Programme Operations Director Job
Work Hours: Full-time, 08 hours per day
Salary:
Attractive
Job Deadline: 28 February 2026
Number of Jobs: 01
Hiring Entity: World Vision Uganda
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| World Vision Uganda |
Location: In Uganda
Job Details:
The World Vision Uganda Programme Operations Director is responsible for all operational departments within the national program, including Regional Operations, Sectoral Programs, Technical Programs, Transformational Development, Faith & Development, and Sponsorship Operations. The Programme Operations Director is responsible for an annual budget of approximately US$ 40 million, from at least 18 different donor sources, both government and non-government/private. The position directly supervises 8 staff and approximately 400 staff indirectly.
More fundamentally, this role is entrusted with Program Management and Execution on time, on budget, and on target to ensure programmes and projects are implemented within the budget, scope, and on time to the donors and participants expectations. The Programme Operations Director is responsible for strategic leadership and results-based management of World Vision Uganda’s field operations, including line-management of all sponsorship-funded programs, grants, and PNS projects, technical programs, Sponsorship Operations, and Faith & Development initiatives.
Key Job Responsibilities
Strategic Management
Stay abreast of, analyse, and advise the National Director on trends in programming, operational, country, and donor environments to facilitate strategic decision-making and planning.
Provide leadership in the development, application, and monitoring of strategies and plans, in alignment with WVU’s 5-year strategic plan and global “Our Promise” strategy framework.
Ensure all Operations departments, programs, and projects reflect WV’s Integrated Focus and support World Vision Ministry Objectives.
Ensure rolling multi-year growth plans for Area Programs (APs) and other programs are maintained, taking the lead in negotiations with World Vision (WV) Support Offices.
Pursue strategically aligned and proactive resource acquisition in order to ensure program commitments can be fulfilled.
Programme Implementation, Reporting and Quality Assurance
Build team unity through good collaboration. In particular, build strong and trusting bridges between the Operations, Program Development, and Impact
Clear matrix relationships exist at the National Office Operations Division and each Regional Office to promote strong collaboration, especially in the implementation of integrated programmes
Develop and manage systems that ensure all programs are incorporating quality designs and achieve outputs that make a significant difference in the communities where WVU works.
Ensure integration between projects and programs is made a priority at all levels within the Operations Division, and that the integration synergy is realized.
Ensure all projects and programs integrate child well-being outcomes (CWBOs) and make a measurable contribution to child well-being.
Ensure Project Managers are meeting the highest quality standards of grant management & compliance.
Support/manage innovations and new initiatives in order to improve program quality and impact (enabling organizational learning and reflection).
Financial Management/Grant Management
Ensure financial management aligns with donor commitment and compliance expectations.
Ensure all projects remain within budget, and also do not underspend more than 5%.
Oversee Operations Division compliance with the Field Financial Manual (FFM), including ensuring proper accounting systems and practices.
Ensure the provision of appropriate responses to all audit report findings. Ensure that audit finding implementation plans are developed and effectively rolled out.
Ensure fraud-related investigation reports are taken very seriously, with appropriate resulting actions based on a “zero tolerance” philosophy.
Oversight of the grant management unit, ensuring that effective financial management and accountability are applied to all grant-funded projects.
Team Leadership & Building a High Performance Team
Build cooperation, team spirit, and a supportive, learning environment within the Operations Division
Ensure effective capacity building of Divisional staff (in line with 70/20/10 principles) in key programming areas (including LEAP and Technical Program requirements). In addition, actively work on leadership development through the process of capacity building and coaching.
Actively participate in the development of key positions (JDs/Performance Agreements) and ensure top-class recruitment is undertaken. Seek to build an Operations Divisional team comprised of top-class actors performing at the highest level.
Facilitate an appropriate environment for the spiritual formation of staff, including the embracing of WV’s Vision, Mission & Core Values.
Participate in and lead where appropriate devotional meetings, weekly chapel, annual Day of Prayer, and other events.
External Stakeholders Relationship & Management
Support the National Director in representing World Vision to donors, line ministries, and partner organizations.
Ensure that the communications and representation of WVU with WV Support Offices, international donor organizations, and major donors from and by Operations staff is of the highest quality and transparency.
In coordination with the National Director and programme staff, participate in national-level coalitions on specific advocacy issues.
Network with external agencies (donor agencies, govt. departments, SOs, IOs, other NGOs, etc.) in order to effectively represent WVU.
Through oversight of the grant management unit, proactively engage in donor relations. This will include addressing issues as they occur in order to retain donor confidence in WV.
Encourage the full and appropriate external expression of WV’s Christian identity
Internal Coordination/Contribution to Overall WVU Management
Actively participate in the World Vision Uganda Senior Leadership Team, board committees/main board meetings, and the Strategy Support Team (SST).
Ensure strong collaboration between the Operations and Program Quality Divisions, as well as support functions such as Finance, Admin/Procurement, P&C, ICT, Communications, and others.
Ensure effective liaison with Vision Fund Uganda (VFU) and actively manage the integration of VFU microfinance services with WVU’s overall operations.
Any other role may be assigned by the supervisor due to changing context or business operations
Required Education, Professional Experience, And Skills For The Role
- At least 15 years of program management experience in an international development organization.
- At least 5 years’ experience in a senior NGO leadership role in a developing country.
- Master’s Degree in international development or a relevant field such as social science, public health, or business administration.
- Certification in Project Management Courses will be an added advantage, and extensive knowledge of NGO operations and donor projects management.
- Previous experience working in East Africa regions or similar contexts.
- Demonstrated experience in program or project design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and report writing.
- Has successfully initiated & implemented significant organizational change.
- Experience in organizational representation with government, donors, & International Organizations in order to strengthen relationships and nurture partnerships.
- Proven leadership ability, with excellent judgment and decision-making
- Demonstrated facilitation and collaboration skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent relational skills, especially in a cross-cultural environment, and the ability to work well with national and international staff
- Ability to analyse and solve problems, innovate, persuade, network, and negotiate.
- Strong strategic and operational planning skills and ability to prioritise and handle multiple tasks.
- Ability to work gracefully under pressure, while focusing on matters that are most important.
- Able to work as part of a team as a positive contributor/ encourager.
- Strong Christian commitment, spiritual maturity, and discernment evidenced by life and character, including active and regular fellowship with other Christians.
Travel/Location/Physical Requirements for the Role:
- Periodic in-country, regional, and international travel is required (not to exceed 30% of the time).
- Based in the National Office in Kampala.
- Reporting to the National Director.
- Fluency in English required.
Application procedure
Local Applicants Only
Posting Date: 2025-02-17
