ZOA Uganda Project Manager – Education Project Jobs 2026

About ZOA Uganda

ZOA Uganda Programmes

• Kampala
• West Nile (Arua)
• Acholi (Lamwo)
• Kiryandongo
• Karamoja (Amudat)

• Food security and livelihoods.
• Primary and accelerated education.
• Conflict management.
• Land security.

Job Summary

• Project planning.
• Implementation.
• Monitoring.
• Quality assurance.
• Reporting.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Team management.
• Budget oversight.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Management

• Lead planning, implementation, and monitoring of education project activities.
• Ensure timely and quality achievement of project outputs and outcomes.
• Monitor project progress against targets.
• Adjust implementation strategies when required.
• Coordinate education situation and needs assessments.
• Develop and manage project implementation plans.
• Ensure activities align with:
  • Approved proposals.
  • ZOA strategies.
  • Country Strategic Annual Plans.
• Develop and implement:
  • Procurement plans.
  • Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) plans.
• Provide technical support to project implementation teams.
• Work closely with the Programme Quality and Growth (PGQ) department.
• Prepare monthly Project Implementation Plan (PIP) reports.
• Develop donor reports according to contractual requirements.
• Manage project budgets and ensure proper expenditure control.
• Contribute to quarterly country programme reports.
• Maintain strong relationships with:
  • UNICEF and donors.
  • District Education Offices.
  • Local authorities.
  • Implementing partners.
  • UN agencies.
  • Education stakeholders.
• Monitor partner performance and provide capacity-building support.
• Participate in development of new education project proposals.
• Perform other duties assigned by management.

2. Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise project staff and ensure accountability.
• Oversee activities implemented by partner organizations.
• Strengthen partner capacity through coaching and support.
• Promote quality and inclusive education programming.
• Support gender and disability inclusion approaches.
• Identify opportunities for ZOA programme expansion in Karamoja.
• Participate as a member of the Programme Management Team (PMT).

3. Human Resource Management

• Set weekly and monthly targets for project staff.
• Conduct regular team meetings.
• Conduct staff performance appraisals.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and technical guidance.
• Support recruitment of qualified project staff.
• Participate in reviewing job descriptions and interviews.
• Ensure staff understand:
  • Job responsibilities.
  • ZOA policies.
  • Donor regulations.
  • Internal procedures.
• Support staff capacity-building initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with ZOA integrity standards.
• Manage staff leave planning.

4. Procurement and Financial Management

• Initiate procurement requests for project goods and services.
• Ensure expenses follow approved budgets.
• Monitor budget utilization.
• Provide correct financial coding for expenses.
• Support effective resource management.

5. Accountability and Safeguarding

• Promote awareness of ZOA feedback and complaint mechanisms.
• Ensure complaints are properly documented and handled.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • ZOA Code of Conduct.
  • Safeguarding policies.
  • Child protection standards.
• Promote a “Do No Harm” approach in all activities.
• Ensure ethical and accountable programme implementation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Education
  • Development Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Related relevant fields.

Required Experience

• Minimum 5 years of successful project cycle management experience.
• Experience managing education or humanitarian projects.
• Experience in programmes involving:
  • Education access.
  • Quality education.
  • Child protection.
  • Gender inclusion.
  • Disability inclusion.
• Experience working in Karamoja is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Karamoja stakeholders and local languages is an added advantage.
• Experience managing projects with local NGO partners is an advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong project planning abilities.
• Experience managing donor-funded projects.
• Budget management skills.
• Monitoring and reporting experience.

• Participative leadership approach.
• Ability to coach and mentor teams.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback.
• Ability to motivate staff.

• Excellent report writing skills.
• Strong facilitation abilities.
• Excellent spoken and written English.

• Good computer skills:
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work in changing environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Motorcycle Riding Requirement

• Ability to ride a motorcycle.
• Valid motorcycle riding licence.

Personal Attributes

• High personal integrity.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Commitment to ZOA’s mission and Christian values.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Work Environment

• Regular field visits across Karamoja districts.
• Travel to project locations.
• Occasional overnight field stays.
• Participation in coordination meetings and training activities.
• Flexibility during reporting and operational periods.

Why Join ZOA Uganda?

• Opportunity to lead impactful education programmes.
• Experience managing UNICEF-funded projects.
• Professional growth within an international NGO.
• Exposure to humanitarian and development programming.
• Competitive NGO-sector salary and benefits.
• Opportunity to support vulnerable children and communities.

Career Growth Opportunities

• Senior Project Manager
• Programme Manager
• Education Programme Coordinator
• Country Programme Manager
• Education Technical Advisor
• NGO Programme Director

How to Apply

• Updated CV (maximum 5 pages).
• At least three professional references.
• References should relate to previous employment within the last five years.

Interview Preparation Tips

• Understanding UNICEF education programming.
• Reviewing education challenges in Karamoja.
• Preparing examples of managing donor-funded projects.
• Demonstrating experience supervising teams and partners.
• Explaining approaches to child safeguarding.
• Showing experience with budgeting, reporting, and MEAL systems.

CV Writing Tips

• Project management experience.
• Education programme leadership.
• UNICEF or donor-funded project experience.
• Team supervision experience.
• Budget management.
• Partner coordination.
• Community engagement.
• Monitoring and reporting skills.
• Experience working in Karamoja.
• Motorcycle riding licence.