Programmes Manager

Who We Are

Science Teaching and Innovations Africa (STIA) (formerly known as Science Teachers’ Initiative STI) is a Ugandan locally registered non-profit non-governmental organization made up of experienced science teachers and innovators. The organization invests in improving the quality of education and stimulating critical thinking and innovation among young people in Africa.

Our Vision Statement: A vibrant community of empowered science educators and young scientists driving

African socioeconomic development through innovative homegrown solutions.

Our Mission is to optimize science education experiences and outcomes as fundamental catalysts for the accelerated socioeconomic development of Africa.

STIA legally authorized River flow International (RIFI) to sponsor its activities and to transact on behalf of STIA, on which powers of attorney was issued. All instructional materials and publications of Science Teaching and Innovations Africa are copy righted as per the laws of Uganda.

Job Summary:

The Programmes Manager is responsible for overall leadership and management of all program functions at the national level. This includes; Program planning, implementation, quality assurance, Financial & Human resource management, administration, resource mobilization, reporting and programme development.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Programme Management and Development.

  • Overall management and implementation of all projects in the areas of operation in line with approved project proposals, work plans, budgets and the agreed time frames,
  • Ensure compliance to all RIFI-STIA Donor and Government of Uganda policies, procedures and guidelines that relate to the implementation of the programme.
  • Initiate project proposals/ideas within the thematic priorities of RIFI-STIA and submit to the Head of Programs for consideration on the basis of emerging opportunities and felt needs and lessons learnt from program implementation in a specific location.
  • Develop effective relationships with all programme partners and collaborators including government departments.
  • In consultation with Head of Programs and the Country Director, ensure compliance with program monitoring system, and timely preparation and submission of program status reports as defined by organizational policies and the contracts signed with programme donors.
  • Take active part in the strategic planning processes of RIFI-STIA

Donor Mapping & Resource Mobilization

  • Develop and implement a donor mapping strategy for RIFI-STIA,
  • Build meaningful relations with potential donors/stakeholders/clients to connect with key decision makers and to showcase the RIFI-STIA innovations and programmes,
  • Develop, submit and follow up on quality and competitive funding proposals,
  • Work closely with financial institutions and other cooperate organisations to incorporate ESG funding within RIFI-STIA programming.

Research, Policy influencing, Advocacy and Lobbying.

  • Keep abreast of socio-economic and political developments in the programme Area and maintain close communication with the Senior Management Team on all relevant issues and changes in the environment.
  • Participate in district, regional, national and international campaigns in line with the advocacy plan and other relevant opportunities from time to time.
  • Take part in relevant researches, cross learning and trainings as part of institutional development.
  • Ensure that the project understanding of the issues affecting communities is used to influence relevant policies and practices of Government of Uganda, NGOs, UN agencies and Donors

Organizational Support function and Representation of RIFI-STIA.

  • Represent RIFI-STIA on all appropriate fora within the programme area, including all related stakeholder groups such as sector meetings.
  • Ensure that local/government, NGO partners and beneficiaries have clear understanding of RIFI-STIA’s vision, mission, goals and programs and strategies for its realizations.
  • Identify, establish and maintain close working relationship with key stakeholders in the areas of operation including UN agencies, INGOs and LNGOs with a view of promoting learning and sharing of experiences/information; creating synergy in program planning and implementation; and creating a bigger voice on issues of common concern.

Human Resource Management and Development

The Programmes Manager shall be responsible for planning, organizing and controlling of Programme staff. You will familiarize self with RIFI-STIA HR and performance management policies and ensure that;

  • Annual and semi-annual staff performance appraisal are carried out for all program staff and are supporting all staff to do so,
  • Establish and promote a motivating working environment through teamwork approaches and ensure that staff members are regularly communicated on developments within RIFI-STIA through emails, updates and regular staff meetings,
  • Consolidate the Human Resource Training and development requirements of staff and submit them to the Human Resource Officer for discussion and consideration for inclusion in to the staff institutional development plan,
  • Ensure staff responsibilities are well-defined and understood; performance objectives are set against work plans and regularly monitored,
  • Ensure all staff receive bi-annual performance reviews and ongoing supervisions and support in carrying out their tasks. And that all new staff are adequately inducted

Reporting and Communication

  • Liaise closely with senior management team to ensure that open communication and feedback is received and all duties are carried out in a timely and efficient manner
  • Ensure the Head of Programmes and the Country Director are updated of all activities designated to your responsibility and any difficulties that may arise, through regular briefing and meetings,
  • Ensure that all programme/project reporting (internal and external) is completed in a timely and accurate manner,
  • Ensure that all external communication (Donor) goes through the Head of Programmes and approved by the Country Director.

General responsibilities

  • Participate in the Senior Management Team meetings
  • Comply with all relevant RIFI-STIA policies and procedures with respect to programming manual, human resource policy, Financial and other relevant policies
  • Ensure that all transactions that might have a financial consequence are legal, taking professional advice where appropriate,
  • Perform other related tasks as requested by Head of Programs, Finance and Administration Manager and the Country Director.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

  • You must hold a Degree in the field of Education, Social Sciences or degree related to development. Possession of a Master’s Degree in a related field is an advantage.
  • Experience and ability to initiate and develop winning funding proposals and drive fundraising campaigns,
  • Able to assess social/ political situations and able to act in a diplomatic way in delicate situations,
  • 5 years of experience in development and management of projects at country level,
  • Competent in MS office programs, email and database management,
  • Sound technical knowledge, conceptual and analytical ability, sound judgment, adaptive and flexible capacity,
  • Capacity building and training skills,
  • Highly motivated and with a desire to work with local communities,
  • Proven ability to develop and lead a high performing team,
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills,
  • Experience of working collaboratively with local government and NGO partners and a commitment to working through partnerships,
  • Ability to manage stress, work in large and multicultural teams,
  • Outstanding interpersonal and inter-organizational skills,
  • Commitment to and understanding of RIFI-STIA’s vision, mission, values and principles.

Working Conditions:

  • The role may require frequent travels to rural project sites using public transport means,
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Submit your cover letter, CV & Copies of Academic credentials as one pdf file by 11:59pm 18th July 2024 to

[email protected]

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