Programme Officer

Job Summary

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uganda is seeking a highly motivated and results-oriented Programme Officer to join its dynamic team in Kampala. As a key member of the programme unit, you will play a critical role in supporting the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development programmes aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing Uganda's national development priorities. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful initiatives in areas such as poverty reduction, governance, climate resilience, and inclusive growth. You will work closely with government counterparts, civil society organizations, donors, and other UN agencies to ensure effective programme delivery and foster partnerships that drive sustainable change. The ideal candidate is a proactive professional with a strong background in development work, excellent analytical and coordination skills, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of UNDP-supported programmes and projects in alignment with the Country Programme Document (CPD) and national development plans.
• Coordinate with implementing partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and effective programme delivery.
• Prepare substantive inputs for programme documents, work plans, budgets, and progress reports, ensuring compliance with UNDP policies and donor requirements.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor project activities, identify bottlenecks, and propose corrective actions to enhance performance.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and documentation of best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to inform programme improvement and scaling up.
• Assist in resource mobilization efforts by contributing to the development of project proposals and concept notes for potential donors.
• Organize and participate in meetings, workshops, and training sessions with partners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure gender equality and social inclusion considerations are integrated into all aspects of programme planning and implementation.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date programme files and databases, and support the preparation of audit and evaluation processes.
• Perform any other duties as required by the supervisor to support the overall objectives of the UNDP Uganda Country Office.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Development Studies, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field. A first-level university degree with additional years of qualifying experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in programme management, project coordination, or development work, preferably within the UN system, an international NGO, or a government agency.
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluation, report writing, and stakeholder coordination.
• Strong understanding of development issues in Uganda and the broader East African region.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of a local language is an asset.
• Proficiency in standard office software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with database management.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team and maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism.
• Willingness to travel frequently within Uganda as required.

Skills Inventory

• Essential: Programme management, project monitoring and evaluation, report writing, stakeholder engagement, partnership building, analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, time management, attention to detail, proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Preferred: Knowledge of UNDP policies and procedures, experience with Results-Based Management (RBM), familiarity with gender mainstreaming, resource mobilization, data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata), and knowledge of the SDGs.

Salary & Compensation Estimation

The salary for this position is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience, in accordance with the United Nations Common System salary scale for National Professional Officers (NOB level) in Uganda. The estimated annual gross salary range for a Programme Officer at this level is between UGX 90,000,000 and UGX 130,000,000, plus attractive benefits including pension, health insurance, and annual leave. Please note that this is an estimation and the final offer will be commensurate with the candidate's background and UNDP's internal policies.