Uganda: Program Manager At Internews

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Internews is seeking a Program Manager for the USAID-funded Media Viability Initiative, which aims to support independent media in Uganda. The Program Manager will support the Chief of Party (COP) in all aspects of program management and implementation at a strategic level and at an operational level. They will be responsible for oversight of program activities, reporting and sub-grants. They will occasionally act as COP, serving as the principal point of contact in Uganda for procedural and substantive matters, and will assume delegated COP responsibilities as needed. They will support the COP in liaison with the donor on technical issues and managing program operations in response to donor technical direction. The position will also support the COP in ensuring the timely delivery of activities, maintaining quality control, and enhancing the overall responsiveness of technical assistance.

LOGISTICS

This position will be based in Kampala, Uganda. Please note that candidates must be based in Uganda; relocation assistance is not available.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

This is a limited-duration position, with an expected end date of January 2030.

Note: Hiring of this role is contingent upon donor approval.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS will include:

• Develop and maintain a keen understanding of the challenges and issues facing independent media in Uganda.
• Collaborate with the Chief of Party (COP), local partners, and local staff to design and implement innovative strategies and activities that enhance the capacity of Ugandan media outlets and associations, with a holistic focus on media viability and sustainability.
• Supervise a team of experienced media advisors, trainers and consultants to deliver high-quality, comprehensive training programs and targeted support that strengthens Ugandan media’s ability to produce reliable, relevant, and accurate information on democracy, human rights, and governance issues.
• Foster and cultivate relationships with local and international governmental actors, media organizations, partners, and agencies. Represent the project to key stakeholders, including government officials, project funders, and other donors.
• Ensure clear and effective internal and external communication for the project by drafting, reviewing, and contributing to reports, success stories, and social-media content.
• Collaborate with program staff to identify the needs of independent media and vulnerable populations (e.g., media literacy) and develop strategies and interventions to address those needs effectively.
• Develop and promote programs that address barriers to youth access to news and information, leveraging innovative formats and platforms to engage young audiences.
• In partnership with the COP, provide strategic leadership in building and maintaining professional relationships with donors through timely reporting, effective communications, and proactive advocacy.
• Support the COP and senior administrative and finance staff in ensuring full compliance with organizational policies and donor rules and regulations.
• Analyze project results and the implementation of successes/failures.
• Prepare detailed plan for program improvement and potential expansion, as assigned by the COP.
• Undertake additional responsibilities and initiatives as necessary, as requested by the COP or senior management.
• In all duties, uphold Internews’ Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of belonging.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

Required

• University degree or equivalent lived/professional experience
• A minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in media development and/or journalism. Experience in Ugandan media development a significant asset.
• Extensive media development experience in Uganda and /or East Africa region, including work with media organizations and associations, and senior program management.
• A successful track record in supervising, designing, managing and implementing technical assistance for donor-funded media projects, with proven ability to develop, implement, and monitor work plans, training plans, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and procurement strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support senior managerial staff.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including excellent written and spoken English.
• In-depth knowledge of audio-visual media, software, applications, and technologies.
• Extensive experience of feature writing, investigative journalism, editing, and design.
• Proven management skills in both offline and online environments, including excellent time management skills and organizational skills.
• Solid experience with social media platforms and analytic tools.
• Demonstrated experience in launching new media businesses and testing innovative media and news dissemination tools.

Preferred

Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but who are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to apply.

• An advanced degree in media studies, journalism, communication, social sciences, international development, or a related field.
• Experience as an editor in a leading media house.
• Familiarity with media business management and media law is highly preferred.
• Experience as a manager or trainer in professional capacity-building programs for journalists and media outlets, with strong knowledge of new media trends.
• Prior experience working on US government-funded programs.