Project Manager

Position: Project Manager (National position)

Reports to: Program Manager, Acholi 

Job location:   Moroto

Starting date: August 2026

Vacancy closing date: 29th July 2026

Duration position: 1 year renewable contract 

Working hours: Fulltime (40 hours per week)

About ZOA

We are here for people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster.

ZOA, as an international NGO, supports people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover – providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East Region, and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.

Our work in Uganda

In Uganda, ZOA has offices in Kampala, West Nile (Arua), Acholi (Lamwo), Kiryandongo and Karamoja (Amudat). ZOA Uganda works both in relief and recovery on the themes of food security & livelihoods, primary/accelerated/ education, and conflict management with a special focus on land security.

ZOA Uganda is looking for a Project Manager (Based in Moroto Office)

Your challenge

The Project Manager is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, quality assurance, and reporting of projects in projects in Karamoja sub-region with support of the Programme Manager. The primary responsibility of the role is to ensure the effective delivery of the UNICEF funded education project in alignment with organizational strategies, donor requirements, and national policies.

The position will also lead on stakeholder relations across the five districts of operation, coordination with partners in the region, and resource mobilisation to expand ZOA’s footprint in Karamoja.

Your main tasks and responsibilities

Project management

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of education project activities in line with approved proposals and work plans.
• Ensure timely and quality delivery of project outputs and outcomes.
• Monitor progress against targets and adjust implementation strategies as needed.
• Coordinate situation and needs assessment in the area of education to determine needed interventions within the context of operations of ZOA
• Plans, organizes and manages the implementation of activities as described in the project proposal and in line with ZOA’s strategy and the country strategic annual plan;
• Develops and implements the procurement plan and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) plans;
• Provides technical support and ensures effective support to implementation of the project engaging with the PGQ department;
• Reports on the project progress through a Project Implementation Plan (PIP) on a monthly basis; and writes donor reports in line with contractual obligations;
• Manages project budget and ensures expenses are incurred in line with the approved budget;
• Contributes to ZOA’s quarterly report against Country Strategic Annual Plan  (CSAP);
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with the Donor  and local authorities specifically the District Education Office (DEO), implementing and coordinating partners, the Lead Education partner of UNHCR and other key actors;
• Monitors performance of the local partner NGO and provides subsequent advice and guidance, including capacity-building and supports;
• Participates in and sometimes leads development of education project proposals;
• Any other duty assigned by the Programme Manager or Country Director.

Leadership and management

• Oversees the activities that will be conducted by the project staff and ensures accountability
• Oversees the activities that will be conducted by the co-implementing partner and makes efforts to ensure accountability;
• Builds capacity and ensures support of co-implementing partner in line with identified needs;
• Contributes to programme and knowledge development specifically related to quality and inclusive education, gender and
• Identify opportunities for ZOA to expand its work in Karamoja in different sectors with partners
• S/he is a member of Program Management Team (PMT) in the Programme Area

Human Resource Management

• Ensure the staff have weekly and monthly targets;
• Conduct weekly or monthly meeting to achieve targets;
• Conduct staff appraisal/evaluation as per ZOA’s policy;
• Provide technical support through coaching and mentorship of staff for quality implementation of activities.
• Approval of expenditures and related cost allocations, on the basis of approved project and programme organizations budgets following ZOA Management Charter;
• Contribute to the recruitment of well-qualified project staff if and when necessary reviewing the job descriptions, participating in job interviews;
• Ensures that project staff are conversant with their job description, ZOA’s internal regulations, standards, policies and donor regulations and get acquainted with their colleagues in the Programme team;
• Ensures staff capacity-building and adherence to ZOA’s integrity framework
• Ensures effective leave management within the project team, in liaison with the Field Administrator;

Procurement and finance

• Initiate timely purchase requisition of project goods/services;
• Ensure expenses are in line with approved budget;
• Provide appropriate codes for expenses.

Accountability

• Sensitize all stakeholders (beneficiaries, service providers, partners, government and other) on feedback and complaint mechanisms implemented by ZOA Uganda
• Upon receipt of a complaint or feedback, ensure that it is correctly documented following correct reporting procedures
• Understand ZOA’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies, ensure adherence to these policies and that project activities are implemented with a “Do No Harm” approach 

Your profile

Identity

• The candidate is expected to fully support the vision, mission and Christian values 0f ZOA (see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity)

Knowledge & Experience:

• Degree in Education, Development Studies, or other relevant field;
• At least 5 years successful project cycle management experience in a similar position implementing projects ideally involving access to education, quality education, protection, gender, and disability inclusion;
• Experience working in Karamoja with knowledge of stakeholders and local languageHaving led a project in partnership with a local NGO is an added advantage
• Excellent spoken and written command of English;

Skills:

• Outstanding communication, writing and facilitation skills;
• Innovative, creative and enthusiastic;
• Participative leadership;
• Provides regular feedback, acknowledges success and the need for improvement;
• Coaches, challenges and provides opportunities for growth.
• Self-motivator, able to work with limited supervision;
• Good computer skills: Ms Excel and Ms Word;
• Ability to work in an innovative environment where plans are developed fast and being open for change;
• Ability to drive a motorcycle with valid driving/riding license is a MUST.

Attitude/behaviour:

• High level of personal integrity;
• Flexibility and adaptability;
• Interpersonal and cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Able to work in a sometimes fluid and innovative environment;
• Commitment to ZOA’s mission, vision and values (see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity)

Special conditions/circumstances

The Project Manager will be based at the ZOA office in Moroto. Regular field visits to the project locations/other districts in the region are anticipated, which may necessitate overnight stays. Visits to other ZOA programme locations may also be requested for coordination, training and learning.

The role is 1.0 FTE (40 hrs/ week). Working hours are outlined in the ZOA Uganda Employee handbook. Some flexibility on working hours may be required, e.g. for travel at weekends, or during reporting times.

The role is recruited at Scale M1 in the ZOA Uganda salary scale.

Our offer

ZOA offers a challenging role in a dynamic context, and you will be part of an inspiring and motivated team.

We offer good benefits and remuneration which suits the NGO sector.

Do you need more information? Please visit our website www.zoa-international.com.

Interested and ready to apply?

All interested and qualified candidates please apply directly via this link , at the latest by 29^th July 2026

CV’s of no more than 5 pages in length are appreciated. Please provide at least 3 references related to your previous employment listed in the application. References of previous positions held should not be older than five years.

Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. 

ZOA operates with an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace.
Qualified women and men, people of all nationalities, and cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.

Please note that ZOA carries out background and reference checks (including COTER – Counter Terrorism check) for all candidates as part of the recruitment process. As ZOA participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a written questionnaire: the “Statement of Conduct”, which will be sent to past employers regarding misconduct (such as sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment).

Please note that ZOA does not solicit for funds during any recruitment process.
To report any unethical conduct, please use; report.uganda@zoa.ngo or report@zoa.ngo or Call: 080-020-0121 Tollfree.