Role overview
What you'll be stepping into
Drawing inspiration from leading horticulture apex organizations in the region, including the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) Rwanda, and the Kenya Horticultural Council (KHC), the Hortifresh Association Uganda seeks to recruit a dynamic and visionary Program Manager to position Uganda’s horticulture industry competitively within regional and international markets.
The Program Manager will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to transform HFA into a strong, member-driven, commercially responsive, and internationally recognized apex body representing Uganda’s fresh fruits and vegetables sector.
Position Summary
The Program Manager is the highest executive officer of Hortifresh Association Uganda (HFA) and is responsible for providing strategic, operational, financial, and institutional leadership to the Association.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Program Manager will lead the implementation of HFA’s vision, strengthen institutional systems, mobilize resources, deepen stakeholder engagement, advocate for the interests of the horticulture sector, and position Uganda as a competitive supplier of quality horticultural products in regional and international markets.
S/he will serve as the primary link between the Board, members, development partners, government institutions, private sector actors, and international markets.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Institutional Development
Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Association.
Lead the development and implementation of HFA’s strategic plans, policies, and annual work plans.
Drive organizational growth, innovation, and sustainability.
Position HFA as Uganda’s leading horticulture apex body at national, regional, and international levels.
Strengthen institutional systems, governance, and operational excellence.
2. Stakeholder Engagement & Sector Representation
Serve as the chief spokesperson and public representative of HFA.
Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, development partners, exporters, producers, investors, and international buyers.
Lead policy advocacy initiatives that promote growth and competitiveness of Uganda’s horticulture sector.
Represent HFA in national, regional, and international forums, exhibitions, trade missions, and negotiations.
3. Business Development & Resource Mobilization
Lead fundraising, partnership development, and resource mobilization efforts.
Develop sustainable revenue-generation models for the Association.
Identify and secure strategic partnerships, grants, sponsorships, and investment opportunities.
Promote market linkages and export opportunities for members.
4. Operational Management
Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure effective delivery of programs and services.
Ensure efficient management of financial, human, and physical resources.
Establish performance management systems and operational accountability.
Ensure timely implementation of Board decisions and organizational priorities.
5. Financial Management & Compliance
Lead budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation processes.
Ensure sound financial management, transparency, and accountability.
Oversee preparation of financial and operational reports for the Board and stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with statutory, legal, regulatory, and governance requirements.
6. Human Resource Leadership
Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff performance.
Foster a high-performance organizational culture built on professionalism, teamwork, innovation, and integrity.
Develop staff capacity and institutional talent.
7. Board Relations & Governance
Reporting: Regularly update the Board on organizational performance, challenges, and successes.
Policy Implementation: Translate Board directives and organizational philosophies into actionable plans.
Performance Management: Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback to the Board
Qualifications & Experience
The ideal candidate should possess:
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agribusiness, Food Science, Business Administration, Economics, International Trade, or a related field.
A Master’s degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
At least five (5) years of proven senior executive leadership experience, preferably within agribusiness, horticulture, exports, trade promotion, private sector associations, or development organizations.
Strong understanding of horticulture value chains, export markets, standards, and international trade dynamics.
Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management, partnership building, and resource mobilization.
Strong financial management and business development skills.
Excellent leadership, negotiation, communication, and public relations abilities.
High levels of integrity, professionalism, and strategic thinking.
Ability to drive innovation, institutional transformation, and organizational growth.
Key Competencies
Visionary and strategic leadership
Commercial and business acumen
Policy advocacy and negotiation
Results-oriented management
Relationship and partnership building
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Financial stewardship
Team leadership and staff development
Analytical and problem-solving skills
High ethical standards and accountability
Terms of Employment
Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Performance-based contract renewable subject to satisfactory performance.
Duty station: Kampala, Uganda, with occasional regional and international travel.
How to apply