Programme Director - Uganda

Job Summary

• The Programmes Director (PD) is a senior leadership role responsible for the comprehensive design, implementation, and measurement of all programmes across the entire Uganda country programme. This position ensures that country strategic objectives are achieved in alignment with organizational goals. Reporting directly to the Country Director, the PD provides strategic oversight, operational management, and capacity building for a large and diverse programme team. The team includes Team Leaders, Coordinators, and portfolio leads for each sector area: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Health and Nutrition, Food Security and Livelihoods, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), including communications. The PD is accountable for the quality and impact of all programme activities, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with donor regulations and organizational standards. This role requires a visionary leader who can drive innovation, foster collaboration, and maintain a strong focus on achieving measurable outcomes for vulnerable communities across Uganda.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of the country programme, ensuring full alignment with GOAL's global strategy and evolving donor requirements. Oversee all aspects of programme design, ensuring proposals are technically sound, cost-effective, and highly responsive to community needs and priorities. Drive the development of new initiatives and funding opportunities.
• Manage and mentor a diverse team of senior programme managers, coordinators, and technical advisors. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all programme units. Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and support the creation and execution of professional development plans for team members.
• Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems are in place and functioning effectively to track programme progress, measure impact, and inform adaptive management decisions. Lead the production of high-quality narrative and financial reports for donors, stakeholders, and headquarters, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in all submissions.
• Contribute to overall country programme risk management, security protocols, and strategy development as a key member of the Senior Management Team. Support the Country Director in representing GOAL to government authorities at national and district levels, UN agencies, donor organizations, and partner NGOs. Actively participate in high-level coordination meetings and forums.
• Coordinate with relevant national and district level authorities, UN agencies, and other NGOs to ensure effective delivery and integration of programmes across sectors. Advocate for policy and practice improvements that directly benefit vulnerable populations, ensuring that GOAL's work remains relevant and impactful within the broader humanitarian and development landscape.

Requirements

• Open only to Ugandan nationals. A master's degree in development studies, public health, international relations, or a closely related field is required. An equivalent combination of advanced education and extensive experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in programme management within a humanitarian or development context, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role that includes managing large, multi-disciplinary teams and complex budgets.
• Proven experience managing multi-sectoral programmes encompassing WASH, Health, Nutrition, Food Security, and Livelihoods in complex and challenging environments, preferably in Uganda or the broader East African region. Demonstrated success in securing and managing donor-funded grants is essential.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex political, social, and economic dynamics. Capacity to anticipate challenges and develop proactive solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with fluency in English (both written and spoken). Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, donors, community leaders, and partner organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to GOAL's core values, including integrity, transparency, accountability to beneficiaries, and a strong dedication to gender equality and safeguarding principles.