Malengo is a non-profit organization (US: 501(c)(3); Germany: gGmbH) that facilitates international educational migration. We provide mentoring and financial support to students from low-income countries who want to complete a Bachelor’s degree in a high-income country. We aim to give millions of students the opportunity to pursue the education they want and to increase their and their families’ income in the process. We believe that this is one of the most effective poverty reduction strategies in per-dollar terms that is available.
Malengo currently recruits low-income, high-ability students in Uganda, and supports them in applying for and completing a Bachelor’s degree in Germany. By 2030, we aim to support students from most low-income and lower-middle income countries, and facilitate undergraduate studies in more than a dozen destination countries. Our program is sustainable by combining a strong network of volunteer mentors with a financial model in which students support future generations of scholars once they have a high enough income (income share agreements, ISAs).
We are now searching for a Program Coordinator to join our team in Uganda. Uganda is the first country Malengo set up its operations to send students to Germany. Malengo sent 7 students to Germany in 2021, ~20 in 2022, and we aim to send at least 100 in 2023. Your primary responsibility will be to lead and support program operations in Uganda as we expand the scope of our program. You will be both the main point of contact for the students and an important driver of in-country operations. This position will report to the Senior Program Manager.
Responsibilities include:
- Implementing day-to-day Malengo operations in Uganda, and ensuring all activities to help our scholars are being implemented in a timely manner.
- Being the first point of contact for potential and selected Malengo scholars. These responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Responding to applicant queries during the open application period
- Conducting candidates’ application reviews and interviews
- Identifying TOEFL resources, including tutors, and ensuring that students attend the classes and that all logistical needs are met for students to practice and take final tests
- Assisting students in gathering the necessary documents for all different phases of the process (university application, visa appointment, enrolment)
- Following up with unresponsive students to ensure all activities are happening in a timely manner
- Supporting selected students’ onboarding and training
- Maintaining contact with Malengo students once they arrive in Germany as needed
- Being the first point of contact for parents/guardians of Malengo scholars, including but not limited to:
- Updating parents/guardians on Malengo activities with the students
- Addressing queries and concerns of parents/guardians
- Liaising with relevant government Ministries. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Coordinating all travel documents for students such as passports with the Ministry of Internal Affairs
- Working with Interpol to receive ‘Certificate of good conduct’ for all students
- In collaboration with other Malengo staff, coordinating the process of getting students visas with the German Embassy in Kampala and maintaining regular contact with embassy officials
- Maintaining good relations with the Ministry of Education and Sports to ensure continuous government support for Malengo
- Working with UNEB and other agencies who can help with student data
- Building and implementing strategy for partnering with schools
- Determining a plan to engage with the important schools and stakeholders
- Maintaining relationships with District Officers and Headmasters for school partnerships
- Organizing and overseeing in-person events, including outreach campaigns and pre-departure workshops for students and parents. Specific activities may include, but arenot limited to:
- Printing marketing and advertising materials during outreach phase
- Booking workshop venues
- Coordinating with students and staff on their travel and stay; booking catering
- Coordinating with the team on the agenda and content for the workshops
- Ensuring all technological and stationery needs are met for the workshops (screens, projectors, laptops, flip charts, etc.)
- Updating student tracking sheet and providing regular updates during weekly meetings with full Malengo team, senior leadership and European country directors
- Creating a detailed work plan and budget for project activities. Tracking and managing work plan progress and funding with cost minimization principles.
- Providing contributions to improving the student journey as Malengo scales operations
- Supporting the research team, as time allows, with on-the-ground research and data needs
We seek a highly motivated, charismatic leader who will be the face of Malengo’s operations in Uganda, who enjoys implementing on-ground activities and working with students and families. Successful Program Coordinator candidates seek a dynamic work environment where day to day operations differ based on need. You might be the ideal candidate if you recognize yourself in these descriptions:
About the candidate
- You are inspired by Malengo’s mission and want to create opportunities for thousands of students from low-income countries
- You are passionate about working with students and creating a program that serves them and their families.
- You have exceptional written and verbal communication skills; you are easily approachable and can communicate effectively with students, parents, schools, and government officials
- You have an entrepreneurial attitude, the ability to be resourceful and are solutions oriented with a willingness to take on many different tasks
- You are highly organized and detailed-oriented
- You are collaborative and collegial and excited to work with the Malengo team
- You have emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and are able to work with individuals of different backgrounds.
- You can develop and maintain relationships with government partners, embassies, and schools.
- You have a good understanding of the Ugandan education system and can provide helpful context and information to Malengo staff
- You speak native or near-native English AND Luganda. Swahili is a plus.
- Having lived and worked in Uganda is a strong requirement
- You have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject
- You are willing to travel to Kenya or Europe for workshops and other Malengo related events when necessary
- Basic Excel skills are highly desirable.
What we offer
Malengo is a young organization, incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in the United States, and as a gGmbH (non-profit LLC) in Germany. This position is based in Kampala, Uganda, and the candidate will be working from the Busara Centre office in Kampala. We offer the following benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with background and experience (USD $15,000-USD $23,000 p.a.)
- Healthcare benefits
- Retirement plan
- A choice between Unlimited PTO or 36 vacation days per year
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Anticipated start date: as soon as possible
To apply, please visit this page.
Malengo is committed to diversity, and we believe that our work is strengthened by our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability, and more. We actively seek and welcome applicants who identify as BIPOC, women, members of the LGBTQIA community, persons with disabilities, and people at the intersections and peripheries of these identities.