School for Life Uganda (SFLU), under the School for Life Foundation, is dedicated to transforming lives in rural Uganda by providing high-quality education, vocational training, and essential services such as clean water and healthcare to the community. With a mission to “educate poverty out of existence,” SFLU operates three schools at the Katuuso and Mbazzi Riverside campuses, serving over 1,500 students. Its holistic approach integrates academic learning with practical skills to empower youth and communities, fostering self-reliance and sustainable economic growth.

Our 5-Year Strategy focuses on five strategic pillars:

1. Quality Education & Learning Outcomes

2. Community Empowerment & Livelihoods

3. Sustainable Organisational Growth & Partnerships

4. Institutional Excellence & Systems Strengthening

5. Advocacy, Influence & Research for Impact

As we enter into this new, exciting phase, we are seeking a visionary Country Director to lead SFL Uganda into this next chapter, someone who combines strategic leadership, commercial acumen, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to empowering communities through education.

Purpose of role 

The Country Director, Uganda, will provide strategic leadership, vision, oversight over the operations in Uganda and external representation for SFLU, ensuring the delivery of the 5-Year Strategy through effective partnerships, program alignment, and organisational sustainability.

Primary responsibilities

The job holder will have the following key responsibilities:

Strategic leadership

• Co-design the development of and lead the implementation of SFLU’s 5-Year Strategy and annual operational plans.
• Drive the alignment of programs and systems with SFL Australia’s (SFLA) global priorities, ensuring synergy across all strategic pillars.
• Represent SFLU at senior levels with donors, partners, and government, positioning SFLU as a credible, values-based development partner.
• Foster a learning and performance-driven culture across the organisation.
• Identify and pursue new strategic opportunities and partnerships to sustain growth.
   

Program & impact leadership 

• Oversee the delivery of high-quality education and community development programs that are evidence-based and scalable.
• Champion the constant improvement of these programs, working closely with the department heads. This includes the identification of potential partnerships to ensure this is executed innovatively and efficiently.
• Ensure robust program planning, implementation, and monitoring systems are in place and effectively managed.
• Partner with the MEL & Research team to track results, evaluate impact, derive data-driven insights and respond by embedding learning across programs.
• Ensure compliance with donor, legal, and organisational requirements in all program operations.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement to enhance program relevance and efficiency.

Organisational leadership & people management

• Build, develop, and inspire a strong, accountable, and high-performing leadership team.
• Provide strategic direction and mentorship to the department heads and other leaders within the organisation.
• Model a leadership culture of integrity, teamwork, and inclusivity.
• Work closely with the Head of Human Resources to implement effective talent management, performance review, and leadership development frameworks.
• Champion staff engagement, wellbeing, and succession planning.
• Development of and responsibility for the execution of the organisation’s annual objectives and key results, aligned with the broader organisation’s strategy.
• Drive the organisation’s operating rhythm, ensuring all teams are aligned and working efficiently and effectively.

Governance, compliance & risk management

• Ensure organisational compliance with national regulations, internal policies, and SFLA governance standards.
• Maintain transparent and accountable reporting to the SFLU Board, SFLA management, and donors.
• Oversee effective risk management, internal controls, and audit readiness in collaboration with the broader leadership team and Finance team.
• Promote ethical conduct, good governance, and stewardship of resources across all operations.
• Ultimate responsibility for all Board and Committee reporting, managing the Company Secretary and ensuring papers are drafted and shared with Committee/ Board members ahead of meetings.

Financial & operational stewardship 

• Provide strategic oversight of financial planning, resource mobilisation, and budget management.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to maintain compliance, cost control, and donor reporting standards.
• Identify efficiencies and innovations that enhance value-for-money and operational impact.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to develop the annual organisational budget.

External relations, partnerships & advocacy 

• Cultivate and strengthen strategic relationships with donors, government institutions, and community partners.
• Represent SFL in key forums, networks, and advocacy platforms within Uganda and internationally.
• Enhance SFL’s visibility and reputation through thought leadership and evidence-based advocacy.
• Maintain effective collaboration and communication with SFLA, ensuring alignment of strategy, messaging, and impact reporting.

Profile

Required qualifications & experience

• Minimum of 8–10 years of senior management experience, including leadership of multidisciplinary teams in complex development or education settings.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, organisational management, and external relations.
• Strong understanding of the Ugandan and East African context, including governance, culture, and development dynamics.
• Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded programs and ensuring compliance with international standards.
• Exceptional leadership, people management, and financial acumen.
• Advanced degree in Education, Development Studies, Business Administration, or related field.

Key attributes

• Visionary, strategic, and values-driven leader with strong moral and professional integrity.
• Excellent communicator with high emotional intelligence and ability to inspire teams and stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen, analytical and decision-making skills with a bias for action and accountability.
• Adaptive, innovative, and solutions-oriented in dynamic contexts.
• Passion for education, community empowerment, and social transformation.

Terms and conditions

The position is based at the Head Office, Buloba, Mpigi District, Uganda, with field visits (roughly 30 km from Kampala). Some international travel may be required.

Benefits include a monthly housing allowance, monthly housing, airtime/communications allowance and prepaid medical insurance (in kind).

To apply for the post 

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement. 

If you have any questions about the role or organisation, please reach out to McAra Kirby-Fahey at mcara@upsallinternational.com. Please note: to ensure the security of your application and to ensure that your data complies with GDPR regulations, applications via email will not be accepted.

Please ensure you send your CV and Cover letter in the following format: full_name_CV_org_name_role and full_name_role_CL.

· The deadline for applications is Monday 18^th May 2026, 9:00 am CET ·

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Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.