Country Director, Uganda

Position Summary

This senior leadership role will expand the established reputation of Water Mission's Uganda program as both a direct implementer of safe water solutions and a resource for other like-minded organizations, while sharing the gospel through word and action. The position is based in Jinja, Uganda, and requires substantial travel to program areas including West Nile, to the United States for coordination with global leadership, and to training events and conferences in other East African locations.

Organizational Culture and Leadership Philosophy

Water Mission Uganda fosters a biblical worldview culture that pursues God-honoring excellence in every aspect of operations. As a leader, the Country Director is responsible for promoting accuracy and integrity in all reporting, encouraging learning from challenges and failures, and empowering staff to consistently deliver solutions aligned with Water Mission’s mission, vision, values, and technical standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Country Director directly supervises a senior management team including the Lead Engineer, Community Development Manager, Project Manager, Professionalized Services Manager, Regional Manager, and the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Exemplify servant leadership while upholding the mission, vision, values of love, excellence, and integrity, and all technical and operational standards of Water Mission in every aspect of program leadership and decision-making.

Maintain a strong Christian witness to colleagues, vendors, donors, beneficiaries, volunteers, and partner organizations, demonstrating a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Communicate clearly and effectively with Ugandan staff, international team members, and Water Mission global leadership to ensure alignment and transparency.

Track and report on country program operational performance against the approved ministry tactical plan and budget, providing regular updates and strategic adjustments as needed.

Uphold Water Mission’s rigorous quality standards in the execution of all project activities, from community engagement through construction and post-implementation monitoring.

Ensure that Water Mission project management and enterprise accounting systems are accurate, up to date, and fully reflect all operational and project activities for compliance and donor reporting.

Manage employee relations issues including biblical discipline and performance improvement processes, ensuring personnel management practices are consistent with Water Mission’s Christian employment standards and local labor laws.

Identify staff knowledge, skill, and ability gaps, and plan employee training activities as required to improve individual and team performance, fostering a culture of continuous professional growth.

Proactively engage with government at all levels, including local district officials and national ministries, and with other organizations in the WASH sector to advance Water Mission’s mission and vision, and to evaluate people and organizations for potential ministry partnerships.

Contribute to the development and refinement of the Uganda program strategy, ensuring it aligns with global objectives and responds to local needs and opportunities.

Oversee preparation of written budgets, program opportunity assessments, and cost estimates for new projects and funding proposals.

Provide regular country program communication updates to Regional staff and Water Mission Headquarters regarding administrative, financial, and programmatic updates, needs, and challenges.

Prepare and deliver presentations to Water Mission staff, the Uganda Program Board of Directors, partners, volunteers, and donors as needed, representing the program with professionalism and clarity.

Develop and retain talented, mission-driven employees through mentoring, coaching, and creating a motivating work environment that reflects Christian values.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall effectiveness and growth of the Uganda program.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, with a clear commitment to Christian discipleship and service.

Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity, demonstrated through previous professional and personal conduct.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Community Development, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. A master’s degree is an added advantage and strongly preferred for this senior role.

Minimum of eight years of progressive leadership experience in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) INGO management, with a proven track record of program growth and impact.

Proven experience in strategic planning and operations management, including the ability to develop and execute multi-year plans.

In-depth knowledge of the general functioning of the WASH sector environment, including technical approaches, funding mechanisms, and best practices.

Understanding of the relevant government and related industry regulatory environment in Uganda, including statutory requirements for NGOs and water sector regulations.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences including technical staff, donors, and community members.

Ability to plan and organize the organization's strategy for a 3 to 5 year horizon, balancing short-term deliverables with long-term vision.

Ability to motivate and inspire others, building cohesive teams that work collaboratively toward shared goals.

Ability to think critically, analyze complex situations, and oversee projects with excellence, ensuring quality and timeliness.

Comprehensive computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office software: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as familiarity with project management and accounting systems.

Ability to organize personal workload, prioritize competing demands, and achieve on-time results in a dynamic field environment.

Strong work ethic, characterized by reliability, accountability, and a commitment to serving others.

Ability and willingness to travel up to fifty percent (50%) of the time to areas where Water Mission’s Uganda program operates, including remote and challenging environments.