Country Director - Mercy Corps, Uganda (National Position)

Job Title

Country Director

Location

Kampala, Uganda

Position Status

Full-time, Non-exempt, Regular

Salary Level

National level 12

Risk Level

Level 3: Frequent contact with participants, direct contact with children, access to sensitive data, and/or high level of accountability

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 35 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Mercy Corps Uganda Programs Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in Uganda since 2006, focusing its interventions on economic and agricultural development, governance, conflict management and humanitarian response. With funding from USG, FCDO, DANIDA, AFD, ADA and private foundations, Mercy Corps has been able to work together with communities in Uganda to drive transformative change with a particular focus on addressing the needs of youth, refugees, host communities and adolescent girls in last mile and pastoralist communities.

General Position Summary

The Country Director will be responsible for setting strategic direction and delivery of an impactful portfolio that strengthens community resilience to conflict and climate shocks, aligning to the three Mercy Corps’ impact priorities. The Mercy Corps Uganda Country Director is an innovative and visionary leader responsible for resourcefully managing all programming in Uganda. This is an exciting opportunity to influence key outcomes and make a lasting difference in the lives of Ugandans.

Essential Responsibilities

Influence & Representation

• Grow and diversify the portfolio, expanding technical reputation and donor relationships.
• Cultivate and deepen relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Develop innovative funding proposals.
• Maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in coordination groups and contribute to shaping donors' views on development priorities.
• Represent Mercy Corps programs with national and international media.
• Demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and maintain positive relationships.
• Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.

Strategy & Vision

• Align with the organization’s Pathway to Prosperity (P2P) strategy and develop a clear vision for Uganda.
• Set direction by prioritizing and organizing actions and resources to achieve objectives.
• Lead the annual country planning process.
• Work collaboratively with headquarters and regional technical support teams.
• Recognize opportunities for innovative action and create an environment for alternative viewpoints.

Team Management

• Recruit and lead an efficient, capable, and high-performing team.
• Develop the capacity of the team and assist with career development.
• Promote accountability and provide constructive feedback.
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect.
• Contribute to country team-building efforts and decision-making processes.

Program Operations Management

• Apply Mercy Corps’ impact measurement principles and framework to programs.
• Ensure effective, transparent use of resources in compliance with Mercy Corps and donor policies.
• Oversee budget management of sub-grantees/sub-contractors.
• Build and maintain operational systems for proper administrative support.
• Fulfill Mercy Corps’ Program Management Standards (PM@MC).
• Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ GESI Policy, Do No Harm principles, and participant accountability standards.
• Support country teams to improve data collection, management, and use.

Finance & Compliance Management

• Coordinate the overall country budget and establish an annual cash flow plan.
• Build and maintain operational structures for proper segregation of duties.
• Build and maintain an environment of collaboration among teams.
• Ensure program implementation is on time, on target, and on budget.
• Create and maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources.
• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations.
• Work with auditors to facilitate their work and make changes based on their findings and recommendations.

Security

• Liaise with the Director of Global Security, Deputy Regional Directors, and Africa Security Advisor on crucial events, high-risk periods, and incident reporting.