Uganda: Program Director (Head of Mission) in Uganda and lead program expansion to DRC

Program Director (Head of Mission) for DDR Reintegration + Peacebuilding NGO in Northern Uganda/Eastern Congo

The Grassroots Reconciliation Group (GRG) seeks a Program Director (Head of Mission) to head the office in Gulu, northern Uganda and lead the setting up of projects in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). GRG runs innovative peacebuilding and livelihood projects for the reintegration of former combatants of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and child soldiers. We are looking for a proven project manager with field experience and visionary ideas and who can take the lead in growing the organization.

GRG projects bring together former combatants and local community members to plan their own paths to reintegration and reconciliation. This involves a broad range of locally designed interventions, including livelihoods, agriculture, microfinance, trauma counseling and support, community theater, and peacebuilding activities. Registered as a 501c3 non-profit organization in the U.S., GRG has worked with over 1,100 people since 2007, and currently works with over 600 people in communities in rural northern Uganda. See www.grassrootsgroup.org for more information..

GRG is actively pursuing the setting up of projects in eastern Congo (North Kivu). The Program Director will support the Board of Directors and GRG staff to build contacts in DRC. This will include identification of key stakeholders, funding opportunities, beneficiary communities, legal requirements, and as necessary, travel to Goma, DRC. If successful and pending funding, the Program Director may be required to relocate to Goma to manage GRG programs.

Job Summary: The Program Director (Head of Mission) will have the overall responsibility for implementation of programs in rural communities; as well as financial management, fundraising, and coordination with development partners and the local governments; in Northern Uganda and eastern Congo.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Managing the office with 5-6 other permanent staff and 2-3 international and local volunteers.


• Managing livelihood and peace-building projects in rural communities in northern Uganda, entailing weekly field visits. The job will be about 50% office-based and 50% field-based.


• Overseeing the implementation of a psychosocial support program for ex-combatants and war victims, in close collaboration with the program and counselling staff.


• Financial management, budgets, and cost control.


• Regular networking and outreach to other NGO partners, foundations, and other donors.


• Leading GRG’s monitoring, evaluation and learning system, providing regular reporting for internal learning, donors, and others.


• Working on grant proposals and fundraising activities.


• Setting up GRG projects in new locations.


• Supporting the design of projects and methodologies for field engagement.


• Supporting GRG’s communications strategy including blogging, video uploads, etc.


• Leading expansion of GRG program activities to eastern Congo, including fundraising.

Requirements:

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

• At least 2-3 years of experience with project management in a developing country (preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa), preferably with a background in conflict resolution and international development.


• High degree of self-motivation and proven ability to work independently.


• Project management skills, particularly on international development, livelihoods, and peace-building projects


• Good cross-cultural communication skills


• Good writing skills


• Knowledge of sustainable development issues and conflict resolution


• Grassroots community mobilization experience a plus.


• Knowledge of northern Uganda & eastern Congo a plus.


• Excellent networker


• Proven fundraising experience, in particular on grants.


• Knowledge of multi-media, including web design, blogging, etc a plus


• Fluency in English and French (written and spoken)

GRG offers a two year contract, significant field project management experience and opportunities for growth, personal development, and leadership. Salary level: $1000-1200 per month.

Deadline: February 27, 2016