Head of Programmes – WASH, Public Health and Climate Change

About the role

WaterAid Uganda is looking for a Head of Programmes to lead its WASH, public health and climate resilience portfolio. Reporting to the Country Director and sitting on the Senior Management Team, the post supervises the Projects technical staff and MEAL staff and works with technical and operational teams, external partners, donors and government. The role is fixed, renewable based on performance and funding.

Key responsibilities

• Provide leadership and guidance to the Programme team in delivering WASH programmes across the country, building a cohesive team and coordinating with NGOs, government, donors and beneficiaries.
• Ensure high-quality technical support and capacity strengthening through the Climate Advisor, Public Health Advisor, Programme Managers and partners.
• Lead the design of projects, proposals and reports that meet funder requirements and the Country Programme's strategic priorities.
• Develop and manage a partnership strategy with government agencies, international partners, CSOs and local communities.
• Represent WaterAid in national forums on WASH, public health and climate change, and build a country-level strategy aligned with public health and climate resilience goals.
• Develop operational plans and budgets, monitor expenditure and act within delegated authorities.
• Lead technical direction on climate change and public health, strengthen the public health sector's participation in the Climate Change Agenda and use evidence and learning to influence policy.
• Build partnerships with Ministries, departments and agencies, CSOs and NGOs, and manage project budgets with the Head of Finance.

Required profile

• Master's degree, preferably in Public Health, Environmental Science, Water Resources Engineering or International Development.
• At least 10 years of professional experience, including 7 in senior management in an international or national NGO, and 7 years managing and implementing WASH programmes, preferably in public health and/or climate change resilience.
• Proven programme management experience, including strategic planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong knowledge of WASH principles and best practices, and proven ability to build partnerships that influence government policy.

Required skills

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Competence in WaterAid common approaches: partnerships, convening, inclusion, systems strengthening, behavioural change and gender/youth mainstreaming.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, cross-cultural awareness, and ability to work to deadlines under pressure.

Applications close on Friday 6 November 2026 at 12:00 GMT; candidates apply through the online application form.