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JOB VACANCY: FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

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The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) is a nationwide membership organization of diverse women human rights defenders (WHRDs), organizational and individuals. We currently represent over 148 WHRDs from diverse social movements in Uganda promoting the rights of women defenders to a safe and secure work environment with a vision of having a society where fundamental human rights are upheld and respected. We exist to promote a feminist holistic approach integrating a gender perspective as a frame work for protection of WHRDs, We aim to provide WHRDs with access to gender-sensitive and timey  protection and empowerment resources, tools to combat gender-based and other forms of violence connected to their work.  . WHRDN-U is hereby seeking to recruit competent and vibrant Ugandans to fill in the following positions.

Job Title:   Finance and Administration Manager

Reports to: Executive Director
Overview of Position. WHRDN-U is seeking an experienced, Finance and Administration Manager who will be responsible for managing the full spectrum of WHRDN-U’s including; monthly accounting cycle, budgets and monitoring, funder finances and grant reporting, year-end, audit and other related functions. This is a senior-level, hands-on position requiring an organized and experienced individual who has excellent judgement, problem-solving and analytic skills, can work independently and has experience working in a complex non-profit funding environment. In addition to carrying out day-to-day financial work, the Senior Finance Officer will bring expertise on financial systems, policy, and controls. They will be flexible, adaptable and willing to take on a range of tasks when needed.

 

Primary Responsibilities

1.Financial management

  • Manage and carry out a monthly calendar of financial tasks and timelines including overseeing bookkeeping, payroll, budget management, monthly closing, record-keeping and reporting;
  • Collaborate on the preparation of quarterly and yearly financial statements, budget and funder reports, and cash flow forecasts;
  • Lead ongoing budget monitoring and work with the Executive Director and Programs & Administration Coordinator to actively monitor and understand variances;
  • Manage other financial areas such as banking/signing authorities, vendor accounts,
  • Ensure that activities, expenditures and financial practices are in compliance with WHRDN-U’s’ financial policies, controls and accounting standards.

2.Resource mobilization

  • Work proactively with WHRDN-U ‘s staff to coordinate financial information for resource mobilization; this work includes grant applications and reports, budget monitoring, and meeting contract obligations;
  • Ensure reporting obligations are completed in a timely and accurate fashion;

 
  • Provide financial analysis as needed – organizational, project and funder-specific – to meet resource mobilization and financial goals.

Financial systems and controls

  • Consult and collaborate on procedures and policies to improve WHRDN-U ’ financial and compliance systems;
  • Advise Executive Director and work with staff to proactively identify and mitigate financial and legal compliance risks to the organization and its board members.
  • Interface with different authorities for issues like VAT, NSSF, LST, and FIA

Audit

  • Prepare documents, schedules and supporting information for the annual audit and year end returns;
  • Liaise with external auditors as necessary.

Qualifications

Values, competencies, skills and experience

·          A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a senior-level finance and leadership role; solid understanding of and hands-on experience with full-cycle accounting;

·          Extensive experience with non-profit, fund-based budgeting and monitoring, and preparation of funder reports;

·          Proven experience as a problem-solver, with good analytical skills, judgment and ability to think strategically; discretion and ability to handle confidential matters;

·          Experience using the following software: i) QuickBooks online; ii) Excel (intermediate skill level); iii) Proficiency with and understanding of databases; iv) online apps or programs for payments, payroll, expenses, Google suite;

·          Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision to meet multiple deadlines, at times under pressure;

·          Post-graduate education, preferably in accounting; related courses in financial management, bookkeeping is an asset;

·          A commitment to women’s human rights and social justice;

·          Experience working with multiple currencies and foreign exchange is an asset;

·          Knowledge of Ugandan n Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit organizations is an asset.

Compensation: Salary to be determined, based on experience,
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FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION JOB VACANCY

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JOB VACANCY: VOLUNTEER

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Organization:

WomenHumanRightsDefenders
Network Uganda (WHRDN-U)

Duty Station:  Kampala, Uganda

About US:

WomenHumanRightsDefenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U), is a registered not for profit national network with a membership of more than 97 women organizations and individuals. The WHRDN-U, was founded in 2017 by women defenders to promote a feminist holistic approach integrating a gender perspective, focusing on building
supportive networks and coordination among WHRDs from diverse social movements
and causes in Uganda. Thereby building the capacity for protection of WHRDs,
offering protection and emergency response for WHRDs at risk, and Advocacy for
protection of WHRDs.

Job Summary:  The Volunteer will support WHRDN-U and should
be willing to join a growing organization. The incumbent will gain experience
in project management at a national feminist organization and take part in
promoting the rights and protection of WHRDs as well as raising the visibility
of the violence and risks WHRDs face.

Main responsibilities and Tasks

  • Support with document and story writing of the lived experiences of WHRDs.
  • In consultation with the Communications resource person and the Executive Director support with Support with regular dissemination of information to network members.
  • organizational digital content creation; pursue visibility for the organization.
  • In consultation with the Communications resource person and the Executive Director Support with regular dissemination of information to network members.
  • In consultation with the Communications resource person and the Executive Director write articles for publication on website.
  • In consultation with the Communication’s resource person support in social media content, internet related campaigns and advocacy
  • In collaboration with relevant staff, assist to organize, prepared and facilitate relevant trainings, meetings and engagements for WHRDs
  • Assist to organise annual events
  • Support in the production of activity reports during events, meetings, trainings.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with members of the Network, partners and partners in Civil society
  • Any other duties assigned by the Programs Coordinator in consultation with the Executive Director.

 

Qualifications/ Education/Experience  

  • The ideal candidate must hold a Bachelors’ Degree from accredited institution in any of the areas; Mass communication, social sciences, development studies, Political Sciences or any other related fields
  • At least one year of demonstrated experience working with human rights NGOs in communication and program activities
  • Result oriented, interesting in learning and recommending new approaches or tech solutions.
  • With evidence excellent writing and public speaking skills
  • Must have proven interest in reading and researching
  • Experience in graphic design
  • Ability to organize events and train civil society organizations
  • Extensive knowledge of social media and related communication platforms

Desired Skills and Competencies

  • Strong organization, communication, Interpersonal and time-management skills
  • Proven ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and ability to multi-task (very desired)
  • Result oriented with good interpersonal skills
  • Responsible, flexible, adaptable, and will to travel up country for field work
  • Demonstrate commitment feminism principles and end Violence Against Women and, human rights,
  • Proven team player
  • Proven ability to organize and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders;
  • People-oriented, sociable, approachable, socializing skills, out-going and dynamic

NB: This is a paid volunteer position.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interest candidates should send their application letters with
detailed CVs indicating 3 referees, two of whom should have been direct
supervisors and addressed to the Executive Director and submitted to
info@whrdnuganda.org.

Deadline: 30th April 2023.

VOLUNTEER ADVERT

 

West Nile Women Human Rights Defenders receive training in online and offline security guidelines

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The training workshop for WHRDs from West Nile region on off-line and online safety guidelines was conducted on the 16th and 17th February 2023 at the Satellite hotel Nebbi district in West Nile. The workshop was supported by the French Embassy- in Uganda in partnership with Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U). The 2 day workshop consisted of 22 participants from across the West Nile region, involved in the defense of human rights and were trained by a team from the WHRDN-U secretariat.

WHRDS in a session during the training
WHRDS in a session during the training

To this end, the training focused on physical security, personal security, information security, office & home security and digital security. Participants discussed some practical measures some of which they already take to minimize security risks and learned about others that they might not have been aware of yet. Participants committed to use the following measures and deal with specific threats in the future for their security and safety:

  • Create and maintain secure passwords to protect sensitive files on your computer, protect computers from malware and hackers, backing information
  • Introduce a security registration book for visitors at office
  • The different physical and digital strategies for personal and organizational protection of WHRDs.

Role play of participants showcasing violence against WHRDs

The workshop used interactive activities to help people understand the information, and take part in discussions. For instance; in role plays participants acted out a situation, in small group discussions. Similarly, participants composed a song to help them focus their attention and to make it easy for them to remember the things they learned.

 

Role play of participants illustrating defamation and assault on whatsapp groups

This training workshop was implemented on the basis of the off-line and on-line safety guidelines of WHRDs launched by the UNWOMEN, UNOHCR and WHRDN-U in 2021. The aim of the workshop was to strengthen the capacity of WHRDs and mitigate the impact of online and offline attacks against WHRDs, provide knowledge on mitigating gender-based attacks, criminalization of their work, as well as physical and personal security management, offer practical strategies for enhancing WHRD’s safety online & offline as well as provide WHRDS with basic safety tools for WHRDs in preventing and responding to attacks against them.

WHRDNU staff facilitating sessions on safety and security management strategies

 

 

 

Women Human Rights Defenders undergo capacity building training in online and offline security guidelines

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In November 2021, UN-WOMEN, UNOHCR (United Human Rights Office of The High Commissioner) and the WHRDN-U (Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda), published and launched safety guidelines for WHRDs titled “Our Voices, Our Power: Online and Offline Safety and Security guidelines for Women Human Rights Defenders in Uganda”. The report also called for urgent measures to deal with challenges facing WHRDs including equipping WHRDs with capacities and skills to mitigate the impact of online and offline attacks.

Upon this background, WHRDNU with support from the French Embassy of Uganda, conducted workshop to 20 WHRDs from Karamoja region. The training was conducted on 3rd and 4th November,2022, at Seven ranges hotel, in Moroto district. The two day activity was organized to strengthen the capacity of WHRDs and mitigate the impact of online and offline attacks against WHRDs,  provide knowledge on preventing and mitigating gender-based attacks, criminalization of their work, as well as physical and personal security management, offer practical strategies for enhancing WHRD’s safety online & offline as well as provide WHRDS with basic safety tools for WHRDs in preventing and responding to attacks against them.

Capacity building training
                                                                       Capacity building training

Remarks from WHRDN-U Secretariat

Ms. Brenda Kugonza of the WHRDN-U started by appreciating the French Embassy in Uganda noting that without their financial support, the training would not have happened. She thanked WHRDs for the good work they do to defend rights in Karamoja region and welcomed them to the training. Brenda then gave details on the objectives of training. She said that training workshop is to increase the knowledge and skills of the participants and their organizations the in relation to off-line and on-line safety guidelines. It would facilitate the spread of information, skills, and culture to prevent and respond to attacks, threats and risks both on-line and off-line by WHRDs. Training workshop was an opportunity to strengthen the capacity of Karamoja WHRDs because they had participated in developing the guidelines during a workshop that was conducted by UNWOMEN, UNOHCHR and WHRDN-U .

Brenda Kugonza (WHRDNU) gives objectives of the training)

Remarks from the district representative

Ms. Betty Nakiru, a female police officer working with Moroto District Child and Family Protection Unit, in her remarks appreciated the WHRDN-U for supporting the work of WHRDS in Karamoja region.  She urged participants to report to police when attacked for supporting girls and women the community. If also us the police women are attacked for supporting survivors of domestic violence and what about you. she noted that if women defenders are attacked, then the marginalized people suffer. She ended her remarks by urging them to get her contacts.

Role plays. Types of violence against WHRDs

Joan Namulondo of WHRDN-U, employed the role play methodology f in this session to further help participants understand the concepts. Four (4) scenarios (See below) were role played by participants to identify the online and offline, attacks, and gender-based attacks faced by WHRDs in their region. Reflections and learnings scenarios included:

  • Human rights work is risky and the need to prepare to deal with un expected risks, threats, and security incidents.
  • Human Rights activities cannot be successful without security measures.
  • WHRDs in Karamoja, have suffered the same risks such as those roles played

DAY 2

Digital and social media security management

The purpose of the session was to learn about Digital and Online Security Management. The learnings were imparted when participants mentioned that digital security in relation to smart phones, mobile phones, internet café, phones, cameras, modems, flash discs, emails, watsapp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok etc. Through a brain storming session, participants learnt some basic computer security measures such as to install antivirus to protect their computers from malware and hackers, to create and maintain secure passwords, have strong different passwords for different services and phone security measures such as the safest mobile phone is a cheap, unregistered, don’t save sensitive information on your phone, make sure all your information is deleted on your mobile before selling it or having it repaired, destroy unusable phones and old sim cards before discarding them.

Joan Namulondo of WHRDN-U, facilitating a session on digital security management
Joan Namulondo of WHRDN-U, facilitating a session on digital security management

 

WHRDNU commemorates International Day for Women Human Rights Defenders 2022

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29th November of every year is a momentous commemoration of the diligent work of Women Human Rights Defenders. This year’s commemoration was no exception to the previous years with Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDNU) appreciating the diligent and selfless contribution of WHRDs to ensure rights of all are respected.

Inclusivity and protection of rights of all persons is a core mandate for Women Human Rights Defenders. We strive for protection of rights of all marginalized persons in our communities

WHRDNU Executive Director, Brenda Kugonza shares message in commemoration of International Women Human Rights Defenders Day 2022.

In an interview with Civil Rights Defenders, Brenda Kugonza shares the discrimination, harassment, and gender-based violence WHRDs in Uganda still face.

We pride in creating bonds and solidarity among Women Human Rights Defenders networks to build sisterhood and a strong support system
We pride in creating bonds and solidarity among Women Human Rights Defenders networks to build sisterhood and a strong support system

In a sit down with International Service For Human Rights, Brenda Kugonza speaks on how International advocacy is a tool to advance our human rights work, but it is also a tool that will support us in consolidating our protection as women human rights defenders.

Watch full video below.

Happy International Women Human Rights Defenders Day 2022!

 

The Annual General Meeting 2022

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On 18th November 2022, WHRDN-U held their 3nd Annual General Meeting at Eureka Hotel, Kampala. The meeting was graced with presence of forty three network members and attracted a discussion on what the network has achieved in the year 2022. During the meeting, the Board members presented the following reports to the network members.

  • The Annual Progress Report 2021
  • The Audited Reports
  • The Previous Minutes

It was also an opportunity for interaction and networking among the staff WHRDN-U, the board members and the WHRDS.

Photos of the Annual General Meeting 2022

Margaret Kulaba Board Chairperson presents the Chairman's report
                                              Margaret Kulaba Board Chairperson presents the Chairman’s report
Kabayaga Grace thanks the Board for the safeguard measures to WHRDs throughout the year.
                           Kabayaga Grace thanks the Board for the safeguard measures to WHRDs throughout the year.
Our Executive Director, Brenda Kugonza is presenting the Annual Report
                                         Our Executive Director, Brenda Kugonza is presenting the Annual Report
Annual General Meeting 2022
                                                                           Annual General Meeting 2022
Cherlaine Dorcus a disability Woman Human Rights Defender from Amudat seconds the motion to have the Annual General Meeting.
Cherlaine Dorcus a disability Woman Human Rights Defender from Amudat seconds the motion to have the Annual General Meeting.

 

 

Lango Regional Network

WHRDNU launches Lango Regional Network

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Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDNU) conducted a two days training to launch the Lango Regional Network for Women Human Rights Defenders from October 10th-11th2022 at Hotel Tasha in Lira district.

Session one: understanding each other as an activist River of Life

Participants discussed their journeys as  human rights defenders  explaining how they have not been straight with ups and downs, some calm moments but also moments to cherish/opportunities

River of life example in Lango
                                                   River of life example 
  • Akiria Patricia shared that networking through relationships like friends enabled her raise funds to fulfill her passion to fight for the rights of sex workers and child abuse, but the community has constantly discriminated against her due to ignorance.
  • Abalo Grace said, she identified a child who as denied the right to food, then she reported a case to police, that she has also faced some challenges like some security officers not supporting cases she reports.
  • Barbra Apio shared on it is not easy to carry out activism work in Apac especially defending LBQT rights, she has often been referred to as one promoting immorality and has been arrested but managed to continue because of the passion for the work.
Participants illustrating on how the WHRDN-U works to protect WHRDs Lango
                                     Participants illustrating on how the WHRDN-U works to protect WHRDs Lango

Understanding the nature of threats/challenges facing WHRDs 

Different experiences on the threats/challenges were presented based on the different Thematic Action Groups

Ms. Rashida Adong presenting on the threats faced by the GBV activists
Ms. Rashida Adong presenting on the threats faced by the GBV activists
A presentation on the threats and challenges from the Disability WHRDs
                                      A presentation on the threats and challenges from the Disability WHRDs

Day 2

Role plays

Four role-plays were acted to emphasize on who a defender is and the nature of threats received by the WHRDs in order to request for protection support

Participants acting during the role-plays
                 Participants acting during the role-plays

 

 

Launch of Busoga regional network

WHRDNU launches Busoga Regional Network

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Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) conducted a two days training at Hotel Paradise, Jinja from October 4th-5th 2022  to increase awareness among WHRDs on their rights and safety. The twenty WHRDs were from different TAGs which included; nine GBV activists, two from Disability rights, one LBQT, four female journalists, three from Land, Environment, Oil and Extractives and one of social justice.

Mr. Lokyaza Moses giving an introductory remark during the meeting
                                         Mr. Lokyaza Moses giving an introductory remark during the meeting

River of Life

Participants discussed their human rights defending journeys explaining how they have not been straight in terms of the challenges received but also some calm moments with achievements. Below shows some of the WHRDs’ journeys of defending human rights.

River of life example
                                                             River of life example

Brenda Kugonza continued to emphasize on how the WHRDN-U works to promote the safety and security of the WHRDs.

Ms Brenda Kugonza emphasizing how WHRDNU works
                                                  Ms Brenda Kugonza emphasizing how WHRDNU works

Day 2

Participants had a discussion on the importance of networking, some of the key issues from group 1 and 2 were;

Mariam Namusabi a GBV activist from Jinja presented for group 1 said, that it promotes sisterhood of taking care of one another, supporting one another in case of attack, sharing information and knowledge.

Ms. Sarah Namaggo from Kaliro district working on disability rights from group 2 presented on some of the following; in order to enjoy activism work through learning tips like, eat good, look good and be happy, carry out exchange visits.

WHRDs discuss the importance of networking
                                                      WHRDs discuss the importance of networking
Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda launches Bukedi regional network

WHRDNU launches Bukedi Regional Network

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Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDNU) conducted a two days training to launch the Bukedi Regional Network for Women Human Rights Defenders. The training comprised of twenty one WHRDS and five staff from the secretariat was held from 7th- 8th October at Hotel Pretoria in Mbale district.

Mr Yusuf Makweta gives opening remarks
                                                                             Mr Yusuf Makweta gives opening remarks

Session one: Understanding each other as an activist River of Life

Participants discussed their human rights defending journeys explaining how they have not been straight, with ups and downs, some calm moments.

  • “Ayo Juliet a GBV activist from Tororo human rights rehabilitation center shared on how she started activism work after 22 acres of land were grabbed away from her by the husband who later divorced with her, her work has attracted the media, which has displayed it and thus attracting funding sources to continue fighting against GBV”.

 

  • “Ms. Okello Justin a GBV activist from Tororo says, she begun by reporting defilement cases of children to police perpetrated by head teachers and the teachers in various around Tororo. MIFUMI and Plan International begun facilitating her with money to continue with the work and later different politicians continued to support her with the work up to date”
Ms. Ayo Juliet (left) and Ms. Okello Justin (right) demonstrating their rivers of life
                                     Ms. Ayo Juliet (left) and Ms. Okello Justin (right) demonstrating their rivers of life

Session 2: Understanding the WHRDN-U illustration

Participants carried out a demonstration on how the WHRDN-U works to protect WHRDs from violations, threats, attacks.

Participants illustrating on how the WHRDN-U works to protect WHRDs
                                  Participants illustrating on how the WHRDN-U works to protect WHRDs

Session 3: Understanding the nature of threats/challenges facing WHRDs

Different experiences on the threats/challenges were presented based on the different Thematic Action Groups where each participant belonged.

Threats and challenges shared during the meeting
Threats and challenges shared during the meeting