Job Title: Manager, Market Systems Development
Department/Group: Implementation
Reporting To: Head of Technical Team and Special Projects
Years of Experience 10+ years
Location: Mbarara, Uganda
Travel Required: 80%

About Raising The Village

Raising The Village’s mission is to build and strengthen pathways out of ultra-poverty through an approach guided by data, designed with communities, and scaled by partnerships. We work with last-mile communities to implement solutions that raise incomes, sustain impact, and chart sustainable pathways to possibility within 24 months. To date, we have supported more than two million people in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with support from our partners and our team in North America. Find out more about our programs and impact at www.raisingthevillage.org.

Role Description

Are you passionate about transforming Uganda’s agri-business sector? As Manager, Market Systems Development, you will drive sustainable market solutions that enhance livelihoods and strengthen rural economies. You will collaborate with key technical and coordination teams, ensuring effective implementation of our program roadmap and supporting the growth of our agricultural value chains.

This pivotal role requires an innovative leader with a deep understanding of Uganda’s agribusiness landscape, monetization strategies, value-chain development, and financial inclusion, especially the VSLA model. Working closely with the Implementation, Agricultural, Applied Learning, Planning, and VENN teams, you will design and execute high-impact initiatives that empower smallholder farmers, producer groups, and local entrepreneurs.

We are looking for a strategic thinker with strong networking skills, technical expertise, and the ability to integrate program functions into a cohesive growth strategy. If you thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and love driving teamwork, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities
Market Assessments & Program Strategy

• Lead community vulnerability assessments to identify economic opportunities and barriers.
• Conduct value-chain analysis to map out inclusive market interventions.
• Develop strategic guidelines for selecting suitable program participants, ensuring transparent and effective community engagement.

Financial Inclusion & Group Strengthening

• Facilitate the formation, governance, and strategic direction of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
• Strengthen financial literacy and support village champions and peer facilitators to ensure sustainability.
• Align VSLA activities with long-term program sustainability objectives, ensuring youth and gender inclusivity.

Digital Integration & Financial Services Linkages

• Support the integration of digital financial tools, ensuring accessibility and effective usage.
• Build partnerships with SACCOs, MFIs, and banks to enhance community access to financial services.
• Provide technical oversight on digital solutions, training, and troubleshooting.

Market Systems & Livelihood Diversification

• Develop market linkages between RTV community partners, farmers, input suppliers, and buyers.
• Identify and facilitate demand-driven vocational training for youth and women.
• Promote climate-resilient agriculture and agro-processing best practices in all economic interventions.

Capacity Building & Technical Leadership

• Mentor RTV staff and partners in financial literacy, governance, and agribusiness strategies.
• Support frontline teams in developing structured work plans and implementation timelines.
• Facilitate training for VSLA members in life skills, risk management, and financial planning.
• Oversee performance tracking, coaching, and evaluation of village agents and community facilitators.

Monitoring, Learning & Reporting

• Establish remote monitoring systems for tracking VSLA functionality and economic outcomes.
• Compile qualitative and quantitative reports, highlighting impact, success stories, and lessons learned.
• Lead community-driven evaluation processes to foster ownership and adaptive learning.

Partnership Development & Accountability

• Engage local authorities, government offices, and community members throughout program implementation.
• Uphold principles of gender equity, youth inclusion, and conflict-sensitive programming.
• Ensure procurement and distribution of essential tools for financial inclusion and market development.
• Maintain high standards of compliance, transparency, and program quality across all projects.

Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, Finance, or related field; or a Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in implementing financial inclusion and market system development projects in rural/subsistence-agriculture contexts.
• Strong background in organizing and supporting VSLAs and linking them to formal financial systems.
• Demonstrated capacity in market analysis, value chain assessments, and development of inclusive economic strategies.
• Experience in designing and conducting participatory community assessments and in leading large-scale group trainings.
• Familiarity with digital tools and applications used in financial inclusion and rural savings mechanisms.
• Effective communicator with strong facilitation, mentorship, and report writing skills.
• Willingness to travel locally in areas of operations as needed. Regular travel is required, including field visits to program sites across Uganda, ensuring close alignment and support for on-ground operations.

Raising The Village is committed to Equity and Inclusion in the workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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