Founding Head of Training Centre – Agricultural TVET & Agribusiness Elgon Region, Eastern Uganda

Job Overview

The Werner Erkes Foundation East Africa is establishing a new Agricultural Vocational Training Centre in the Elgon Region of Eastern Uganda. This founding role offers a unique opportunity to build an institution from the ground up, focusing on practical skills development for youth and farmers in the region. The successful candidate will shape the vision, curriculum, and operational framework of the centre to meet local agribusiness needs.

As Founding Head, you will lead strategic planning, staff recruitment, partnership development, and day-to-day management of the training centre. Your work will directly contribute to improving agricultural productivity, food security, and youth employment in the Elgon Region. This is a senior leadership position requiring initiative, cultural sensitivity, and a deep understanding of Uganda’s TVET system.

The role demands a blend of academic knowledge, field experience, and entrepreneurial spirit to create sustainable training programmes aligned with market demands. You will report to the Foundation’s regional leadership while operating with significant autonomy to establish the centre as a centre of excellence in agricultural TVET.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic plan for the Agricultural TVET Centre, including vision, mission, and long-term goals aligned with national skills development priorities.
• Design and review competency-based curricula in crop production, livestock management, agro-processing, and farm business management for certificate and diploma levels.
• Recruit, train, and supervise instructional and support staff, fostering a professional learning environment that promotes gender equality and inclusion.
• Establish partnerships with local agribusinesses, cooperatives, and input suppliers to create internship opportunities and ensure training relevance to market needs.
• Oversee the procurement, installation, and maintenance of training equipment, demonstration plots, and livestock units for practical skills acquisition.
• Manage the centre’s budget, financial reporting, and resource allocation in compliance with donor requirements and Foundation policies.
• Monitor and evaluate training outcomes, graduate employment rates, and programme impact using data-driven approaches to inform continuous improvement.
• Represent the centre at regional TVET forums, agricultural shows, and stakeholder meetings to advocate for vocational education and attract support.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Education, Vocational Training, or a closely related field from a recognised university.
• Minimum of eight years of progressive experience in agricultural vocational education, agribusiness development, or rural extension services in Uganda or similar contexts.
• Proven experience in curriculum development, training delivery, and assessment within the Ugandan TVET framework or equivalent systems.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing training institutions, projects, or teams, including budget oversight and staff supervision.
• Strong knowledge of Elgon Region’s agricultural systems, key value chains (coffee, bananas, dairy, horticulture), and farmer organisations.
• Fluency in English and Luganda, both written and spoken, to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders and trainees.

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Education Management, or Agribusiness to enhance strategic planning and policy engagement capabilities.
• Experience working with international donors, NGOs, or government programmes on skills development or agricultural transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with competency-based training (CBT) methodologies, national qualifications frameworks, and quality assurance mechanisms in TVET.
• Background in establishing public-private partnerships or social enterprises that link training to employment or agribusiness incubation.
• Basic proficiency in digital learning platforms and agricultural technology tools for modernising training delivery.

What the Role Offers

• Opportunity to found and lead a new training institution with lasting impact on youth skills development and agricultural transformation in Eastern Uganda.
• Competitive salary package commensurate with senior leadership role, including housing and transport allowances suitable for Mbale-based professionals.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employee and dependents, access to wellness programmes, and professional development support.
• Generous leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays, promoting work-life balance in a demanding yet rewarding role.
• Supportive work environment within a respected German foundation committed to education, innovation, and long-term community investment in Africa.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV, copies of academic certificates and transcripts, and a cover letter outlining their vision for the Agricultural TVET Centre and how their experience aligns with the founding mandate. Please apply now by clicking the link below.

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