About the role

The Programme Officer will be responsible for leading the effective coordination, implementation, and reporting of governance and consortium-managed projects. This role will oversee partnerships, ensure compliance with donor requirements, and strengthen collaboration between stakeholders to achieve project objectives. She/he will provide strategic and technical guidance, foster a culture of accountability and learning, and represent the organisation in relevant networks and forums.

Key responsibilities:

Project Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Lead coordination of the National Youth Working Group (NYWG) and its thematic sub-groups (Health, Livelihoods & Agriculture, Human Rights & Good Governance).
• Facilitate joint CSO–Government working groups to strengthen collaboration and influence on youth-related policy priorities.
• Organise and manage quarterly reflection and planning meetings for NYWG members, ensuring documentation and follow-up on agreed actions.
• Plan and host dialogues between youth civil society and regulators such as the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Financial Intelligence Authority, and other relevant agencies.
• Maintain active engagement with government ministries, parliamentary committees, and development partners to support advocacy and policy influence.

Capacity Strengthening & Knowledge Management 

• Oversee the design, launch, and management of the Youth Leaders Lab digital platform for virtual learning and collaboration.
• Conduct capacity development needs assessments for youth CSOs and guide tailored training interventions on governance, advocacy, financial management, leadership, safeguarding, and sustainability.
• Support youth leaders in developing and implementing action plans based on training modules and track their progress through mentorship.
• Lead the development and dissemination of the State of Youth Civil Society Report, ensuring its recommendations are actioned.
• Coordinate the development of the youth monitoring framework for NDP IV and facilitate biannual review meetings with the National Planning Authority.

Advocacy, Events & Reporting

• Coordinate research and analysis on the legal and policy environment for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovation in Uganda to support advocacy for the Start-Up Bill.
• Mobilise and support youth leaders and entrepreneurs to engage parliamentary committees on trade, finance, and gender.
• Plan, organise, and deliver national-level events such as the National Youth Business Forum and policy dialogues.
• Ensure project visibility through strategic communications, including webinars, social media campaigns, and dissemination of project briefs.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on project progress, outcomes, and impact in line with donor requirements and organisational standards.

Other duties as required

• Other duties as required. Occasionally working on weekends, late night in case of emerging incidents and holidays for which time off in lieu can be taken.

About you

We are looking for people with the right competencies and skills for the role, and who demonstrate the personal qualities consistent with our Values and behaviours.

Head: We are experts in our lived realities. We innovate and try new things without fear of failure.