Director of Operations

Director of Operations - Down Syndrome Center

Organization: Down Syndrome Centre of Kampala

Location: Kampala, Uganda

About the Centre:

The Down Syndrome Centre of Kampala is a newly established center dedicated to providing comprehensive support and resources to individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Kampala, Uganda. We offer a holistic approach encompassing medical care facilitation, therapeutic interventions, family support, community outreach, professional development, and research advocacy.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a passionate and self-motivated person to lead our efforts in creating positive change for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The Director will be a visionary leader with a deep commitment to social impact and a talent for building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. This role requires an individual who thrives in a dynamic environment, works well with a diverse team of people, is motivated to generate creative solutions, and can effectively collaborate with local and international partners. This person should be empathetic and concerned about the needs of the population they are serving and always be thinking of new ideas and ways to help.

Responsibilities:

• Program development:

  • Collaborate with Upasuaji leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan that maximizes the center's impact on individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

  • Work closely with the leadership team and staff to identify and pursue opportunities for program growth, innovation, and expansion, ensuring the center remains at the forefront of best practices.

  • Ensure that all program activities and services are aligned with the center's mission, vision, and values, maintaining a consistent focus on empowering individuals with Down syndrome and promoting inclusion.

  • Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of all protocols, programs and services, ensuring quality, effectiveness, and adherence to ethical standards.

  • Ensure that all programs are grounded in evidence-based practices, incorporating the latest research and best practices in the field of Down syndrome.

  • Ensure that programs are culturally appropriate and responsive to the unique needs of the community, respecting diversity and promoting inclusivity.

  • Continuously monitor program outcomes and utilize data to make informed adjustments and improvements, ensuring maximum effectiveness and impact.

  • Oversee grant funding, including planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting progress to global teams and donors.

  • Lead in the development of innovative approaches and tools as well as documentation and dissemination of best practices in the form of case studies, success stories, abstracts, and other knowledge products.

  • Actively participate in program quarterly and annual review meetings, contributing to program evaluation and strategic planning.

• Community Engagement:

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including families, medical professionals, educators, community leaders, and government officials.

  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with service delivery leads within Ministry of Health, districts, partner organizations, national professional associations, and other public and private sector entities affiliated to the program to facilitate program implementation.

  • Develop and implement community outreach strategies to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome.

  • Represent the program at national and global engagements and foster effective exchange of best practices.

• Fundraising and Resource Development:

  • Lead fundraising efforts to secure financial resources for the center's operations and programs.

  • Develop and oversee diversified fundraising strategies, including grant writing, individual donor cultivation, and corporate partnerships.

• Advocacy and Policy:

  • Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote the rights and inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome.

  • Collaborate with local and international organizations to advance the Down syndrome community's needs and interests.

• Team Leadership:

  •  Be a role model and team player who demonstrates high-performance and effectively transfers knowledge and skills within the program team. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.

  • Mentor and support staff members to achieve their full potential.

  • Promote a culture of innovation, learning, and continuous improvement.
    
    

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, medical sciences, public health, or a related field.

• At least 3 years of working experience in a demanding, results-driven environment.

• High emotional intelligence, patience, and thoughtfulness even in high-pressure and stressful situations.

• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects involving multiple teams, including priority setting, planning, budgeting, performance review and management; and influencing with limited authority.

• Excellent analytical, communication (written and verbal), and presentation skills. Fluency in English is required.

• • Strong process management skills, high level of organization and good attention to detail.

• Strong understanding of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

• A flexible, entrepreneurial, and output-focused mindset, with strong self-motivation.

• Ability to independently develop, push forward and execute programmatic strategy amidst substantial ambiguity and changing circumstances.

• Exceptional time-management, with an ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.

• Passion for making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with Down syndrome.

Advantages:

• Experience working and communicating with government officials at the national and subnational level.

• Experience working with individuals with Down Syndrome

• Master’s degree

• Fluency in Swahili

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

• Health insurance benefits.

• Professional development opportunities.

• Opportunity to lead a transformative organization and make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

To Apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter expressing your interest in the position to lynsay@upasuaji.com

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.