Role overview
What you'll be stepping into
The Head of Business Development & Partnerships will provide strategic leadership in resource mobilization, partnership development, programme management and business growth for Uganda Cooperative Alliance. The position is responsible for identifying and securing funding opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, managing donor and stakeholder relationships, coordinating the implementation of the Government Subvention Programme, and ensuring effective planning, execution, financial oversight, monitoring and reporting of funded projects.
The successful candidate will play a central role in positioning UCA as the preferred partner for government, development partners, private sector organizations and international agencies while ensuring sustainable institutional growth.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Business Development and Resource Mobilization
Develop and implement UCA’s Business Development and Resource Mobilization Strategy.
Identify new funding opportunities from government, development partners, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, NGOs and the private sector.
Lead the development of bankable proposals, concept note writing and grant application processes.
Coordinate institutional fundraising initiatives.
Develop innovative revenue generation strategies for UCA.
Build and maintain a robust pipeline of funding opportunities.
Conduct market intelligence and identify emerging partnership opportunities.
Lead negotiations with prospective funding partners.
Strategic Partnerships Management
Develop and implement UCA’s Partnership Strategy.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Development Partners, NGOs, Financial Institutions, Cooperatives, Private Sector entities and International Organizations.
Coordinate partnership agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and collaboration frameworks.
Represent UCA in high-level stakeholder meetings and partnership engagements.
Maintain an active stakeholder database and engagement plan.
Coordinate joint initiatives with strategic partners.
Management of UCA Specific Programmes and Projects
Coordinate the planning, implementation and management of UCA programmes and projects
Prepare annual work plans, budgets and implementation schedules for programmes and projects
Ensure timely execution of approved programme activities.
Coordinate procurement and financial accountability processes related to the programmes.
Monitor programme performance and expenditure against the approved budget, indicators and targets.
Prepare high-quality technical and financial programme reports.
Ensure compliance with guidelines, PPDA, Public Finance Management requirements and UCA policies.
Coordinate the programme reviews, audits and evaluations.
Work closely with the Finance Department to ensure compliance with accountabilities and other financial requirements.
Manage the programme risks and recommend mitigation measures.
Liaise with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and other Government agencies on Programme implementation.
Strategic Planning and Institutional Development
Contribute to institutional strategic planning.
Identify emerging opportunities for institutional growth.
Promote innovation within UCA programmes.
Support organizational sustainability initiatives.
Lead departmental performance management.
Team Leadership
Supervise and mentor departmental staff.
Conduct performance appraisals.
Build staff capacity in proposal development, project management and partnership management.
Promote teamwork and accountability.
Qualifications
Applicants must possess:
A Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) in Business Administration, Commerce, Economics, Finance, Project Planning & Management, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, Public Administration, International Development, or any other relevant field from a recognized university.
AND
A Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Project Planning & Management, Finance, Development Studies, Economics, Strategic Management, Public Administration, or another relevant discipline.
Professional Qualifications
Possession of one or more of the following will be an added advantage:
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certified Monitoring and Evaluation qualification
ACCA, CPA or other recognized accounting/finance qualification
Grant Management Certification
Resource Mobilization/Fundraising Certification
Procurement or Contract Management certification
Experience
Applicants must have:
At least Seven (7) years’ relevant working experience, three (3) of which must have been at a senior management or supervisory level.
Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization and proposal development.
Proven track record of successfully securing grants or development funding.
Experience managing donor-funded projects.
Experience managing Government-funded programmes or public sector projects.
Experience in partnership development and stakeholder engagement.
Experience in financial planning and project budgeting.
Experience working with Government, Development Partners, NGOs or international organizations.
Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams.
Knowledge and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
Excellent proposal writing and fundraising skills.
Strong project management competencies.
Sound financial management and budgeting skills.
Knowledge of donor funding mechanisms.
Knowledge of Government of Uganda planning and budgeting processes.
Understanding of grants management and compliance.
Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills.
Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills.
Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
Exceptional report writing and presentation skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Leadership and people management abilities.
High integrity and professionalism.
Strong planning and organizational skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and project management tools.
Key Performance Indicators
The successful candidate will be assessed based on:
Value of funds mobilized annually.
Number and quality of strategic partnerships established.
Compliance with donor and Government reporting requirements.
Successful implementation of funded projects.
Departmental performance against annual work plans.
Stakeholder satisfaction.
Institutional revenue growth.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
A signed application letter.
A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Certified copies of academic and professional certificates and transcripts.
Contact details of three professional referees.
All application documents must be merged into a single PDF file and submitted by email to info@uca.coop, with a copy to jackie.comms@uca.coop.
The subject line of the email should read:
Application – Head of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
Deadline for submission: Friday 21st August, 2026 at 5:00pm.
How to apply