Founding Head of Training Centre

Job Overview

The Werner Erkes Foundation is establishing a new Agricultural Vocational Training Centre in the Elgon Region of Eastern Uganda. This initiative aims to deliver practical skills in crop production, livestock management and value addition to young people seeking sustainable livelihoods.

As the Founding Head of Training Centre, you will lead the entire setup from concept to operation, shaping the curriculum, farm infrastructure and agribusiness model. Your leadership will ensure the centre meets quality standards, financial sustainability and social impact goals.

The centre will serve as a hub for innovation, linking training with market access through value-addition activities such as processing, packaging and branding. Graduates will be equipped to start their own agribusiness enterprises or gain employment in established firms, contributing to regional economic growth.

Key Responsibilities

In this role you will combine strategic vision with hands-on management to build a training centre that serves both learners and the local agricultural economy. You will work closely with community stakeholders, government agencies and partner organisations to secure land, resources and support for the venture.

You will also represent the centre at regional forums, build partnerships with input suppliers and off-takers, and advocate for policies that support vocational training and youth employment in the agricultural sector.

• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment for agricultural training and agribusiness opportunities, consulting farmers, youth groups and local leaders to identify priority skills and market demands.
• Select suitable land for the campus and farm, oversee site planning, and develop an integrated layout that includes classrooms, workshops, demonstration plots and livestock facilities.
• Design a vocational training curriculum covering crop production, livestock husbandry, post-harvest handling and agribusiness entrepreneurship, aligning with national TVET standards and industry needs.
• Prepare operational plans, including timetables, training schedules and farm activities, and coordinate procurement of equipment, teaching materials, seeds, feed and other inputs required for launch.
• Recruit, train and supervise instructional and farm staff, establishing clear roles, performance expectations and professional development pathways to build a capable team.
• Implement quality assurance systems, monitor training delivery and farm productivity, ensure compliance with legal, administrative and safeguarding requirements, and report progress to the foundation board.

Qualifications & Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in agriculture, vocational education or agribusiness, combined with proven experience in leading complex projects. You should be adept at strategic planning, financial management and team building in a multicultural, resource-limited setting.

Essential

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for the position.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Agriculture, Agronomy, Animal Science, Agribusiness, Education or a related field.
• Minimum five years of progressive experience in agricultural project management, vocational training centre operations or agribusiness enterprise development.
• Demonstrated ability to develop curricula, training programmes and farm-based learning activities that meet national TVET standards and industry requirements.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial reporting and experience managing donor or grant-funded budgets in a nonprofit or development context.

Desirable

The following qualifications are advantageous but not mandatory.

• Experience working with international donors, NGOs or foundations, particularly in designing and launching educational or agricultural initiatives in East Africa.
• Knowledge of Ugandan agricultural policies, TVET regulations and land acquisition processes, with familiarity of the Elgon Region’s socio-economic context.
• Proven track record in staff recruitment, capacity building and mentoring, with ability to foster inclusive learning environments for youth and women.
• Familiarity with digital learning tools, farm management software and data-driven decision making to enhance training effectiveness and operational efficiency.

What the Role Offers

Joining the Werner Erkes Foundation offers a unique opportunity to shape a lasting educational legacy in rural Uganda. You will receive a competitive package that supports both professional growth and personal well-being while you build a transformative training centre from the ground up.

The role offers the following benefits and support packages.

• Attractive salary commensurate with experience, plus allowances for housing, transport and meals to support relocation and daily living in the Elgon Region.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for you and your immediate family, ensuring access to quality medical care throughout your contract.
• Ongoing professional development support, including funding for short courses, conferences and certifications relevant to agricultural TVET and agribusiness management.
• The chance to lead a pioneering initiative that will create skilled jobs, improve food security and generate sustainable income for communities in Eastern Uganda.

How to Apply

Please submit your curriculum vitae, copies of relevant academic certificates and a brief cover letter outlining your motivation for this role. All applications should be sent via the application portal. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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