Senior Program Manager (Environment) – Lifeline

International Lifeline Fund (Lifeline) is currently seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead its Environment Program (SPME) in the Lifeline country office based in Lira, Uganda. The SPME will oversee the two main components of the Environment Program, which are the humanitarian/development program and the social enterprise, Lifeline EcoEnergy Limited (production, marketing, and sales of fuel-efficient cookstoves). The management of the Environment Program happens in close collaboration with a range of partners, including community-based organizations, local governments, climate finance consultants, and international agencies such as GIZ, WFP, and Grand Challenges Canada.

• Program Management: The project portfolio currently includes a Results-Based Financing project focused on fuel-efficient cookstoves (GIZ), a carbon credit project (Carbonsink) and a solar mini-grid project (Humanitarian Grand Challenges). Past partnerships include humanitarian interventions on Safe Access to Fuel and Energy (SAFE) with WFP and the construction of institutional cookstoves with Lutheran World Federation.
• Social Enterprise: The social enterprise includes a production facility for fuel-efficient cookstoves, with a production capacity of up to 15,000 cookstoves per month and offering local employment in clean energy technologies for 100+ people. With over 60,000 stoves manufactured and distributed last year, Lifeline EcoEnergy Limited is one of the largest manufacturing enterprises for efficient cookstoves in Uganda. In addition, the social enterprise is focused on marketing and sales of fuel-efficient cookstoves, mostly covering the Northern and Eastern regions of Uganda.

The SPME position will bring together the different program components (social enterprise and humanitarian projects) and will set out strategic priorities for the Environment Program. The role will offer the successful candidate a chance to work with high performing colleagues and the opportunity to make a significant impact with the organization and partner communities.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management (+/- 50%)

• Organize program activities in accordance with the mission and goal of the organization
• Develop and manage program workplans to coordinate activities in alignment with program timelines and outputs/outcomes
• Directly supervise project officers and lead implementation teams to foster a culture of mutual respect, enthusiasm, opportunity, and growth
• Support the hiring process of new program staff, per program needs and budget allocation
• Work closely together with the M&E team to ensure that data is captured correctly and the program activities are critically analyzed
• Review, edit and submit weekly and monthly program reports (narrative and financial) to Country Director and Global Program Manager
• Participate in regular development and leadership team meetings at country and global levels
• Assist with proposal development and resource mobilization efforts

Social Enterprise Management (+/- 50%)

• Directly supervise the two key roles within the social enterprise: the Production Manager and the Marketing/Sales Manager
• Analyze the workings and ensure proper information flows between the Production and Marketing/Sales teams within the social enterprise
• Organize and lead weekly and monthly management meetings with Production and Marketing/Sales teams
• Prepare quarterly operating budgets and annual budget forecasts
• Maintain clear communications between the social enterprise activities and the logistics/procurement units, to ensure proper support

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Development Studies or related field is a plus
• At least five years of experience in program management, preferably in the field of environmental management and clean energy
• Familiarity with social enterprises and different business/financial models in emerging markets
• Strong ability to work at a strategic level and create a long-term vision
• Proven dedication to developing and executing work plans carefully and in a timely manner
• Excellent team management and coordination skills
• Excellent knowledge of data collection and management methods
• Strong commitment to create sustainable partnerships with private sector, government and communities
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint)
• Strong commitment to personal competence, discipline, and professionalism
• Ability to work under pressure, both independently and in a team