funds this initiative through UN Women and involves a consortium of partners, including Oxfam, Uganda Refugees Disaster Management Council (URDMC), and SEE (Social, Economic, and Environmental) Impact. The project focuses on advancing the well-being of Refugee and Host Community Women and Girls affected by Conflict, Severe Drought, and Forced Displacement.

During its implementation, it will seek to empower crisis-affected populations, particularly women and youth, to have better access to food, income, and resilience to climate shocks.

PROJECT AIM

To ensure that positive coping mechanisms and sustainable economic activities are promoted for refugee and host community women and girls.

TARGET REACH:

  • 45660 (direct participants)
  • 9132 (Indirect participants)

 EXPECTED RESULTS

  • Refugee and host community women have increased access to sustainable non-agricultural livelihood opportunities.
  • Refugee and host community women have increased participation and benefit in Disaster Risk Reduction/Women’s Resilience Disasters

PARTNERS

  • Uganda Refugee Disaster Management Council (URDMC).
  • SEE (Social, Economic, and Environmental) IMPACT

FUNDED BY

  • Embassy of Norway through UN Women

BUDGET

  • $717,197.70

PROJECT DURATION

  • 2024-2026

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

  • Yumbe 
  • Terego 
  • Kyegegwa 

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RESILIENT LIVELIHOODS

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Humanitarian Development & Peace Initiative (DANIDA S.P II)

ABOUT THE PROJECT

OXFAM in Uganda received funding from DANIDA through Oxfam IBIS for contextualized Strategic Partnership with the indicative budget frame to Uganda on Economic Justice and Inclusive democracies, Education for active citizenship, Inclusive peacebuilding, Humanitarian Action & Resilience.

This initiative is being implemented in partnership with 4 Refugee Led Organizations, a National Community Based Organization and 4 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to achieve a peaceful, gender and climate-just society that upholds all human rights through the promotion of peaceful co-existence, delivery of livelihood and food security, education, climate change, and economic and social justice interventions in South-west (EACOP district) and West Nile districts of Yumbe, Madi Okollo, and Terego. 

Oxfam is supporting its nine partners with direct funding to undertake and implement most of the activities while Oxfam as a lead partner is engaged more into capacity building and coordination. 4 Refugee Led Organizations I.e. Community Empowerment for Creative Innovation (CECI), Youth Social Advocacy Team (YSAT), I CAN South Sudan (I CAN SS), YETA and URDMC are implementing the Peacebuilding and livelihoods initiatives as well as Lugbara Kari, a cultural institution based in Arua. Luigi Giussani Institute of Higher Education (LGIHE), Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), and Civic Response on Environment and Development (CRED) dwelling are more on advocacy on Budget, Education and the Petroleum ensuring respect for fundamental human rights and equity in accessing the services and resources. 

PROJECT AIM

  • To achieve a peaceful, gender and climate-just society that upholds all human rights through the promotion of peaceful co-existence, delivery of livelihood and food security, education, climate change, and economic and social justice interventions.

 IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS

  • Refugee-led Organisations (CECI, YSAT, I CAN South Sudan, YETA and URDMC)
  • Cultural institution (Lugbara Kari)
  • Advocacy Partners (LGIHE, CSBAG, and CRED)

 FUNDED BY

  • DANIDA (The Danish Development Cooperation)

PROJECT DURATION

  • 3 Years (2022-2025)

PROJECT LOCATIONS

  • West Nile Districts of Yumbe, Madi-Okollo and Terego. 

BUDGET

  • €810,047
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governance and accountability

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Sarah, the chairperson of a handicrafts group in Bidibidi refugee setttlement, uses a microphone to call women to join her group. Photo Kieran Doherty Oxfam.jpg

GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

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Women’s Economic Empowerment and Care (WE-Care) Phase V

We Care

CONTEXT

Across the continent and elsewhere in the world, unpaid care work sustains communities and economies. It provides essential care for children, sick and elderly people, and people with disabilities. However, this work falls disproportionately on women and girls, limiting their opportunities to participate in decent paid employment, education, leisure and political life.

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), women in Uganda spend an average of seven hours on unpaid work, while men spend five hours, allowing them to allocate more time to productive work, devoting up to five hours compared to women's three hours.

In 2013, the Women’s Economic Empowerment and Care (WE-Care) program which is an Oxfam flagship initiative was launched to increase women’s and girls’ time and choice to participate in social, economic, and political life by transforming how unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW) is valued, shared, and invested in.

The WE-Care programme seeks to increase the recognition of UCDW in public policy; reduce heavy and time-consuming UCDW through investments in essential public services and infrastructure; redistribute the responsibility for UCDW more equally between men and women and between households and the state; and ensure that women with care responsibilities are represented in the planning and implementation of budgets and policies that affect their lives. 

The program works towards a just and inclusive society by recognizing, reducing, redistributing, representing, and rewarding unpaid care and domestic work (UCDW). It envisions a world where women and girls have more choice at every stage of their lives and that the work they do is valued. The program has previously been implemented in the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya.

To learn more about the WE-Care programme, click here

ABOUT THE WE-CARE PHASE 5.1 PROGRAMME.

With continued funding from the Hewlett Foundation, Oxfam in Uganda and partners Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), Girls Forum International (GAFI) and Mission Uganda are implementing the 5th phase of the programme with a strong focus on African women and girls gaining greater autonomy over their lives and time. 

Enhanced recognition, reduction, redistribution, reward, and representation of their unpaid and paid care and domestic work will increase their ability to live their lives to the fullest and enjoy better social, economic, political, and cultural rights. 

Whilst the new phase expands also to include underpaid care and domestic work and we have opted to use the acronym UUCDW to describe Unpaid and Underpaid Care and Domestic Work, some activities may focus only on UCDW and others on underpaid care and domestic work.

The program will be implemented in Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya with strong linkages to regional and global spaces and opportunities for influencing UUCDW. 

PROJECT AIM

To increase the recognition of UCDW in public policy; reduce heavy and time-consuming UCDW through investments in essential public services and infrastructure; redistribute the responsibility for UCDW more equally between men and women and between households and the state; and ensure that women with care responsibilities are represented in the planning and implementation of budgets and policies that affect their lives. 

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

  • To Increase the recognition of care, so care is considered valuable work, and women’s and men’s care roles are more visible.
  • Reduce the drudgery of care work so poor families spend fewer hours on care tasks.
  • Incidences of stress and overwork are reduced, so women and men can choose to spend more time on other activities.
  • Redistribute responsibility for care more equitably between women and men, and between households and the state/employers, and facilitate the representation of carers in decision-making and policy-making, to raise care on the agenda.

 IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS

  • Uganda Women’s Network. (UWONET)
  • Girls Forum International (GAFI)
  • Mission Uganda

FUNDED BY

  • Hewlett Foundation

PROJECT DURATION

  • 12 Months.

 

 

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unpaid care and domestic work

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GENDER JUSTICE AND WOMEN RIGHTS

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Strengthening Community-led Actions on Disaster Preparedness and Response

River gauge readers are part of early warning systems used under the project to measure water levels

Project Overview

The increase in extreme events leading to disasters in Uganda and the implications on people’s lives and livelihoods has highlighted a need for national and local disaster preparedness and early action. 

The Elgon region of Eastern Uganda continues to face recurrent floods and mudslides annually that lead to the destruction of infrastructure and loss of lives, assets, and crops, thus causing extreme vulnerability to the communities.

Building on ongoing government efforts, existing local structures, and previous experiences of other actors in the country, Oxfam, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Caritas Tororo, and the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) entered into a partnership and secured funding from ECHO to deliver a Disaster Preparedness Project entitled: Strengthening Community-led Actions on Disaster Preparedness and Response. 

The project will roll out interventions in five highly vulnerable or exposed districts of Bududa, Butaleja, Mbale, Namisindwa, and Sironko in the Mount Elgon region in Eastern Uganda.

Interventions

The planned interventions will build effective linkages between early warning and early action and support gender-sensitive district contingency planning in the targeted districts. To enable timely response, local actors will be provided with access to emergency relief stocks via a regional warehouse to be established in Mbale. They will be supported to deliver timely responses through the Action’s Crisis Modifier. Project delivery will promote locally led preparedness and response actions by District Disaster Management Committees (DDMCs) and District Emergency Coordination Centers (DECOCs) to increase the agency, ownership, and long-term resilience of affected communities, facilitating a shift towards sustainability beyond donor funding.               

Project Objective/ Goal:

  • Disaster prone communities in Mt. Elgon sub-region have increased resilience to hazards.

Specific Objective:

  • Disaster prone communities will be served by stronger, more timely, higher quality Disaster Preparedness and Response actors.
  • The target population's vulnerability to disasters reduced in addition to strengthening the quality and coordination of the LHAs. 

What the project seeks to achieve (Outcomes)

  • Local actors have an increased capacity to identify, prepare for and respond to risks relating to multiple hazards.
  • Institutional linkages, effective coordination, information sharing and advocacy for disaster risk financing strengthened.
  • Effective locally driven responses are implemented through the activation of a cost-effective crisis modifier.

How will we know we have achieved (Outcome indicators)

  • 30% reduction in the number of affected people (experienced, expected or modelled)
  • 5 of District Contingency Plans (DPCs) elaborated/ updated according to OPM methodology officially validated, budgeted integrated into the district development
  • 5 districts that have the capacity to coordinate disaster preparedness mechanisms in the Mt Elgon region by the end of the action
  • 70% of beneficiaries reporting that humanitarian assistance is delivered in a safe, accessible, accountable, and participatory manner
  • 50% of the population aware of the key preparedness measures set out in the disaster preparedness plan.

SUMMARY

Intervention areas: Bududa, Namisindwa, Sironko, Butalejja and Mbale districts (2 sub-counties per district)

Project timeframe/Implementation Period:2 years

    Start:    1st September 2022

    End:    31st August 2024

Project Reach: 

  • 141,256 people directly 
  •  71,251- female 
  • 70,005- male

Total Project Funding: 1, 700,000 million Euros 

Partners:

  • Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
  • Caritas Tororo
  • Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS)

Donor: ECHO

Key stakeholders:

  • Existing community structures
  • District Disaster Management Committees (DDMCs)/ Sub County Disaster Management Committees (SCDMCs) 
  •  The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and local Leaders 
  • Consortium partners and other development partners
Tagged with
EU Humanitarian Aid disaster reduction disaster risk management disaster prevention

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Time to Bridge the Divides: NAM, G77, and WEF can collaboratively fight inequality

Sophie Nampewo
Author: Sarah.Mazirwe
Published:
Sophie Nampewo Njuba |Finance for Development Coordinator |Oxfam in Uganda

In a world marked by increasing complexity, the powerful meetings happening this month in Uganda and elsewhere in the world, like the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), as well as the third South Summit for the Group of 77, present unique opportunities for collaboration and collective problem-solving on pertinent global issues of concern, including climate change, poverty and inequality, gender inequalities, barriers to regional integration, refugee influx among others.

The Annual Davos meeting, traditionally dominated by leaders from the business and political elite, has been criticized by various actors on the power imbalances in our global society. The NAM, founded during the Cold War, aims to give voice to nations not aligned with Western or Eastern blocs and focuses on issues of sovereignty, trade, peace, cooperation, and development. At the same time, the G77 is a coalition of 135 developing countries, designed to promote its members' collective economic interests and create an enhanced joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations.

As we stand at the crossroads of a rapidly changing world, these seemingly disparate entities must recognize their shared responsibility in addressing the global concerns that pave the way for innovative solutions that benefit the ordinary person. 

One key area where these meetings can find common ground is in addressing the growing wealth gap. 

“As we stand at the crossroads of a rapidly changing world, these seemingly disparate entities must recognize their shared responsibility in addressing the global concerns that pave the way for innovative solutions that benefit the ordinary person. ”

By Sophie Nampewo Njuba Finance for Development Coordinator
Oxfam in Uganda

According to an Oxfam recently released Inequality report dubbed Inequality Inc, the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. According to the report, since 2020, the five richest men in the world have seen their fortunes more than double, while almost five billion people have seen their wealth fall. Globally, men own US$105 trillion more wealth than women, and the world’s richest 1% own 43% of all global financial assets. 

A huge concentration of global corporate and monopoly power is exacerbating inequality economy-wide. Through squeezing workers, dodging tax, privatizing the state, and spurring climate breakdown, corporations are driving inequality and acting in the service of delivering ever-greater wealth to their rich owners.

The Inequality gap is continuing to spike, especially in African countries, with many African nations having those who can afford services like education send their children to private schools, which is not an option for many in rural areas. Poorer families rely on attaining education from public schools, which are faced with disparities, and inefficiencies. 

According to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), over one-fifth of African children between the ages of 6 and 11 are not in school, while nearly 60% of youth between the ages of 15 and 17 are not enrolled. This is a huge gap given that education is a leveler. 

Addressing these huge inequality gaps, such as education, calls for a new era of action; governments must radically redistribute the power of billionaires and corporations back to ordinary people. So many other aspects such as climate change, another critical issue that impacts communities worldwide, demand a united front. 

There are converging interests in NAM, G77, and WEF/Davos on business and innovation where they could jointly seek sustainable, inclusive solutions that prioritize people and the environment without sacrificing the economic development aspirations of the various nations. 

In this age of interconnectedness, bridging the gap between the industrialized world and developing nations is crucial for fostering global cooperation in the face of climate challenges. By pooling their resources, expertise, and perspectives, these forums can create a powerful synergy that goes beyond traditional boundaries, offering pragmatic solutions. 

As our Heads of State and delegates leave these meetings, it is key that issues such as universal and affordable education for increased skilling, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), climate financing to reduce the effects of climate change, and empowerment programs, especially for the vulnerable like women and youth are put into action.  This is what we, the ordinary people hope to see out of these powerful meetings. As the UN Secretary-General put it during the Third South Summit for the Group of 77 meeting in Kampala, “Righting our troubled world depends on effective global action.”

Blog topic
Governance and Accountability

When Men Suffer Silently

Photo of Oxfam in Uganda's Gender and Protection Coordinator Wilson Senyonyi
Author: WinnieK
Published:
Wilson Senyonyi- Gender and Protection Coordinator | Oxfam in Uganda

International Men’s Day has been commemorated globally annually on 19th November for at least the last five years by both men and women of goodwill. While not yet recognized as an official day by the United Nations, the day is celebrated around the world to bring out the positive value men bring to the World, their families, and communities. This year’s Global theme is “Zero Male Suicide” calling for collaborative efforts towards stopping male suicide.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to World Health Organization (WHO 2021), 1 in every 100 deaths is by suicide. Among young people aged 15-29, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death after road injury, tuberculosis, and interpersonal violence. In 2019, more than 700,000 people died by suicide.

Statistics from WHO show that suicide in men is twice higher than in women. 12.6 per 100,000 males as compared to 5.4 per 100,000 females.

Suicide is attributed to mental disorders, with anxiety and depressive disorders as the most common. In 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people also experience stigma, discrimination, and violations of human rights.

“In most African Societies, mental health remains a topic shrouded in silence and stigma, particularly among men. Traditional gender norms often emphasize stoicism and emotional restraint for men, leading them to suppress their emotions and avoid seeking help when facing mental health challenges.”

Wilson Senyonyi, Gender and Protection Coordinator
Oxfam in Uganda

This societal pressure not only hinders their ability to cope with issues but also perpetuates the notion that mental health concerns are a sign of weakness. So many other issues can be attributed to as the cause for suicide in men, including the existing stigma surrounding mental health disorders, poverty, poor education, and other social determinants that exacerbate mental health conditions and make treatment more difficult. This is further worsened by the inadequate mental health services provided, especially in rural areas.

The reluctance of men to seek mental health services has severe consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Unaddressed mental health disorders can exacerbate substance abuse, domestic violence, and even lead to suicide. When men suffer silently, it creates a ripple effect that impacts their relationships, productivity, and overall well-being.

Many men resort to alcohol and other harmful coping mechanisms as a way to cope with emotional pain or societal pressures, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction and mental health deterioration. Addressing the underlying mental health concerns is crucial to breaking free from this cycle and fostering healthier coping mechanisms.

In 2019, Oxfam in Uganda conducted a study in West-Nile selected districts of Yumbe and Arua both within the refugee and host communities, on assessing alcoholism and drug abuse effects on GBV, which revealed dire consequences of these to abusers, including but not limited to increasing domestic violence, depression, family break ups and attempts to commit suicide especially among men and with some people ending up committing suicide.

Addressing these challenges requires individuals to take collective action at all levels to prevent and mitigate suicide among men. These include, increased investment in mental health, raising awareness at different levels, conducting research on the contributing factors to committing suicide and how these can be mitigated, public education to reduce stigma, especially among men and policy reforms. 

It is also crucial to take an integrated approach that addresses social determinants of mental health, like poverty and education. All individuals must visit a counselor or counselling psychologist at least twice a year, even when everything looks normal.

Suicide among men can be stopped by addressing mental health and related causes. We all can contribute to zero male suicide.

Oxfam’s Engagement with Refugee-led Organisations in West Nile (Uganda): Lessons on opportunities and challenges

Lessons on opportunities and challenges

OXFAM’S ENGAGEMENT WITH REFUGEE-LED ORGANIZATIONS IN WEST NILE (UGANDA)
Author: WinnieK
Published:
Lessons on opportunities and challenges

Since 2018, Oxfam in Uganda has been supporting South Sudanese refugee-led organizations (RLOs) with funding for a range of peacebuilding, COVID-19 and livelihood activities. Drawing on this experience, this briefing note summarizes some of the most important lessons learned in the working relationship of Oxfam and Uganda-based RLOs. Practical recommendations are also drawn that may be useful for international actors working with RLOs in various contexts, focusing on how to nurture meaningful partnerships, including with regards to funding, capacity building, representation of women and youth, advocacy, knowledge sharing and visibility.

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Oxfam refugee response
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