Mercy Corps Country Director – South Sudan and Uganda Jobs 2026
Mercy Corps is inviting applications for the position of Country Director – South Sudan and Uganda, based in Juba, South Sudan. This senior leadership opportunity is aimed at experienced humanitarian and development professionals with a strong background in country programme management, strategic planning, fundraising, donor relations and organisational leadership.
The successful candidate will oversee programmes and operations across South Sudan and Uganda, leading a multi-country portfolio that combines emergency humanitarian response with long-term development. The role offers an opportunity to influence regional development priorities, strengthen partnerships and deliver sustainable outcomes for communities affected by conflict, displacement and economic hardship.
The Country Director will provide strategic direction, oversee programme quality and financial management, build high-performing teams and represent the organisation to donors, governments, development partners and other stakeholders.
Mercy Corps Country Director Jobs 2026: Overview
- Organisation: Mercy Corps / Prosper Global transition
- Position: Country Director – South Sudan and Uganda
- Location: Juba, South Sudan
- Job Category: Programmes and Technical Specialities
- Employment Type: Full-time, regular
- Position Level: Field Level 7
- Reporting To: Vice President, Africa Region
- Travel Requirements: Up to 50% travel across South Sudan and Uganda
- Work Arrangement: In person
- Application Deadline: Not specified in the supplied vacancy information
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps is an international humanitarian and development organisation working in more than 40 countries to help communities overcome adversity and build stronger, more resilient futures.
The organisation has maintained a presence in South Sudan since 2005 and Uganda since 2006. Its work across the two countries addresses humanitarian needs while supporting longer-term development, livelihoods, food security, financial inclusion, clean energy, water, sanitation and hygiene, governance, health and conflict management.
Mercy Corps is transitioning to Prosper Global. According to the vacancy announcement, this is an administrative transition being implemented across locations, with teams, programmes and commitments continuing during the process.
Key Responsibilities
The Country Director will lead strategic planning, programme delivery, operations and external engagement across the South Sudan and Uganda portfolio.
1. Strategy and Programme Development
The successful candidate will develop and communicate a clear country strategy aligned with regional and global organisational priorities. Responsibilities include leading annual planning, identifying opportunities for innovation and ensuring that programmes adapt to changing humanitarian and development contexts.
The Country Director will also work with donors, partners and communities to design high-impact programmes and secure resources aligned with community priorities.
2. Leadership and Team Management
The role involves recruiting, managing and developing a capable, multicultural team across both country programmes.
The Country Director will promote accountability, transparency, inclusion and continuous learning, while strengthening performance management, professional development and collaboration between programme and operational teams.
3. Programme Quality, Monitoring and Evaluation
The successful candidate will oversee programme quality and impact, ensuring that interventions are supported by sound programme design and effective monitoring and evaluation systems.
The role also includes promoting research and learning in areas such as resilience, climate change, peacebuilding, governance and market systems development. The Country Director will ensure that evidence and lessons learned inform programme decisions and contribute to sustained development outcomes.
4. Donor Relations and External Representation
The Country Director will represent the organisation to donors, government institutions, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, private-sector partners and other development stakeholders.
Responsibilities include building strategic partnerships, influencing development and funding priorities, securing resources and positioning the organisation as a credible contributor to humanitarian and development policy discussions.
5. Financial Management and Compliance
The position requires oversight of country budgets, cash-flow planning, grants management and financial reporting.
The Country Director will ensure that programmes are delivered on time, within budget and in accordance with donor requirements and organisational policies. The role also involves maintaining effective financial and operational controls and implementing appropriate risk mitigation measures.
6. Security and Risk Management
The successful candidate will oversee staff safety and organisational security across both countries, ensuring that security plans and protocols reflect changing field conditions.
The role requires coordination with regional leadership and security advisers, particularly during periods of heightened risk or significant security incidents.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should meet the following minimum requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field. A master’s degree is preferred.
- At least 10 years of field experience in international relief and development programmes, including demonstrated success managing large and complex transitional development programmes.
- At least seven years of senior-level leadership, capacity-building and field management experience.
- Demonstrated experience leading multicultural teams across multiple offices.
- Strong strategic planning, communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A proven track record of securing funding from a diverse range of donors.
- Experience managing grants from institutions such as the United Nations, European Union, FCDO and other strategic donors.
- Strong financial management, grants management and operational oversight capabilities.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Experience working in complex or insecure environments and the ability to respond to humanitarian emergencies.
- An internationally recognised project or programme management qualification, or a commitment to obtain one during the initial months of employment.
Previous work experience in South Sudan or Uganda is preferred.
Working Conditions
The position is based in Juba, South Sudan, and is classified as an unaccompanied post. The role requires strict adherence to security protocols, restricted nighttime movement and regular travel to field offices, including locations where security risks may be elevated.
Candidates should be comfortable managing complex programmes, leading teams through uncertainty and balancing humanitarian response with long-term development priorities.
How to Apply for Mercy Corps Country Director Jobs 2026
Interested candidates should visit the official Mercy Corps careers website and search for Country Director – South Sudan & Uganda.
Applicants should review the full vacancy announcement, confirm the current application status and follow the official submission instructions.
Important Note
The supplied vacancy information does not specify an application deadline. Candidates should consult the official recruitment listing to confirm whether applications remain open and to obtain the direct application link.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Applicants should rely on the organisation’s official recruitment portal for the latest vacancy details and requirements.
