Uganda: Programme Director

The Programme Director will lead the coordination, strategic, compliance, M&E, reporting of the consortium of implementing partners; engendering a collaborative team spirit focused on achievement of the programmes goals. The programme is just beginning (August 2015 – 2020), and offers the right candidate an exciting opportunity to influence the setup, research and detailed implementation design of this large and innovative programme. The position is based in Lira, a thriving market town mid – eastern Uganda where the programme management unit (PMU) will sit.

In Summary:

The successful candidate will possess strong strategic and leadership skills with the ability to maintain a broad perspective. S/he will undertake innovative approaches, be agile in the conceptualization of new programme ideas and will be well versed in strategic thinking and planning. S/he will also have ability to juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines, and to calmly and diplomatically deal with unexpected events impacting programme operations. The ideal candidate will be familiar with market based agricultural programmes targeting youth, and will demonstrate cultural knowledge and sensitivity, while also demonstrating skills and ability to build and maintain partnerships with international organizations and private sector partners. Must have strong interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate and manage expectations of many stakeholders. The ability and desire to grow a cohesive and professional team from across multiple partners is essential.

Essential Job Functions

Strategy and Vision

• Lead on the development, implementation, promotion and monitoring of strategic plans, programmes and projects by personal application and delegation of responsibility.
• Oversee implementation of programme priorities.
• Explore, evaluate and present new country opportunities that leverage impact and/ or complement core activities supporting youth led agribusiness.

Program Management and Budget Management

• Ensure consistent and effective communications both within and across the consortia, within GU and HQ, and externally.
• Working closely with MEAL Coordinator and ODI (learning partner), to design measurement methodologies and monitor programme implementation, measure outputs and outcomes, and calibrate programme strategy and implementation accordingly.
• Provide oversight of consortia partners management and ensure efficient coordination between Grants Management and Finance Teams.. Manage efficient rollout of all operations in accordance with agreed work plans, budgets and implementation strategy.
• Ensure all Mastercard Foundation regulations and guidelines are adhered to at all times across the programme.
• Ensure that all work follows international quality standards and best practices and that agriculture initiatives are technically and environmentally sound.

Team Management

• Build the capacity of the PMU and consortia partners staff for a market facilitative approach to agricultural system development with youth.
• Manage staff development needs of programme staff in liaison with HR department and management.
• Monitor and advise the management on staffing needs.
• Provide direct and ongoing supervision and managerial support to all PMU staff.

Representationand Networking

• Engage in high level representation and presentation of DYNMAIC to to the Mastercard Foundation; the Uganda government at national and district levels; the DYNAMIC Steering Committee; Consortia Coordination Group; other relevant National Advisory Committees such as the National Youth Forum/ Working Group; and private sector partners.
• Represent DYNAMIC at external / international conferences, such as the Global Youth Economic Opportunities Conference, SEEP conference, etc.and relevant thought leadership events or Mastercard annual learning events/ conferences.

Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in economic development or other relevant fields essential.

• At least 10-12 years of relevant international experience at senior management level, with experience of lead consortia management.

• Proven technical experience in market facilitation, youth development, livelihoods and/or agriculture and value chain programming.

• Previous experience in Uganda or East Africa.

• Complex program management and demonstrated success building, managing and leading a team of professionals.

• Exemplary communication, organization, prioritization and negotiating skills.

• Proven complex budgeting and financial management skills.

• Demonstrable relationship management and partnerships skills with.

• Proficiency in Excel and other MS office suit applications.

Please send your CV to t.bostan@developmentaid.org