Uganda Country Managing Director

Responsabilités

Responsible for overseeing all operations, strategic direction, and program management within the country, the Country Director in Uganda will provide leadership to the local team while fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and implementing partners. This role requires extensive experience in international development or a related field, with a proven track record in leadership, financial management, and program oversight, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage diverse audiences. The Country Director will drive fundraising initiatives, ensure compliance with organizational policies and donor regulations, and monitor progress toward achieving program objectives. A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in a senior management position, is required, along with fluency in English and proficiency in a local language preferred. The International Crane Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of cranes and their habitats worldwide. Our mission involves conducting scientific research, implementing field conservation initiatives, and fostering collaborative partnerships to protect endangered crane species and their ecosystems. We seek passionate professionals committed to wildlife conservation, with a strong background in biology, ecology, or related fields, and experience in habitat restoration, species management, or environmental education. Key responsibilities include developing and executing conservation strategies, engaging with stakeholders, securing funding, and promoting public awareness through outreach programs. Mbarara Mbarara We are seeking a dedicated professional to join our team at a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing social impact through innovative programs and advocacy. The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of five years of relevant experience, with a strong background in project management, fundraising, or community engagement. Responsibilities include developing and executing strategic initiatives, managing donor relationships, and overseeing program implementation to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Proficiency in grant writing, budget management, and stakeholder collaboration is essential, along with exceptional communication and leadership skills. This role demands a commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and a passion for driving meaningful change in underserved communities. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, and advanced degrees or certifications in nonprofit management, public administration, or similar disciplines are highly desirable. Management, Business Operations, Social Services & Nonprofit, and Farming & Outdoors roles demand strong organizational acumen, strategic planning skills, and a commitment to operational excellence. These positions require the ability to oversee teams, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure adherence to regulatory and ethical standards. Candidates should possess proven leadership experience, analytical problem-solving capabilities, and the capacity to drive sustainable growth within diverse sectors. Proficiency in stakeholder engagement, financial oversight, and program development is essential, along with adaptability to evolving industry demands. Ideal applicants will demonstrate a passion for mission-driven work, whether in corporate settings, community-focused initiatives, or agricultural enterprises. SUMMARY: The International Crane Foundation (ICF) Uganda Crane and Wetland Conservation Program is dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the ecological health of critical crane habitats in Uganda through partnerships with local communities and key stakeholders while addressing and reducing threats to Grey Crowned Cranes in these areas. This initiative is part of ICF’s broader Africa Program, which seeks to sustain stable wild populations of four endangered crane species across Sub-Saharan Africa: the Wattle, Blue, Black Crowned, and Grey Crowned Cranes. Currently, ICF operates three regional hubs in Africa—located in South Africa, Zambia, and Uganda—with plans to extend its reach into the Sahel. The Uganda Program functions within the East African Regional Hub, headquartered in Kampala, Uganda, with the position based at the ICF Uganda Country Office in Barbara. POSITION PURPOSE The Country Director will offer strategic, programmatic, operational, and leadership oversight for ICF Uganda. The ideal candidate will be an independent, results-oriented leader with extensive field program management expertise, exceptional people management capabilities, and a proven track record in leading diverse teams and managing donor-funded conservation and development initiatives. Key responsibilities include ensuring ICF Uganda achieves high-quality conservation outcomes, sustains strong organizational performance, cultivates strategic partnerships, secures funding, enhances staff capacity, and maintains the highest standards of accountability, compliance, and organizational culture. Performs a range of critical duties and fulfills primary responsibilities that are fundamental to the role, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to established standards. Strategic leadership and comprehensive program oversight are essential responsibilities of this role, requiring the ability to guide teams and initiatives toward achieving long-term organizational objectives. The position demands a keen understanding of industry trends, strategic planning, and the capacity to align programs with broader business goals. Additionally, the role involves monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes, and ensuring that all initiatives adhere to established standards and deliver measurable value. Strong decision-making skills and the ability to inspire cross-functional collaboration are also critical to success in this position. ICF’s programs, staff, work plans, and budgets are led and managed strategically, with a focus on driving effective delivery, accountability, and measurable results. A collaborative team is developed and managed to work closely with communities, advancing the conservation of wetlands and cranes through shared efforts. Program management responsibilities involve overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of projects from inception to completion. The role requires coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines, budgets, and resources, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Key requirements include experience in project management methodologies, strong leadership abilities, and proficiency in relevant tools and software. The position demands meticulous attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the capacity to mitigate risks while driving project success. Develop, execute, and oversee impactful programs that deliver timely, cost-efficient, and compliant initiatives, aligned with the requirements of stakeholders such as government agencies, communities, donors, and external partners ICF engages with. This involves continuously assessing project performance and implementing necessary modifications to guarantee program success. Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and ethical behavior by embedding robust safeguarding measures, anti-fraud protocols, transparency, and adherence to compliance standards across all program activities. Experienced professionals adept at cultivating high-performing teams and fostering a collaborative work environment are sought for this role. The position requires mentoring staff, identifying skill gaps, and implementing targeted development programs to enhance individual and collective capabilities. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to motivate employees, resolve conflicts, and align team objectives with organizational goals. Proficiency in performance management, including setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and conducting regular evaluations, is a critical component of this responsibility. Deliver visionary and inspirational leadership to the Uganda team, cultivating a high-performance culture rooted in trust, accountability, inclusivity, collaboration, integrity, continuous learning, and organizational excellence. Partner with the Human Resource Office to drive workforce planning and talent management initiatives, encompassing recruitment, onboarding, performance management, coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and the cultivation of current and emerging leaders. Champion ICF’s “One ICF” culture by advocating for staff wellbeing, safeguarding, duty of care, workplace safety, ethical conduct, and professional growth, addressing performance gaps with fairness and constructive guidance while fostering sustained staff development and alignment with organizational values. You will be responsible for cultivating and expanding strategic partnerships while fostering robust external relations to enhance organizational growth and influence. Your role will involve identifying high-potential collaborators, negotiating mutually beneficial agreements, and maintaining enduring connections with key stakeholders. Additionally, you will serve as the primary liaison between our organization and external entities, ensuring alignment with long-term objectives and driving collaborative initiatives that deliver measurable value. Develop, nurture, and oversee strategic alliances with governmental bodies, funding partners, universities, civil society groups, private enterprises, local communities, and other relevant stakeholders to drive conservation impact, foster organizational expansion, and ensure enduring sustainability. Serve as ICF’s representative at national and international conferences, policy discussions, technical committees, and stakeholder networks, elevating the organization’s prominence, credibility, and authority as a premier authority in crane and wetland conservation across Uganda. Collaborate closely with ICF’s communications team to highlight programmatic successes, facilitate strategic messaging and publications, and act as the organization’s spokesperson in media engagements and public outreach initiatives where deemed appropriate. The role encompasses governance, risk management, and organizational compliance functions, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, internal policies, and industry best practices. Responsibilities include developing and implementing robust governance frameworks, identifying and mitigating risks, and maintaining compliance with legal and ethical obligations. The position requires a strong understanding of regulatory environments, risk assessment methodologies, and organizational policies, along with the ability to collaborate across departments to foster a culture of compliance and accountability. Core skills and qualifications include robust analytical abilities, proficiency in statistical analysis, and a strong grasp of data-driven decision-making processes. Candidates should possess exceptional problem-solving skills, an aptitude for interpreting complex data sets, and the capability to communicate insights effectively to stakeholders at all levels. Familiarity with industry-specific tools and software, such as SQL, Python, or advanced Excel, is essential. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability in fast-paced environments, and a track record of delivering measurable results through data-driven strategies. A dynamic team leader who excels at fostering collaboration, guiding staff and projects to optimal results, and cultivating an environment where individual and professional development, leadership, and accomplishments are actively encouraged, acknowledged, and celebrated. Skilled collaborator dedicated to fostering cross-functional teamwork, actively engaging with diverse departments and programs to deliver meaningful contributions to collective initiatives while supporting colleagues in achieving shared objectives. Exceptional communicator adept at conveying ideas clearly and persuasively through both spoken and written means, with a proven track record of engaging effectively with diverse audiences—from general consumers to industry experts—and senior organizational stakeholders. Adept at fostering collaborative alliances, leveraging interpersonal strengths to cultivate and sustain robust external partnerships and relationships with unwavering dedication. Accomplished in overseeing and guiding financial resources, with expertise in monitoring expenditures, income, and designated funding streams. Required Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related field, along with a minimum of three years of experience in software development, preferably within a relevant industry. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is essential, alongside strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Familiarity with version control systems like Git and experience with agile methodologies are also required. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. A Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Conservation Biology, Environmental Management, Wildlife Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline is required. With a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional experience, you will have overseen intricate conservation initiatives, environmental projects, natural resource management programs, or development efforts. With a minimum of five years of experience in senior leadership roles and personnel management, Successfully led multidisciplinary teams operating across diverse geographical sites, delivering cohesive and effective outcomes. Demonstrates a successful track record in overseeing donor-funded initiatives, ensuring strict adherence to budgetary allocations and compliance standards. A robust knowledge of biodiversity conservation principles, wetland ecosystems, community engagement strategies, and sustainable development methodologies is essential. Achieved proven success in cultivating donor relationships, developing compelling funding proposals, and executing strategic fundraising campaigns. Extensive collaboration with governmental bodies, civil society organizations, development partners, and grassroots communities is strongly preferred. Accomplished financial management expertise paired with strong organizational leadership capabilities is essential. Over and above the standard qualifications, candidates must satisfy the following additional criteria to be considered for this position. Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and precision in managing both timelines and work quality, ensuring consistent delivery of high-standard results. You must hold a current, valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record. Ability to adapt working hours as required to fulfill both routine and unexpected job duties effectively is essential. Skilled in traveling extensively across Uganda and, on occasion, to other African project sites as well as the ICF Headquarters in the USA. We embrace equal opportunity principles and exclusively welcome applications from Ugandan citizens for this role. Prospective candidates must provide a single PDF file containing their curriculum vitae, daytime telephone number, email address, the names and

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