Project Manager

Job Summary

Save the Children Uganda, a leading international NGO dedicated to improving the lives of children and their communities, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Project Manager to lead the implementation of community health projects in the Gulu region. This is a pivotal role for a results-driven professional who thrives in a challenging yet rewarding environment, where every decision directly impacts the well-being of vulnerable populations. As the Project Manager, you will be at the forefront of our mission, ensuring that health interventions are delivered effectively, on time, and within budget, while fostering strong partnerships with local stakeholders, government bodies, and community leaders. You will bring a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to child rights and community development. If you are passionate about making a tangible difference and possess a proven track record in managing complex projects in resource-limited settings, we invite you to apply and become a catalyst for sustainable change.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee comprehensive project plans, including detailed work plans, procurement plans, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks, ensuring alignment with Save the Children’s strategic objectives and donor requirements.
• Manage project budgets with precision, tracking expenditures, forecasting financial needs, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and donor regulations, while providing timely and accurate financial reports.
• Coordinate the implementation of community health activities, including health education, immunization campaigns, maternal and child health services, and nutrition programs, ensuring adherence to quality standards and best practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local government authorities, health facilities, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to facilitate smooth project execution and sustainability.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a diverse project team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture, and conducting regular performance reviews and capacity-building initiatives.
• Monitor project progress against indicators, using data to inform decision-making, identify risks, and implement corrective actions in a timely manner.
• Prepare and submit high-quality progress reports to internal management and external donors, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Represent Save the Children in relevant coordination meetings, technical working groups, and community forums to ensure visibility and advocacy for children’s health issues.
• Ensure that all project activities are implemented with the highest standards of safeguarding, child protection, and accountability, in line with organizational policies and codes of conduct.
• Conduct regular field visits to project sites to provide technical guidance, quality assurance, and on-the-ground support to staff and partners.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Public Health, Project Management, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field is required; a Bachelor’s degree with extensive relevant experience may be considered.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in project management, preferably in community health programming within an NGO or international development context.
• Proven experience in managing budgets of significant size (e.g., over USD 500,000) and knowledge of donor regulations, including those of USAID, DFID, or similar entities.
• Strong understanding of the Ugandan health system, particularly in Northern Uganda, and experience working with local government structures.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate multidisciplinary teams and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel frequently to field sites in and around Gulu, sometimes in challenging conditions.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; knowledge of local languages such as Acholi or Luo is a distinct advantage.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values and mission of Save the Children, including child safeguarding and gender equality.

Skills Inventory

• Essential: Project planning and budgeting; Stakeholder engagement; Monitoring and evaluation; Report writing; Team leadership; Risk management; Time management; Problem-solving; Communication; Microsoft Office proficiency (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Preferred: Experience with health information systems like DHIS2; Knowledge of behavior change communication strategies; Familiarity with community health worker models; Data analysis skills using tools like SPSS or Stata; Grant writing and resource mobilization; Conflict resolution and negotiation.

Salary & Compensation Estimation

Based on the NGO sector and the role’s seniority, the monthly salary for this Project Manager position is estimated between UGX 8,000,000 and UGX 12,000,000 (approximately USD 2,100 to USD 3,200 per month). This estimate aligns with typical compensation for senior project management roles in international NGOs in Uganda, and it reflects the responsibility and experience required. In addition to the base salary, Save the Children typically offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical insurance for the employee and dependents, life insurance, a retirement savings plan, annual leave, and professional development opportunities. Salary offers are typically commensurate with qualifications and years of relevant experience, and the organization conducts regular salary benchmarking to remain competitive within the sector.