Head Of Programme

Job Summary

The Head of Programme directs strategic programming, donor relations, and project quality for NRC in Uganda. Based in Kampala, this senior leader oversees Project Cycle Management (PCM), cash-based interventions, protection mainstreaming, M&E frameworks, and advocacy while managing the Programme Development Unit and supporting Area Offices across the country.

Key Roles & Operational Responsibilities

1. Strategic Programme Leadership & Line Management

• Strategic Vision: Lead country programme development in alignment with regional and global NRC priorities, integrating Cash-Based Interventions (CBI), protection, and digital programming.
• Team Leadership: Direct line management for senior programme staff, managing performance goals, workforce planning, recruitment, staff development, and Duty of Care.
• Country Strategy & BPO: Provide high-level programmatic input for the Country Strategy, Plan of Action, Budget Allocation (BPO), annual, and trimestral performance reports.

2. Grants Management, Donor Relations & Advocacy

• Resource Mobilization: Lead the national fundraising strategy; build strategic relationships with UN agencies, EU/US institutional donors, embassies, and private foundations.
• Grants & Compliance: Oversee grants management, donor reporting, quality control, and compliance with organizational and donor standards.
• Advocacy & Localization: Identify programme-relevant advocacy priorities to promote the rights of IDPs, refugees, and returnees while expanding local civil society partnerships.

3. Program Quality, PCM & Operational Resilience

• Project Cycle Management (PCM): Oversee enterprise PCM workflows, conducting field support missions to ensure synergy between Head Office and Area Offices.
• M&E & Accountability: Strengthen Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems, beneficiary feedback/complaint mechanisms, and evidence-based needs assessments.
• Risk & Safe Programming: Integrate Safe Programming, protection mainstreaming, and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) into all project designs, risk management frameworks, and contingency plans.

Foundational Capabilities & Prerequisites

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Humanitarian Sector Baseline: Minimum 8+ years of experience in the humanitarian sector.
• Senior Leadership Track Record: Minimum 5+ years in a senior management position within a humanitarian or recovery context.
• International Experience: Documented history holding an international or cross-border humanitarian position.
• Core Competency Expertise: Proven track record in programme strategy development, Project Cycle Management (PCM), grants management, and M&E management.
• Representation & Advocacy: Demonstrated experience representing organizations to donors, government bodies, and advocacy forums.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Contextual & Preferred Skills

• Contextual knowledge of the East Africa region and displacement dynamics.
• Experience in resource mobilization with private foundations, social enterprises, EU, US donors, and UN agencies.
• Demonstrated track record of working in partnership with local and national civil society actors.
• Experience in cash-based interventions, emergency responses, and post-emergency recovery.

What NRC Offers

• Senior Humanitarian Leadership: Direct influence over multi-sectoral programming assisting refugees and vulnerable communities across Uganda.
• Competitive Grade 11 Package: Grade 11 placement on NRC's national or international salary scale with comprehensive benefits.
• Family Duty Station: Positioned in Kampala with standard family duty station accommodations and benefits.

Skills Required:

• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development