Job Title: Program Manager – PEARL Program
Organisation: Mercy Corps
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Minimum Salary: 8,923,898/=
About the Company:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization which implements high-quality, analytical development programmes in very difficult places. Mercy Corps has been operating in Uganda since 2006. It has and continues to implement programs in Acholi and Karamoja sub regions. Mercy Corps is taking a community-led, market driven approach to address poverty and food insecurity needs through interventions that get to the root causes and contributing factors of economic vulnerability.
Job Summary: The Programme Manager will oversee the comprehensive implementation of the PEARL project, ensuring alignment with project objectives and the achievement of set targets. This role entails overall project management, including the adoption of best practices, coordination of all implementing partners, and close collaboration with Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
As the focal point for external communication, the Programme Manager will handle all correspondence with stakeholders and partners, ensuring the project complies with donor rules and regulations. The role also involves managing the successful execution of all project activities according to the project plan, ensuring timeliness, quality, and adherence to the allocated budget.
In addition, the Programme Manager will oversee the project team and deliver regular progress updates to the Mercy Corps Uganda Director of Programmes. The Director of Programmes provides strategic oversight for all Mercy Corps Uganda programmes, ensuring high standards of quality, adherence to organizational policies, and compliance with key guidelines, such as the Programme Management Minimum Standards, safeguarding protocols, and finance and procurement manuals
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Safeguarding Responsibilities
- Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work ·
- Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members ·
- Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options
Technical Responsibilities
Programme Management
- Lead and provide strategic direction to the programme, coordinating with the Country Leadership Team
- Oversee learning processes in collaboration with the MEL team
- Ensure programme implementation is aligned with Mercy Corps’ values and responsive to community and partner needs.
- Manage programme delivery to ensure timeliness, budget adherence, and measurable impact through effective M&E systems.
- Ensure compliance with contract terms, Mercy Corps minimum standards, and relevant regulations.
- Supervise the identification, onboarding, and performance of sub-contractors and sub-grantees.
- Establish and maintain transparent financial systems for accurate and timely reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps requirements.
- Collaborate with finance and operations teams to ensure systems are in place for effective field operations, including logistics, procurement, and P&C.
Strategic Leadership
- Provide overall strategic direction for the programme in alignment with donor priorities and national development goals.
- Lead the development, implementation, and periodic review of annual and multi-year work plans.
- Monitor programme progress and adapt strategies to respond to contextual changes and emerging needs.
- Represent the programme in high-level meetings, coordination platforms, and stakeholder engagements.
Compliance
- Ensure programme implementation adheres to donor requirements, organisational policies, and national laws.
- Oversee financial management, procurement, and grant processes to meet audit and compliance standards.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure timely submission of narrative and financial reports.
- Identify compliance risks and implement appropriate mitigation and control measures.
Partner Relationship Management
- Cultivate strong and collaborative relationships with implementing partners, government entities, and civil society organisations.
- Support partners in planning, implementation, reporting, and compliance with programme guidelines.
- Organise and lead regular coordination, review, and learning sessions with partners.
- Resolve implementation challenges with partners and promote accountability and shared learning.
Human Resources Management
- Provide leadership and line management to programme staff, including performance management and team development.
- Lead recruitment and onboarding processes in line with HR policies and programme needs.
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture focused on results and continuous improvement.
- Identify capacity gaps and support staff development through coaching, mentoring, and training.
Donor Relations
- Act as the focal point for communication and coordination with the donor.
- Ensure timely submission of high-quality reports, proposals, and other required documentation.
- Keep the donor informed on programme progress, challenges, and key developments.
- Coordinate and support donor field visits, audits, and evaluations.
Security Management
- Monitor and assess the security environment in areas of operation, advising on potential risks.
- Develop and update security plans and protocols in line with organisational policies.
- Ensure staff are trained and briefed on safety and security procedures.
- Liaise with security actors and coordination bodies to enhance preparedness and response capacity.
Gender and Social Inclusion
- Lead localized analyses to understand how gender influences vulnerabilities, drivers, and social capital relevant to programme objectives.
- Ensure gender considerations are embedded in research, stakeholder engagement, planning, implementation, and policy advocacy.
- Tailor strategies and services to the diverse experiences and identities of individuals, addressing intersections of gender with other social factors like education, ethnicity, and economic status.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
- Actively learn about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work ·
- Practice the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members ·
- Encourage openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Master’s Degree in conflict management, social sciences, international development, political science, or other related field preferred. A Bachelor’s Degree with significant relevant experience may be accepted in lieu.
- Seven years’ experience delivering conflict management, governance and/or peace-building interventions in the NGO sector.
- Deep understanding of the policy and institutional landscape as it relates to violent extremism in Uganda.
- Ability to engage diplomatically and sensitively at a senior policy level and build relationships of trust
- Demonstrated experience in coaching, conducting workshops and community meeting facilitation as well as designing and strengthening training resources and curricula
- Proven track record of effective management of local partners, including on-boarding, capacity-building, performance management and reporting.
- Proven track record in managing the programme cycle, from start-up to implementation to close-out
- Financial management skills and experience managing large budgets.
- Proven track record in managing teams and building capacity
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Highly organised and a self-starter
- Excellent computer skills, including all Microsoft applications.
- Professional level proficiency in English
Success Factors
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven cultural sensitivity and adaptability in diverse environments.
- Strong ability to engage and communicate effectively with Mercy Corps’ target populations and partners.
- High attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently to remote locations.
- Quick learner, with the ability to rapidly absorb and apply new information and concepts.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants must submit their Cover Letter & CV saved in 1 PDF document of no more than 5 pages at the link below.
Deadline: 1st May 2025.
Please note that any application submitted that does not follow the above instructions will be automatically discarded.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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