Head Of Programme

Job Summary

The Norwegian Refugee Council is hiring a Head of Programme for its country office in Kampala, Uganda. The role leads the Programme Development Unit, driving country strategy, Project Cycle Management, core competency development, cash-based interventions, donor relations, and advocacy. Applicants require a minimum of 8 years of humanitarian experience, including 5+ years in senior management.

Key Roles & Operational Responsibilities

1. Strategic Programme Leadership & Strategy

• Country Strategy Input: Drive strategic programme design and provide core technical inputs into the NRC Uganda Country Strategy, Plan of Action, and risk management frameworks.
• Core Competency Alignment: Formulate holistic, needs-based sector strategies aligned with regional and global NRC priorities, integrating cash-based interventions and market-based solutions.
• Innovation & Digitalization: Lead advances in NRC’s digital programming, protection, localized partnerships, and market-based approaches.

2. Project Cycle Management (PCM) & Quality Assurance

• PCM Oversight: Oversee end-to-end PCM compliance, conducting field support missions across Area Offices to ensure high-quality execution and synergy.
• M&E & Accountability: Strengthen monitoring and evaluation frameworks, beneficiary feedback/complaints mechanisms, and evidence-based needs assessments.
• Safe Programming Integration: Guarantee protection mainstreaming, safe programming, and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) are integrated and resourced across all project designs.

3. Resource Mobilization, Donor Relations & Grants Management

• Fundraising Strategy: Develop country funding strategies, track forecasts, and build partnerships with institutional donors (EU, US, UN), private foundations, and social enterprises.
• Grants & Reporting: Oversee grant allocations, BPO management, donor reporting, quality control, and compliance with institutional donor standards.

4. Representation, Advocacy & Team Management

• Advocacy & Rights: Identify key advocacy priorities to promote the rights of IDPs, refugees, and returnees in line with national and global strategies.
• Line Management: Supervise, mentor, and build capacity for Programme Development Unit staff, managing performance reviews, workforce planning, and duty of care.

Foundational Capabilities & Prerequisites

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Sector Experience: Minimum of eight (8) years of active work in the humanitarian/recovery sector.
• Senior Management: Minimum of five (5) years in senior management roles within complex emergency or post-emergency contexts.
• International Track Record: Documented experience holding international positions across humanitarian operations.
• Domain Technical Competencies:
  • Proven expertise in Project Cycle Management (PCM), grants oversight, and M&E frameworks.
  • Demonstrated track record in resource mobilization with major institutional donors (EU, US, UN agencies) and private foundations.
  • Deep experience in cash-based assistance, protection mainstreaming, and partnership building with national actors.
• Languages: Full professional fluency in written and spoken English.

Why Join the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)?

• Global Impact: Join an independent humanitarian organization of 15,000 staff operating across 40 countries to defend the rights of displaced populations.
• Competitive Package: Grade 11 salary placement under NRC national or international terms (Family Duty Station framework) with comprehensive benefits.
• Culture of Empowerment: Thrive in a decentralized, innovative work environment that encourages initiative, professional growth, and shared responsibility.

Skills Required:

• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development