Country-Specific Program Manager - Uganda

About Labyrinth Global Health

Labyrinth Global Health is a women-owned small enterprise dedicated to combating infectious diseases globally through partnerships driven by local leadership. Our expert team leverages extensive experience in capacity-building across Africa, Asia, and Europe, collaborating with various stakeholders including local partners, universities, governments, and international bodies to implement One Health strategies that enhance global health security.

Position Overview

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) undertakes research aligned with Department of Defense and U.S. Army priorities, developing vital knowledge, technology, and medical materials to maintain the health and combat readiness of military personnel. WRAIR operates laboratories worldwide, including a WRAIR-Africa program conducting infectious disease surveillance and research within the U.S. AFRICOM Area of Responsibility. This includes countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda among others.

We are recruiting a Country-Specific Program Manager to be the lead for WRAIR-Africa's infectious disease surveillance and research activities in Uganda. This role is responsible for managing the daily implementation of funded projects and protocols locally, coordinating with host nation and surveillance partners, and reporting to senior management on program progress, schedules, and budgets.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the principal in-country manager for all WRAIR-Africa surveillance and research efforts in Uganda.
• Collaborate with local surveillance organizations such as Ministries of Health, research institutions, universities, and military partners to implement infectious disease monitoring and research projects.
• Monitor project execution against set performance, budget, and timeline goals, providing updates and managing risks with senior leadership and contracting representatives.
• Manage staffing, training, logistics, property, and facility needs for Uganda sites, ensuring proximity within 30 minutes travel of key partners and U.S. Embassy unless exceptions are authorized.
• Support the creation and maintenance of sentinel surveillance sites, working closely with the Surveillance Network Clinical Coordinator.
• Facilitate clearances, travel arrangements, and logistics for personnel and materials moving within Uganda and across the AFRICOM region.
• Engage with contracting officials, host country partners, and the U.S. Embassy to obtain necessary approvals, permits, and access for the program activities.
• Assist in recruiting and managing Ugandan national staff in compliance with local labor laws and program requirements.

Required Skills and Knowledge

• Understanding of Uganda’s health research regulatory systems and Ministry of Health and Defense protocols.
• Excellent coordination and stakeholder management abilities across government, military, and academic sectors.
• Experience with Department of Defense funded research protocol support and program management.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least two years working with DoD-supported research in infectious diseases and medical countermeasures.
• Bachelor’s degree or comparable experience preferred.
• Must be a Ugandan national or authorized to work in Uganda.
• Successful completion of a Tier 1 NACI background check or equivalent local investigation.
• Availability for domestic and regional travel within the AFRICOM Area of Responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Established relationships with Ugandan implementing partners including Ministries of Health, research bodies, and military entities.
• Master’s degree in public health, biological sciences, or related discipline.
• Prior involvement in DoD- or federally-funded infectious disease surveillance or research projects.

What We Offer

• Chance to impact critical global health security efforts.
• Supportive, mission-focused working environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth.
• Exposure to a variety of international initiatives and collaborations.
• Dynamic small business culture with visible impact.