Programme Scale Lead

Location: Kampala, UgandaDepartment: ProgramsJob Grade: SLTReports to: Country DirectorDirect reports: Senior Practitioners (Team leads), MEAL lead, consultants, where appropriateJOB PURPOSE:The Programme and Scale Lead provides strategic and technical oversight of Child’s i’s programme portfolio, ensuring programmes are well designed, delivered on time, within budget, and to a consistently high standard. The role works closely with the MEAL function to embed evidence, learning, and quality assurance, and to identify clear opportunities for scale and sustainability in line with Child’s i’s strategic objectives.You will supervise senior practitioners, provide guidance and coaching to programme teams, and ensure strong planning, coordination, documentation, and performance management across the portfolio. The role also serves as the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, strengthening safeguarding practice, compliance, and a culture of accountability across all programmes and partnerships.Externally, the Programme and Scale Lead will steward key relationships and partnerships with civil society organisations, local government, community structures, and faith-based organisations, helping to coordinate collaboration, strengthen delivery ecosystems, and position Child’s i’s work for broader adoption and impact.KEY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Programme portfolio delivery & quality (30%)* Lead day-to-day oversight of the programme portfolio to ensure delivery is on time, on budget, and to standard; coordinate annual and quarterly workplans and implementation calendars with Senior Practitioners/Team Leads; manage delivery risks and dependency tracking (identify delays early and drive mitigation); ensure programme design is technically sound and aligned to Child’s i strategy and operating model; oversee donor compliance across projects (contractual obligations, reporting timetables, policy adherence, documentation readiness); maintain strong coordination with Finance/Operations to ensure smooth delivery resourcing and accountability.Evidence, learning & performance (with MEAL)- (15%)* Provide oversight and direction to MEAL to keep systems robust and useful; ensure cross-portfolio indicators, targets, and results frameworks are coherent and aligned; run quarterly evidence reviews with MEAL and programme leads to translate learning into design improvements and implementation adjustments; strengthen data quality, validation, and ethical data management; ensure timely use of MEAL inputs in donor reports, internal performance updates, and decision-making; support operational research/documentation and ensure learning is packaged for internal use and external influence.Scale & sustainability (15%)* Identify and prioritise scale opportunities across pilots and mature programmes; develop scale roadmaps and readiness criteria (fidelity, resourcing, partnerships, risk, safeguarding readiness); support adaptation and replication in new geographies/contexts while protecting quality and outcomes; drive systems-strengthening approaches (government adoption pathways, integration into local service systems, workforce capacity); coordinate with Business Development/fundraising to position scale pathways in proposals and donor conversations; track and maintain a simple “scale pipeline” of opportunities and next steps.Safeguarding leadership (Designated Safeguarding Lead)- (15%)* Serve as Designated Safeguarding Lead with organisation-wide accountability; ensure safeguarding framework is implemented consistently across programmes, sites and partners; lead safeguarding governance (e.g., chair safeguarding committee), reporting, and escalation pathways; oversee partner safeguarding due diligence, capacity assessments, and mitigation plans embedded in programme delivery; coordinate safeguarding training/refreshers for staff, volunteers and partners; maintain secure and confidential safeguarding records and produce regular safeguarding updates/briefs for leadership and boards as required, ensuring compliance with data protection and survivor-/child-centred practice.People leadership & partnerships (25%)* Line-manage Senior Practitioners/Team Leads (and MEAL Lead, where applicable) to enable high performance, wellbeing and accountability; set clear objectives, conduct regular supervision, and support professional development; ensure teams have the technical support needed while avoiding overload; steward strategic partnerships with CSOs, local government, community structures and faith-based organisations—ensuring clear roles, coordination rhythms and accountability; represent Child’s i in agreed forums and coalitions (with Country Director alignment); support partner relationship management to enable delivery, learning, and scale (including joint planning and periodic reviews).KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS (CONTACTS):Internal contacts* Country Director, Business Development Lead, Project Managers/ Team Leads (UG), Head of Finance, Advocacy Manager, Social workers and Senior Practitioners, MEAL Officers External contacts* Government Officials, In-country donor representatives and other partner NGOs, CSOs, MGLSDJOB SPECIFICATIONS:Education, Knowledge & Working experienceQualifications* Minimum of a Postgraduate Degree in Social Sciences, Education, Development Studies or a similar relevant field. * Experience working with local partners and District Local Government in Child Rights Governance, Health, Nutrition, Education, HIV/AIDS or Child Protection is an added advantage. * Minimum of 8 years of relevant working experience in an INGO or similar, interfacing with partners and civil society organisations. * Thorough understanding and demonstrated commitment to child rights issues and the guiding principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, including non-discrimination, child participation and the best interest of the child. * Programme and Project management experience, including demonstrated abilities within programme/budget development, implementation and monitoring & evaluation. * Solid understanding of the roles and dynamics of Civil Society and Government actors, respectively, and the relevance of engaging with both parties in order to ensure effective promotion and protection of children’s rights.Skills and Abilities* Superior oral and written communication skills, with the ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholders * Must be capable of applying their skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct implementation, advisory functions, training and the transfer of technical knowledge and management skills to others * Proven ability to work well in and promote teamwork, thrive in a multicultural environment, be flexible and handle pressure with professional grace * Strong measurement, analytical, systematic-thinking, planning and organisational skills; * Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work in a diverse team and manage complex and sensitive organisational relationships. * Strong analytical skills and strategic planning abilities * Ability to establish and maintain conducive collegial relations and perform effectively as a member of a team. * Computer literacy and excellent documentation skills * Ability to manage complex workloads and deliver work to tight deadlines * Ability to travel frequently * Availability and willingness to work extra hours during times of humanitarian responses.Personal Attributes (can be related to company core values)* Outgoing and proactive personality * Proven ability to work as a member of a team * Ability to work independently and with minimal direction or supervision * Interest in alternative care and child protection, and care Reform * Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to promoting child rights. * Resilience to stress and uncertaintyHOW TO APPLYSend your updated application letter and CV ONLY to [email protected] closing date for applications is 16th March 2026 COB. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Child’s i Foundation is committed to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults from sexual exploitation and other forms of harassment and abuse. Rigorous background and reference checks will be conducted in the course of the recruitment process.