Program Protection Officer

About the role

The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) is a nationwide membership organization of women human rights defenders, representing over 148 members and promoting a feminist, holistic approach to their protection. It is recruiting a Program Protection Officer to report to the Executive Director, based in Kampala with frequent travel within the country.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement protection programs for women human rights defenders, including emergency support and capacity building, and design rapid response interventions
• Organize training, workshops and awareness sessions, and align activities with organizational objectives and donor requirements
• Develop M&E frameworks, tools and indicators, and carry out data collection such as surveys, interviews and focus groups
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data, prepare reports, dashboards and presentations, and document lessons learned
• Support baseline, midline and end-line evaluations and advise staff and partners on M&E tools and reporting standards
• Research funding sources, draft proposals, concept notes and program narratives, and prepare donor reports and budgets
• Maintain a donor database, support fundraising strategy and mentor staff on proposal writing and donor engagement
• Build relationships with donors and partners, represent the organization externally and respond to donor queries
• Mentor, supervise and support program staff and volunteers, and coordinate team activities

Required profile

• Degree in Human Rights, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Project Management or a related field, with at least 5 years of experience in project planning and management
• At least 3-5 years of M&E experience in human rights, protection or social development programs, including reporting to donors
• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, proposal writing and resource mobilization, preferably in human rights, gender or social development, with a proven record of securing donor funding
• Proven experience in budget planning and donor engagement
• Strong commitment to universal human rights, feminist principles, gender equality and women's rights
• Specialized expertise in protection analysis and addressing gender-based violence, prevention and response

Required skills

• Knowledge of M&E methodologies, data management and evaluation techniques, including outcome mapping, indicator development and reporting for donors
• Proficiency in data analysis software
• Excellent proposal writing and editing skills
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies, donor relations and resource mobilization

To apply, candidates send a one-page motivation letter, CV and the contact details of three referees (two must have supervised them directly) by email to the Executive Director by 28 February 2026, 11:59 pm, stating the position in the subject line. Only female candidates are preferred.