The Embassy of Sweden in Kampala represents Sweden in Uganda. It advances Swedish policies, interests, and values in political and economic relations, development cooperation, trade and investment promotion, and in cultural and information affairs. The Embassy also provides consular services to Swedish nationals and migration services to non-nationals. The working language at the Embassy is English. The Development Cooperation Section at the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda manages Sweden’s development cooperation with Uganda in line with the 2025–2029 strategy. The section focuses on promoting democracy and human rights, gender equality—including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)—sustainable trade and enterprise, climate resilience, and improved health for vulnerable groups. It works closely with Ugandan authorities, civil society, multilateral organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen local ownership, reduce poverty and oppression, and foster long-term, sustainable development.
Responsibilities – National Program Officer for Health & SRHR
The National Program Officer (NPO) for Health and SRHR works in a team together with a posted Programme Officer. The team manages Sweden’s development cooperation within the strategy area “Improved health for the most vulnerable” with the following two strategy objectives:
-Better access to basic health and medical care for the most vulnerable
-Increased respect for and access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
The team also contributes to the strategy objective “Improved gender equality, with a focus on women’s and girls’ rights and opportunities, including SRHR and reduced gender-based violence (GBV).”
Key responsibilities:
Partnership and contribution management
• Manage contributions and partnerships within health, SRHR and GBV, including project appraisals, risk analysis, follow-up, and partner dialogue.
• Coordinate Sweden’s support for increased access to basic health and SRHR.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance and control requirements.
Representation, coordination and normative dialogue
• Lead dialogue with partners and other key stakeholders.
• Participate actively in and be ready to represent Sweden as chair/co-chair of development partner coordination groups, such as the Health Development Partner Group (HDP) and the SRHR working group.
• Contribute to the Embassy’s normative dialogue.
Strategic planning and analysis
• Support method development to strengthen the effectiveness, efficiency and results of Swedish development cooperation.
• Stay informed about developments and trends in SRHR, public health, and gender equality.
Communication and reporting
• Monitor and report on health and SRHR trends in Uganda and the region.
• Support the Embassy’s communication and public diplomacy work related to health, SRHR and gender.
• Contribute to the development of communication materials, including content for social media, and organizing Embassy events.
Qualifications and experience
Educational background
• Relevant academic degree in public health, gender studies, development studies, social sciences, or a related field.
Professional experience
• Minimum five years of demonstrated professional experience in health and SRHR, including maternal health, family planning, adolescent health, and rights-based approaches.
• Experience of working for or in close cooperation with a bilateral donor, international NGO, or multilateral organization.
Skills and competencies
• Strong project management skills, including appraisal, budgeting, risk assessment, and monitoring.
• Experience with strategic communication, including producing content for public diplomacy, advocacy, or social media.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
This role demands a high degree of independence, initiative, and sound judgment in completing assigned tasks. The ability to manage a high and sometimes fluctuating workload under pressure is essential, along with strong organizational skills and the capacity to prioritize effectively and meet deadlines. Equally important is the ability to collaborate closely with colleagues—being a dependable team player is key. Success in the role also requires strong intercultural competence, diplomacy, and political sensitivity.
Terms of employment and application process
This is a permanent position with a six-month probationary period. The preferred starting date is 11th August 2025. Individual salary will be discussed with final candidates. The terms and conditions for locally employed staff apply.
For more information about the position, please contact Head of the Development Cooperation Section, Adam Kahsai Rudebeck on phone number +256 417 700 800 or via e-mail adam.kahsai.rudebeck@gov.se.
Your application should be in English and include a CV and cover letter. Please send your application to the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda no later than 6th June 2025, to the following e-mail address: vacancy.kampala@gov.se. The email subject should be “National Program Officer Health & SRHR-VACANCY’’.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Other information
The Embassy of Sweden is obliged to follow EU-regulation regarding handling personal information (General Data Protection Regulation, GDPR) when we receive and process job applications. By submitting your application, you consent to the processing of your personal information in line with the Personal Data Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Embassy of Sweden is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all relevant applicants to apply for the position regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, and personal background. You can read more about Swedish embassies and consulates on www.swedenabroad.se/en/
