Program Officer

Role overview

The Program Officer will support the Program Manager in coordinating and strengthening the implementation of the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) activity in Uganda. The role focuses on keeping project work on track, on time, within budget, and aligned with all contractual and compliance requirements.

This position contributes to planning, execution, monitoring, reporting, issue resolution, and communication across project leadership, team members, and external stakeholders. It also supports the integration of workplans, budgets, and multi-sector activities needed for long-term project success.

The role reports to the STRIDES Project Director.

Key accountabilities

• Support program management by helping develop annual workplans and by tracking progress against timelines, budgets, objectives, and deliverables.
• Act as a reliable point of contact for project colleagues, using sound judgment to monitor issues and keep the team informed of progress.
• Organize regular and ad hoc internal project meetings, then follow up to make sure agreed actions are completed.
• Assist in responding to donor and headquarters requests and ensure submissions are delivered on time.
• Help identify, escalate, and troubleshoot implementation or management issues for the Project Director, Technical Directors, and Director for Finance and Administration as needed.
• Support preparation of reports and other project deliverables, and maintain clear documentation of program activities.
• Work closely with operations, finance, and program teams to keep logistics-related support such as allowances and sub-grants moving quickly and smoothly.
• Maintain and update project trackers, budget analysis sheets, dashboards, meeting notes, and project files.
• Carry out any other related duties assigned.

Project administration

• Create a communication plan to keep internal and external stakeholders updated on project progress.
• Identify the resources needed to complete activities, including time, funds, and equipment.
• Build a project completion schedule that allocates resources effectively.
• Promote and apply best practices for task execution.
• Review schedules with senior management and affected staff, and adjust them when necessary.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Prior experience with US government-funded contract awards is important.
• Ability to work both independently and with other agencies to strengthen community acceptance.
• Solid understanding of project management concepts, methods, and processes.
• Comfort using project management software and related technologies.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving ability.
• Clear oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage projects and people.
• Capacity to influence, motivate, and work collaboratively with others.
• Ability to adapt quickly and resolve issues until the project is completed.
• Skill in building and managing systems and processes with an eye for standardization and efficiency.

Decision-making and impact

• Decisions in this role can have significant consequences, including delays to project schedules, operations, and broader business activities.
• Problems may be complex and require analysis of data and multiple contributing factors.
• The role calls for sound judgment within established policies and practices to choose appropriate methods and techniques.

Supervision

• This role oversees staff and external project contributors to move the project from launch through completion.
• It also coordinates plans, budgets, training, and resources with management to support strategic goals.

Education

• A bachelor’s degree or international equivalent in health, nutrition, international development, social science, or a related discipline is required.
• A master’s degree in management studies, public health, or a related area is preferred.
• Project management certification is an added advantage.

Experience

• A minimum of 6 years of relevant project management experience is required.
• At least 2 years of line management experience is required.
• Experience in an NGO, government agency, or private sector organization is preferred.
• Background in global health projects, including US government-funded programs, is preferred.
• Exposure to international or domestic program development or project management is an advantage.
• Experience in global health security, malaria, or nutrition is desirable.

Working conditions

• Typical office-based work environment.
• Long periods at a computer and repetitive keyboard work may be required.
• The job involves sitting and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to lift or move up to 5 lbs is needed.
• Standard tools include a laptop, Microsoft 365 applications such as SharePoint and Teams/Zoom/Skype, a mobile phone, and regular office equipment.
• Travel is expected at a level of 10% to 25%.

Compensation and other terms

The expected annual base salary range for this role is UGX 87,000,000 to UGX 150,000,000. The final offer may depend on relevant experience, education, internal equity, market pay, and budget.

This job summary describes the main duties and may be revised at any time. It should not be treated as a contract of employment, and the organization may update it as needed.

The employer is an equal opportunity and affirmative action organization. Hiring decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

The organization is committed to safeguarding and to preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in all work environments and programs. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and sign the code of conduct. Employment offers are subject to screening checks, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks. The organization also takes part in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and may request misconduct-related information from previous employers in line with that process. By applying, candidates consent to these checks.

Qualified candidates with criminal histories may still be considered where permitted by applicable law.

The organization will never ask for a career-site username or password, and will never request money, goods, or services during any stage of the application, recruitment, or employment process. Questions about correspondence can be directed to [email protected].

The organization offers a competitive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and policies that support work-life balance.

No additional openings, application deadline, start date, or internship duration were stated.