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Programs Operations Manager - Mental Health Program

I Live Again Uganda

Role: Programs Operations Manager - Mental Health Program
Reports to: Executive Director
Collaborates with: Finance Team, HR Team, Policy Advocacy Units, External Partners
Location: Gulu, Northern Uganda.
Organization: I LIVE AGAIN (ILA) UGANDA
Application Deadline: 8th May 2025

ABOUT I LIVE AGAIN (ILA) UGANDA


I LIVE AGAIN (ILA) Uganda is an indigenous, non-profit organization established in 2008, with a mission to give hope to survivors of war through holistic restoration and encourage those we serve to live a life of purpose. We provide Trauma Counselling, Faith-Based Support, Resettlement, Rescue, and Community Care Programs.


Our vision is to see a world where everyone has healing, hope, and identity.

Central to our core values are Christ, family, equity, accountability, and restoration.


We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Programs Operations Manager to lead our Mental Health Programs. This role is crucial for overseeing service delivery, program effectiveness, and operational efficiency, ensuring the highest standards of mental health support.

Role Summary


The Program Operations Manager will lead the execution of Strategic Plan priorities, ensuring operational efficiency, quality service delivery, and compliance in mental health programs. This role involves managing program resources, overseeing program implementation, and supporting staff development to advance organizational program impact with evidence.

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Key Responsibilities
Program & Service Delivery Management
- Oversee trauma counseling and mental health program implementation, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
- Develop operational policies and standard procedures aligned with ethical and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure quality control and program monitoring using data-driven approaches.
- Coordinate with counselors and support staff to maintain best practices in Mental Health issues, including referrals.
- Lead crisis response and emergency intervention efforts as needed.

Strategic Planning & Execution
- Collaborate with leadership to implement the organization's 5-year strategic plan (2025–2030). Translate strategic objectives into operational workflows, ensuring seamless execution.
- Monitor & Evaluate impact metrics to assess program effectiveness and recommend improvements through regular program reviews.
- Ensure efficient Donor reporting and internal communication

Financial & Resource Management
- Oversee budget management for trauma counseling and mental health services.
- Ensure resource optimization, staff allocation, and operational efficiency.
- Support fundraising efforts by identifying grant opportunities and preparing program reports.

Risk Management & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to national and international mental health standards and legal frameworks.
- Lead risk assessment initiatives and develop response strategies for service-related challenges.
- Maintain ethical guidelines in trauma counseling practices.

Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement
- Establish and strengthen relationships with government agencies, donors, and NGOs.
- Advocate policy changes in trauma recovery and mental health care.
- Enhance community outreach and engagement strategies to expand impact.

Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Supervise program staff, ensuring alignment with organizational values and goals.
- Lead professional development initiatives, mentorship programs, and training workshops.
- Foster a culture of well-being, resilience, and continuous learning among staff teams.

Authority & Decision-Making Scope
- Operational Oversight: Full authority over program execution and service delivery.
- Budgetary Control: Manages allocated budgets within approved funding constraints.
- Strategic Input: Provides recommendations for executive decision-making. Risk &
- Compliance Enforcement: Ensures all services align with ethical and legal standards.
- Partnership Management: Authorized to liaise with stakeholders, government bodies, and funding partners (Delegated task).

Essential Skills and Competencies
1. Leadership & Strategic Execution
- Change Management & Adaptability – Capacity to lead organizational transitions and respond to evolving mental health needs.
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable workflows.
- Experience in leading teams and fostering a culture of resilience and continuous learning.

2. Program & Service Delivery Management
- Expertise in Mental Health methodologies and program implementation.
- Knowledge of quality assurance and data-driven program monitoring.
- Ability to develop operational policies aligned with ethical and regulatory standards.
- Strategic Planning & Execution – Ability to translate long-term goals into actionable plans. Ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable workflows

3. Trauma & Mental Health-Specific Expertise
- Trauma-Informed Leadership – Deep understanding of trauma recovery frameworks and culturally sensitive approaches.
- Program Development & Evaluation – Ability to design, implement, and assess mental health interventions.
- Crisis Management & Conflict Resolution – Skilled in handling emergencies, de-escalation techniques, and staff well-being.
- Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practices – Familiarity with therapeutic models, counseling methodologies, and emerging trends in mental health care.

4. Financial & Resource Management
- Budgeting & Financial Oversight – Experience in managing program budgets, funding allocations, and financial sustainability
- Proficiency in budget management and resource allocation.
- Experience in fundraising and grant proposal writing.
- Ability to optimize cost-effective service delivery without compromising quality.

5. Risk Management & Compliance
- Strong understanding of national and international mental health regulations.
- Ability to conduct risk assessments and develop response strategies.
- Knowledge of ethical guidelines in Mental Health practices.
- Risk Management & Compliance – Strong understanding of mental health regulations, ethical considerations, and crisis response protocols.

6. Stakeholder & Partnership Management
- Excellent relationship-building skills with government agencies, donors, and NGOs.
- Advocacy skills for policy changes in trauma recovery and mental health care.
- Ability to enhance community outreach and engagement strategies.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Ability to collaborate with government agencies, donors, and community partners.
- Ability to represent the organization in meetings, workshops, events, and seminars.

7. Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Experience in mentorship, training, and professional development. Team Leadership &
- Staff Development – Ability to mentor, train, and support counselors and program staff.
- Ability to supervise program staff while ensuring alignment with organizational values.
- Strong interpersonal skills to foster a culture of well-being and resilience.
- Experience in leading teams and fostering a culture of resilience and continuous learning.

8. Communication & Reporting
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for donor reporting and internal communication.
- Ability to present impact metrics and program effectiveness compellingly.
- Communication & Advocacy – Strong written and verbal skills for policy advocacy, public awareness, and other stakeholder reporting. Strong negotiation and diplomacy skills for stakeholder engagement.

9. Technology & Data Management
- Data-Driven Decision Making – Ability to analyze program impact, track outcomes, and improve service delivery.
- Digital Tools & Systems – Ability to adopt and use digital tools in data management.

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Qualifications and experiences


- Bachelor's degree in clinical psychology or equivalent. A post-graduate qualification in a mental health-related field is an added advantage.
- A post-graduate degree in management, including Business Administration (MBA), Public Health (MPH), Project Planning and Management, among others.
- At least 8 years of practical experience in implementing mental health programs.
- Proven experience of at least 5 years in the management of both programs and operations.
- A mature born-again Christian. Obtain a recommendation from his/her local church.

How to apply
This is an opportunity to drive impactful changes in mental health services, lead a dedicated team, and contribute to a meaningful cause. If you are passionate about mental health and operational excellence, and you would like to contribute to creating a change in Northern Uganda's recovery, we’d love to hear from you.

Submit/send your CV and cover letter (both as one document), not more than five pages, to: director@ilauganda.org or click on the 

APPLY NOW link below to sent it today.

Mailing Address: Box 742 | Gulu, Uganda

Email: info@ilauganda.org 

Phone: +256200924187

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© 2024 I LIVE AGAIN UGANDA

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