Programmes Director (PD)

Job Level Specifications

Essential Criteria

•    A Master’s degree in international development, or Agriculture, Livelihoods, relevant discipline

•    A minimum of ten years management experience in development and Humanitarian programmes

•    Demonstrable ability to lead a team of technical and support staff overseeing a large and complex programme

•    Strong demonstrable experience in all aspects of programme management including project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, financial management and the design/utilisation of appropriate project management tools, and the capacity to transfer this experience to others

•    Excellent interpersonal, motivational and management skills with extensive experience mentoring staff

•    Leadership style that supports, challenges and develops teams.

•    Excellent communication, analysis and writing skills

•    Experience and confidence in networking and external representation with donors, partners, other agencies and government officials

•    Experience managing projects and programmes funded by major institutional donors and agencies as well as foundations

•    Proven track record of successful proposal writing with major donors, and sound knowledge of donor practices and budget/financial control 

Programme Strategy

•    Provide strategic leadership in the areas of programme design, development, implementation and monitoring, evaluation and learning

•    Understanding the needs, challenges and priorities of the current programme as well as understanding the next steps for the programme are key responsibilities

•    Lead the development and implementation of the next Country Strategic Plan and ensure programming remains responsive to emerging opportunities, evidence, donor priorities and evolving national development needs.

Business Development 

•    Identify and lead strategic business development efforts, identifying and pursuing opportunities for portfolio growth and diversification in coordination with the Country Director and GOAL headquarters.

•    Support the Country Director to build and maintain strategic relationships with donors, government stakeholders, private sector actors, research institutions and implementing partners to strengthen GOAL Uganda's influence and positioning.

•    Lead on proposal development from a programme perspective and coordinate and manage proposals, including proposal writing when needed

Programme Operational Management

•    Ensure all GOAL Uganda programmes/projects are implemented to high-quality standards which are in line with GOAL Uganda Country Strategy Plan, GOAL Uganda sector strategies, relevant donor requirements, GOAL policies and procedures, international best practice and the Codes of Conduct and agreements to which GOAL is a signatory.

•    Ensure emergency preparedness, response readiness and adaptive programming approaches are integrated across the country portfolio.

•    Provide oversight and management of all programme / project implementation, including allocation of resources and ensuring that appropriate controls are maintained at all levels.

Programme Quality and Reporting 

•    Work closely with the Head of MEAL to develop internal mechanisms for knowledge management to Improve the quality of services provided, through support supervision of key staff, analysis and dissemination of M&E data and lessons learnt, and review of GOAL and other best practice guidelines

•    Support the development of appropriate M&E and programme management tools and systems

•    Oversee preparation of monthly programme reports and required donor reports that are timely and meet GOAL and donor requirements. 

Financial management and accountability 

•    Ensure and support budget holders to complete regular budget reviews and forecasts and have the information required for accurate budget management and planning

•    Assist where required with in-country donor financial audits

Networks and Partnerships

•    Develop and maintain linkages and networks for learning, sharing and dissemination of lessons learnt

•    Represent GOAL in liaison with Government partners, regional and local authorities; donors; local agencies etc. at all levels of project implementation 

•    Provide strategic oversight of partnership and localisation approaches, ensuring meaningful engagement, capacity strengthening and shared ownership with local actors.

People Management

•    Provide managerial, technical, administrative and programmatic support to the portfolio leads, programme coordinators and senior programme staff in the country programmes

•    Directly line manage Team Leads of INSPIRE, ASTYE Programmes, Head of MEAL, GESI Coordinator, WASH Coordinator and Health/Nut Manager, ensuring that all programme staff have clear job descriptions, annual objectives and regular performance reviews in place