*NOTE: This role requires a DBS check. You must be eligible for this by having lived in the UK within the last 5 years.
*Applicants available from end of June to mid August will be prioritised*
About EPAfrica
Education Partnerships Africa (EPAfrica) is a volunteer-led organisation with a mission to improve secondary education in East Africa and create opportunities for young people. EPAfrica partners directly with schools to support their self-driven growth through establishing a strong resource base and implementing holistic development programs. The organisation is dedicated to making a sustainable impact by investing in both infrastructure and the long-term capabilities of partner schools.
Role Description
As a Project Manager (PM), you will lead EPAfrica’s Summer Team, which is our in-country leadership group responsible for overseeing and supporting Project Associates to deliver meaningful programmes of investment in Ugandan schools. You’ll take on a leadership role that blends operational oversight, pastoral care, and high-level decision-making to ensure the success and safety of our summer projects. This is a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, contribute meaningfully to international development, and support passionate volunteers in-country.
Key Responsibilities
Direct responsibility for our volunteers in-country, including our Project Associates and a “Summer Team” of coordinators.
Lead and support a cohort of Project Associates throughout their placements in partner schools, including:
* Delivering trainings on topics such as project management, effective international development practices, safety and wellbeing, and cross-cultural communication
* Provide pastoral support and act as the first point of contact for volunteers in-country
* Oversee project progress, supporting Project Associates in addressing challenges, and ensuring investment projects stay aligned with EPAfrica’s mission and theory of change
Implement our in-country monitoring and evaluation programme, enabling us to effectively plan for and deliver future investments. This includes:
* Monitoring visits to current & recent investment schools to gauge impact of EPAfrica’s work
* Assessment visits to potential future EPAfrica participant schools
Staying up-to-date research into developments in the Kenyan education system and potential impacts on our work
Maintaining relationships with our network of local partners.
Manage risks and implement an emergency response to any crises that might arise.
Maintain clear and proactive communication with the central UK-based charity team.
Who we are looking for
Strong familiarity with, and demonstrated interest in, EPAfrica’s values and operating model.
A keen demonstrated interest in grassroots international development is required; previous experience in East Africa (volunteering, fieldwork, or prior work experience) is an advantage.
Experience managing teams to deliver project-based work, leading by example.
Effective communication skills and the ability to work with stakeholders from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and solve problems under pressure, with good judgement, and decision-making skills.
Willingness to operate in a challenging, fast-paced environment, taking accountability for team decisions.
Experience as a Project Associate or previous Summer Team involvement with EPAfrica preferred.
What you will gain
Hands-on leadership and project management experience.
Exposure to international development at a grassroots level, with concrete opportunities to deliver meaningful work.
A rich cultural experience and the opportunity to immerse yourself in semi-rural communities in Uganda.
Volunteers benefit from one week’s holiday in the middle of the programme, allowing the opportunity to explore the rest of the country.
Opportunity to lead a team of passionate, like-minded individuals and build a strong professional network within the charity and our wider community.
A standout experience for your CV, and the chance to develop transferable skills in stakeholder management, communication, logistics, and more. Previous EPAfrica volunteers have leveraged their experience with us to secure roles with the FCDO, WHO, UN, Civil Service and in a variety of consultancies.
The Commitment
The Project Manager role lasts for ten weeks from late June to early September, with limited flexibility on start and finish dates. There will be some UK-based training in advance of the placement, with preparation beginning in June.
Location: Mbarara, Uganda
Compensation: Non-salaried placement, with the following expenses covered:
Flights: Round-trip flights to Kampala, and internal travel from Kampala to Mbarara, covered.
Accommodation: Fully covered throughout the EPAfrica summer. No contribution required towards rent or utilities.
Programme delivery costs: All costs associated with programme delivery paid for by the charity.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Fixed term contract, Volunteer
Pay: £1.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Please confirm that you have completed the application form at https://epafrica.org.uk/apply-3/
Work Location: In person
