ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Hortifresh Association Uganda (HFA) is an apex body representing Uganda's fresh fruits and vegetables sector. The association seeks to strengthen Uganda's competitiveness in regional and international horticultural markets through stakeholder engagement, advocacy, institutional development, and market promotion.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Program Manager is the highest executive officer of Hortifresh Association Uganda and is responsible for providing strategic, operational, financial, and institutional leadership. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the role oversees implementation of the association's vision, resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, advocacy initiatives, organizational growth, and positioning Uganda as a competitive supplier of quality horticultural products in regional and international markets.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Development

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the association.
• Lead development and implementation of strategic plans, policies, and annual work plans.
• Drive organizational growth, innovation, and sustainability.
• Position HFA as Uganda's leading horticulture apex body nationally, regionally, and internationally.
• Strengthen institutional systems, governance, and operational excellence.

Stakeholder Engagement and Sector Representation

• Serve as chief spokesperson and public representative of HFA.
• Build and maintain 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 forums, exhibitions, trade missions, negotiations, and stakeholder engagements.

Business Development and Resource Mobilization

• Lead fundraising and partnership development efforts.
• Develop sustainable revenue-generation models.
• Identify and secure grants, sponsorships, investments, and strategic partnerships.
• Promote market linkages and export opportunities for members.

Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations and program delivery.
• Ensure effective management of financial, human, and physical resources.
• Establish performance management systems and operational accountability.
• Ensure timely implementation of Board decisions and organizational priorities.

Financial Management and Compliance

• Lead budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation processes.
• Ensure financial transparency, accountability, and sound management.
• Oversee preparation of financial and operational reports.
• Ensure compliance with legal, statutory, regulatory, and governance requirements.

Human Resource Leadership

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Foster a high-performance culture built on professionalism, teamwork, innovation, and integrity.
• Develop staff capacity and institutional talent.

Board Relations and Governance

• Provide regular updates to the Board on organizational performance and challenges.
• Translate Board directives into actionable plans.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide organizational feedback to the Board.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture
• Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture
• Bachelor's Degree in Agribusiness
• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration
• Bachelor's Degree in Economics
• Bachelor's Degree in International Trade
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in a relevant field
• Postgraduate qualification in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Business Administration, Economics, International Trade, or related discipline

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Senior executive leadership experience
• Stakeholder management
• Partnership development
• Resource mobilization
• Financial management
• Business development

PREFERRED SECTORS

• Agribusiness
• Horticulture
• Export promotion
• International trade
• Private sector associations
• Development organizations

DOMAIN KNOWLEDGE

• Horticulture value chains
• Export markets
• Quality standards and compliance
• International trade dynamics
• Agricultural sector development

SKILLS

Leadership

• Strategic leadership
• Institutional development
• Organizational transformation
• Change management

Business

• Business development
• Commercial strategy
• Resource mobilization
• Partnership development

Communication

• Public relations
• Stakeholder engagement
• Negotiation
• Advocacy
• Public speaking

Financial

• Budgeting
• Financial planning
• Financial oversight
• Resource allocation

CORE 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

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

• Remuneration: Competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Contract Type: Performance-based renewable contract
• Renewal Condition: Subject to satisfactory performance

Please submit your updated Resume/CV and Cover Letter to applications@m-forte.co.ug

Subject: Program Manager