Operations Volunteer – Programs, Uganda

Context

STEMCity Labs is a think-tank that uses STEM education and civic technology to empower Africa’s next generation of innovators and changemakers. We connect educators, students, industry professionals, and civic leaders into one ecosystem for collaboration and innovation, aiming to reach 10 million students and youth across Africa and lead the continent’s STEM education and civic technology space by 2040.

Position summary

This role provides strategic oversight and leadership in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating STEMCity Labs’ Uganda programs, and contributes to the country program’s strategic plans, policies, and standards. This volunteer will support the smooth day-to-day running of innovation hub programs, including scheduling activities, coordinating workshops, and maintaining program documentation. The role involves liaising with students, mentors, and partners, tracking attendance and participation, and assisting with logistics such as space setup and materials preparation. The volunteer will help monitor program performance metrics, provide feedback on process improvements, and ensure operational policies and procedures are consistently followed. The position also includes contributing to outreach efforts, supporting basic reporting to leadership, and collaborating with the wider team to deliver high-quality STEM and civic tech experiences.

Responsibilities

Program strategy, direction & implementation (40%)

• Guide program strategy and implementation with the Team Lead and Management Team; build M&E frameworks, data systems, and operational tools.
• Drive institutional learning, quality control, and innovation; testing new approaches and designing/fundraising for programs in STEM education, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship.
• Ensure programming meets Minimum Standards and best practices; manage donor relationships and engagement strategy.
• Build staff capacity; maintain workplans, staffing plans, procurement, deliverable trackers, and risk registers.
• Monitor program performance against plans and log frames; chair program review meetings.
• Oversee program budgets and expenditures with Finance; provide technical assistance to program teams.
• Support child safeguarding and security protocols; integrate gender-sensitive, disability-inclusive, and climate-resilient approaches.
• Engage stakeholders to influence policy; build capacity of local partners, including Refugee-Led Organizations.

Program design & development (35%)

• Roll out STEMCity Labs’ Program Framework; strengthen organizational planning capacity.
• Oversee the Country Strategic Plan and donor compliance/reporting.
• Build long-term partner relationships and local partner capacity in program design and delivery.
• Design new programs (including emergency and development programming) with field and head-office staff.
• Facilitate cross-organizational learning; conduct assessment visits to potential new areas in Uganda.

Institutional fund development (25%)

• Develop and implement institutional fundraising strategy aligned with the Program Framework.
• Build relationships with donor agencies, INGOs, and local organizations.
• Represent STEMCity Labs at cluster meetings, coordination forums, and UN/NGO platforms.
• Support development of funding proposals and budgets with the Management Team.

Requirements

Knowledge & experience

• Background in Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven leadership of development programs and M&E systems.
• Track record securing support from institutional/government support.
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Based in Kampala, with willingness to travel to remote/rural areas.

Skills & abilities

• Strategic thinker, able to prioritize and meet deadlines in a complex, fast-moving environment.
• Proficient in MS Office, web conferencing, and information management systems.
• Strong STEM knowledge (or willingness to learn); adaptable and resilient in demanding environments.
• Works well independently and with minimal supervision.
• Operations Management skills, to help coordinate daily hub activities, manage resources, and uphold processes and standards.
• Project Management skills, to organize tasks, manage timelines, and support the delivery of multiple concurrent program initiatives.
• Additional beneficial qualifications: strong organizational skills, attention to detail, proficiency with basic digital tools (spreadsheets, collaboration platforms), and a demonstrated interest in STEM education, civic tech, or youth development.
• Prior experience in community programs, education, or nonprofit environments is an asset, as is the ability to work collaboratively, adapt to changing needs, and take initiative in a dynamic setting.

Equal opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or age.