Context War Child Canada's current programming in Uganda focuses on improving access to education
livelihoods
and legal protection services for refugees and host communities
particularly youth and vulnerable groups. The country program integrates protection and resilience across interventions to address the challenges posed by Uganda's growing refugee population
which stands at over 1.7 million. War Child Canada’s country strategy aims to enhance access to legal services
improve education services and infrastructure
expand community-based mentorship for livelihoods
and promote self-reliance among refugees through resilience programming. Key projects include the BRIDGE initiative
expands youth access to quality education through Accelerated Education Programs
transitioning them into TVET and higher education for workforce preparation and the Geared for Success project
which improves access to education and protection services for refugee and host communities. War Child Canada is scaling market-oriented education through vocational training and entrepreneurship support
with a focus on gender inclusion and youth empowerment. Protection initiatives include case management
legal aid services
and mental health and psychosocial support
with efforts to integrate these services into education programs. The program emphasizes capacity building for local organizations and community engagement
particularly refugee-led organizations
while adapting to Uganda's dynamic context
including conflict-driven refugee influxes and economic pressures. Position summary The Head of Programs is a senior leadership position within War Child Canada
Uganda
and a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT). This role provides strategic oversight and leadership in the design
implementation
delivery
monitoring
and evaluation of War Child Canada's programs in Uganda to ensure effective management and support program growth. The Head of Programs actively contributes to the development
implementation
and review of the country program's strategic and operational plans
policies
standards
and guidelines. Responsibilities PROGRAM STRATEGY
DIRECTION
AND IMPLEMENTATION (40%) Collaborate with the Country Director and Senior Management Team (SMT) to provide leadership
oversight
and guidance on program strategy
direction
and implementation. Support the development and use of robust M&E frameworks
centralized data collection systems
program management systems
and operational tools. Develop and implement internal mechanisms for institutional learning
quality control
and programmatic integration
with guidance from the Country Director. Ensure all programming adheres to Minimum Standards and aligns with internationally recognized best practices. Oversee the management and cultivation of key donor relationships and develop comprehensive donor engagement strategies. Provide mentoring
training
and support to staff as needed to build capacity and enhance program performance. Continuously monitor program performance to ensure objectives are achieved in line with program plans
log frames
and agreements
chair regular program review meetings for technical and strategic evaluation. Promote integration across War Child Canada’s interventions to maximize program impact. Oversee program budgets
forecasts
and expenditures to ensure proper grant management and accountability
working closely with the Finance Department. Provide technical assistance to program teams and source additional support as necessary based on program needs. Contribute to the development
implementation
and monitoring of child safeguarding and security protocols. Integrate gender-sensitive approaches and prioritize marginalized groups
including women
girls
and persons with disabilities. Ensure programs support climate resilience and adaptation. Engage stakeholders to influence policy and promote War Child Canada’s agenda Build local partner capacity
including Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs)
for sustainable program delivery. PROGRAM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT (35%) Lead the rollout and application of War Child Canada’s Program Framework to strengthen program design and delivery. Enhance organizational capacity for effective program implementation through strategic and operational planning processes. Oversee the implementation and monitoring of the Country Strategic Plan. Ensure compliance with donor management and reporting standards
including oversight of narrative reporting. Develop and maintain long-term strategies with key program partner organizations. Build the capacity of local partner organizations in program design
development
and implementation as needed. Oversee the design and development of new programs
including emergency and development programming
in collaboration with field and head-office staff. Facilitate opportunities for learning and knowledge-sharing across the organization and with War Child Canada staff leads
in coordination with the Country Director. Conduct assessment visits to potential new areas within Uganda as needed. Supervise
motivate
and manage the performance of Project Managers and other relevant programming staff. INSTITUTIONAL FUND DEVELOPMENT (25%) Develop and implement institutional fundraising strategies aligned with War Child Canada’s Program Framework. Collaborate with the Country Director to establish and pursue long-term growth strategies for both existing and prospective in-country donors. Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with donor agencies
including UN bodies and other stakeholders. Actively build and maintain positive partnerships with INGOs and local organizations in Uganda. Represent War Child Canada at Cluster Meetings
program coordination forums
UN/NGO meetings
and other relevant platforms. Oversee the development of detailed funding proposals and budgets
liaising with in-country donors as needed
in collaboration with the Senior Management Team. Requirements: Knowledge and Experience: Master's degree in international development
International Relations
Rural Development
or a related field
or equivalent demonstrated experience in relevant areas. At least seven years of senior management experience leading complex development programs
with proven program leadership responsibilities. Strong technical expertise in livelihoods
or specialization in one or more of War Child Canada’s key programming areas. Proven success in initiating
developing
and securing support from a diverse range of institutional and government donor agencies. Extensive experience with monitoring and evaluation methodologies
tools
and systems to ensure program effectiveness. Skills and Abilities: Proven ability to think strategically
prioritize tasks
and meet deadlines in a complex and dynamic environment. Strong interpersonal skills
with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams across various backgrounds and organizational levels. Exceptional diplomatic skills
able to establish and maintain positive relationships with partners
donors
and stakeholders in sensitive and challenging environments. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
with the ability to produce high-quality project proposals
reports
and other formal communications. Strong problem-solving abilities
with a demonstrated capacity to work independently and with minimal supervision. Willingness and flexibility to travel beyond Kampala as required by program needs. Adaptable and resilient
with the ability to thrive in a demanding and sometimes insecure working environments. Personal Attributes: Affinity with War Child Canada’s mandate. Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience
tact and diplomacy. Creative
energetic
adaptable
and flexible. Stress-resilient to be able to cope with deadlines and complex problems.