Project Team Leader / Field Office Manager Jobs – Youth Social Advocacy Team (YSAT)

Job Overview

The Youth Social Advocacy Team (YSAT) is seeking a dedicated Project Team Leader to oversee the PlayMatters 3.0 project in Kiryandongo refugee settlement. This role combines strategic program leadership with hands-on field office management to support conflict-affected youth through education and livelihood initiatives. The successful candidate will drive quality implementation while ensuring operational excellence in a dynamic humanitarian setting.

YSAT is a refugee-led non-governmental organization committed to empowering young people in displacement contexts. The PlayMatters 3.0 project focuses on improving access to quality education and addressing root causes of violence through innovative, youth-centered approaches. This position offers a unique opportunity to make tangible impact while developing leadership skills in the humanitarian sector.

The duty station is Kiryandongo, Uganda, requiring full-time presence to manage daily operations and stakeholder engagement. The role reports directly to YSAT leadership and collaborates closely with War Child Alliance, IRC, OPM, UNHCR, and local government partners. This is a critical position for ensuring project success and organizational representation in coordination forums.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the planning, launch, execution, and close-out of all PlayMatters 3.0 field activities in Kiryandongo settlement.
• Oversee daily operations, safety, and security protocols for the Kiryandongo field office and staff team.
• Serve as YSAT’s primary focal point for the PlayMatters project, attending all coordination meetings with War Child Alliance and IRC.
• Represent YSAT in coordination forums with OPM, UNHCR, District Local Government, and education working groups.
• Manage the project budget in collaboration with the Project Finance Officer, ensuring accurate forecasting and financial accountability.
• Supervise field staff, conduct performance evaluations, and foster a positive, inclusive work environment.
• Ensure timely submission of high-quality program reports, including monthly updates and donor narratives.
• Monitor and evaluate project activities against indicators, adapting strategies based on field feedback and data.
• Strengthen partnerships with schools, community leaders, and youth groups to enhance project reach and sustainability.
• Uphold YSAT’s safeguarding policies and promote ethical conduct across all project activities and partnerships.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Project Management, Development Studies, or a related Social Science discipline from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 5 years progressive experience managing humanitarian or development education programmes, with preference for Education in Emergencies contexts.
• At least 2 years proven experience in a field-office leadership or supervisory role, demonstrating team and operational management.
• Excellent leadership abilities, partnership management skills, budget tracking proficiency, and strong report-writing capabilities.
• Deep understanding of Uganda’s education system structure and the specific dynamics of refugee settlements in the country.

Desirable

• Master’s Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning & Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, or a closely related field.
• Previous experience working with refugee-led organizations or in refugee settlement settings in Uganda or similar contexts.
• Familiarity with the PlayMatters approach or similar play-based learning methodologies in education programmes.
• Experience with donor compliance requirements from major institutional funders such as EU, USAID, or UN agencies.
• Proficiency in using project management software and data visualization tools for tracking progress and outcomes.

What the Role Offers

• Opportunity to lead a meaningful education project impacting refugee and host community youth in Kiryandongo settlement.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, aligned with local NGO salary scales for similar positions in Uganda.
• Professional development opportunities including access to relevant training workshops and conferences in the humanitarian sector.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the employee, providing access to private medical facilities in Uganda.
• Generous leave entitlements including annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave in accordance with Ugandan labour law.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV, copies of academic certificates and transcripts, and a one-page cover letter detailing their suitability for the role. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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