Mercy Corps Country Director Uganda: 7 Key Facts About This Exciting Leadership Job
Mercy Corps Country Director Uganda is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced development and humanitarian professional seeking to lead a major country programme from Kampala. The full-time, regular position is listed at National Level 12 and offers an opportunity to shape Mercy Corps’ strategy, partnerships, programmes and operations in Uganda.
Mercy Corps Country Director Uganda – Job Overview
The position is based in Kampala, Uganda, with approximately 35% travel to field offices. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across Mercy Corps’ Uganda portfolio and work closely with regional and global teams, government stakeholders, donors, development partners and communities.
Mercy Corps has operated in Uganda since 2006, working across economic and agricultural development, governance, conflict management and humanitarian response. In 2025, its Uganda programmes reached 22,700 direct participants, with a focus on resilience, economic opportunity, energy access, governance and conflict management.
What Will the Country Director Do?
The Mercy Corps Country Director Uganda will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the country programme and ensuring that programmes deliver meaningful and sustainable impact.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and communicating a clear country strategy and vision.
- Expanding and diversifying Mercy Corps’ programme portfolio.
- Building relationships with bilateral, multilateral and private donors.
- Developing innovative funding proposals.
- Representing Mercy Corps with government, donors, partners and the media.
- Leading and developing a high-performing country team.
- Overseeing programme implementation, monitoring and reporting.
- Ensuring effective financial and grants management.
- Maintaining compliance with Mercy Corps and donor requirements.
- Managing country-level security and safety responsibilities.
- Promoting safeguarding, accountability and ethical standards.
The role also requires the Country Director to identify innovative approaches to complex development challenges and strengthen partnerships that support long-term impact.
Mercy Corps Country Director Uganda Requirements
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, while a master’s degree is preferred.
The position requires 7–10 years of field experience in international humanitarian or development programmes, including demonstrated success managing large, complex or transitional programmes.
Candidates should also have at least five years of senior-level leadership and field management experience.
Other important requirements include experience in:
- Leading multicultural teams across multiple offices.
- Strategic planning and programme development.
- Fundraising and donor engagement.
- Financial and grants management.
- Working with government, NGOs, INGOs and private-sector partners.
- Negotiation, communication and organisational management.
- Project or programme management.
- Working effectively in complex environments.
Excellent written and spoken English is also required.
Leadership and Team Management
This is a substantial leadership position. The Country Director will have six direct reports and 24 indirect staff, covering areas such as finance, operations, market systems development, programme quality, energy access, and people, culture and safeguarding.
The successful candidate is expected to promote accountability, professional development, constructive feedback and a culture of mutual respect.
Mercy Corps also states that team members are encouraged to dedicate 5% of their time to learning and professional development, making continuous learning an important part of the organisation’s approach.
Salary, Location and Travel
The position is based in Kampala, Uganda, and is classified as a national position at Level 12. The vacancy does not provide a specific monetary salary figure in the information available.
The role requires approximately 35% travel to field offices, making flexibility and the ability to work in different field environments important.
How to Apply for the Mercy Corps Country Director Uganda Job
Professionals who meet the required leadership, programme management, fundraising and development experience can apply through the official Mercy Corps recruitment platform.
Applicants should carefully review the requirements and prepare a strong CV highlighting senior leadership experience, strategic planning, donor engagement, programme management, financial oversight and stakeholder relationships.
This is a particularly significant opportunity for professionals with extensive experience in international development, humanitarian programming, resilience, economic development or related sectors who are ready to take responsibility for a major country portfolio.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
The Mercy Corps Country Director Uganda role combines strategic leadership, programme development, fundraising, team management and country-level representation. Rather than focusing on one programme, the successful candidate will help shape the organisation’s overall direction and impact in Uganda.
For experienced humanitarian and development professionals, it represents an opportunity to contribute to programmes addressing urgent needs, climate resilience, economic opportunity and food security while working with communities and partners across Uganda.
Interested candidates should apply through the official vacancy before submitting their application.
