Uganda: Programme Manager

About KACE

The Al Khatim Adlan Centre for Enlightenment (KACE)’s vision is to promote a peaceful democratic and truly multi-cultural Sudan, where all people are equal in dignity, rights and opportunities. KACE raises awareness about human rights in Sudan, particularly shrinking space for civil and political rights, through a number of advocacy and human rights documentation initiatives and cultural programming.

KACE aims to develop democratic modes of behavior, to encourage freedom of thought and freedom of research, promote comprehensive equality in dignity, rights and opportunities between all Sudanese regardless of gender, religion, ethnic, cultural, social, ideological or class background, and to reinforce peaceful and civilized debate amongst different groups and sectors of the society. KACE is a well-respected civil society organization in Sudan and plays a critical role in convening civil society actors, including human rights defenders, to operate more effectively in hostile environments.

A key objective of KACE’s is to broaden the space for dialogue on sustainable peace, democracy and human rights in Sudan and the greater Horn of Africa. In 2016, KACE partnered with PAX to establish the Horn of Africa Civil Society Forum (HoACS), which brings together more than 25 organizations from across ten countries in the greater Horn of Africa. The mission of the HoACS is to increase the space for civil society to operate freely and independently in the greater Horn of Africa by ensuring that the rights of civil society are guaranteed under international law, and strengthening the resilience and capacity of Forum members operating in environments with limited or shrinking civil society space. KACE serves as the secretariat of the HoACS, and serves as the primary drafter of all HoACS publications. The Programme Manager will also have a prominent coordination role for the HoACS alongside the KACE Communications and Advocacy Manager.

Responsibilities

This senior management full-time position reports directly to KACE’s Executive Director, and is expected to act as deputy to the Executive Director in Kampala and contribute to maintaining and developing core KACE programming. This work also includes enhancing existing programming to react to the deteriorating human rights situation in Sudan. The post holder is required to be a strong and collaborative leader who works well in multicultural and diverse teams, and also has familiarity with security protocols for civil society in repressive environments.

Management

• Ensure KACE’s programs, activities and policy work are aligned with KACE’s vision;
• Facilitate strategic visioning and planning;
• Oversee programme development and implementation, ensuring that programme targets are met;
• Help coordinate organization-wide procedures and work to improve existing processes for maximum clarity, efficiency and success;
• Monitor projects carried out by other program staff and provide support as needed to programmatic staff;
• Oversee the work of the HoACS and ensure implementation
• Lead programme evaluation and staff performance reviews twice per year;
• Assist with internal communication, attending to staff needs, ensuring any problems are resolved;
• Build strong relationships with employees and oversee their progress, noting any issues or successes;
• Keep the Executive Director abreast on work climate (employee wellbeing, project statuses, new proposals etc.);
• Perform public outreach functions as needed;
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director; and
• Travel as needed within the East and Horn of Africa and outside the region.

Fundraising and Financial management

• Work with the Executive Director to develop new areas of work and income, including by developing concept notes and proposals;
• Proactively research and identify viable opportunities for funding and develop proposals and other outputs for submission to existing and potential donors;
• Manage budgets, submit receipts, track expenditures, and draft budgetary reports;
• Compile information for periodic programmatic reports to funders and draft grant reports;
• Manage a donor database, ensure that all grant materials, including proposal and contract documents are appropriately filed and ensure that reports to donors are submitted on time;
• Work with the Finance Manager to ensure that appropriate financial forecasts and budgets are produced on a monthly basis to ensure that good decisions on the allocation of resources can be made; and
• Review and ensure all audit functions for the organisation are completed and reviewed by senior management.

Advocacy

• Collaborate with like-minded NGOs, including by identifying and joining relevant coalition efforts;
• Draft material, including shadow reports, international human rights analysis for regional and country reports, advocacy materials, press releases on advocacy efforts, and advocacy letters;
• Maintain and grow KACE’s network of programmatic partners; and
• Work with other grassroots groups and HoACS members in developing and implementing a human rights advocacy plan using documentation on civic space produced by local activists.

Qualifications

Critical core competencies for successful performance in this role are:

• An energetic leader with excellent communication skills, highly-developed writing skills and interpersonal savvy;
• Results/action-oriented, with strong project management skills;
• Organizational and political agility; developed negotiation skills;
• Unquestionable personal code of ethics, integrity, commitment to diversity and trust;
• Able to successfully navigate a fast-paced environment;
• Strong strategic/financial analysis skills;
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and work effectively with personnel at all levels; and
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise a high level of discretion in handling sensitive situations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred;
• At least five years’ relevant work experience in a progressive role in a human rights organisation;
• Background in advocacy before regional and international human rights mechanisms desirable;
• Knowledge of and experience working in human rights in the East and Horn of Africa, preferably civic space;
• Knowledge of and experience producing credible human rights documentation;
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally;
• At least one year experience working and living in a developing country;
• Must be fluent in written and spoken English, Arabic language skills desirable;
• Experience and or knowledge of Sudan's politics, history, culture, and human rights preferred.
• Proven track record of driving organizational change and transformation through influence, supervision of and collaboration with key staff members;
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills;
• Ability to communicate remotely with colleagues outside Uganda;
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines; and
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and experience managing budgets.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample to Emily@kacesudan.org. Include “Programmes Manager (name)” in the title of the email. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 1 June.