Academic Partnerships Manager Job Vacancy in Arua, Uganda – Education – Higher Education

Job Description

Position: Academic Partnerships Manager

Company: Unilever Uganda

Location: Arua, Uganda

Experience: 5+ years in higher education partnership development

Education: Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Education – Higher Education

Department: Partnerships & Development

Salary: SSP 3,000,000 – 5,000,000

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Unilever Uganda is a leading multinational consumer goods company with a strong commitment to sustainable growth and community development across the nation. Operating for over a century, Unilever brings world‑class brands to Ugandan households while investing in local talent, education, and social impact programs. The company’s presence in Uganda spans manufacturing, sales, and corporate functions, and it actively collaborates with government, NGOs, and academic institutions to drive innovation and inclusive development. As part of its corporate responsibility agenda, Unilever Uganda focuses on improving health, hygiene, and livelihoods, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking meaningful career opportunities in Uganda.

Job Overview

The Academic Partnerships Manager will lead the design, implementation, and management of strategic collaborations between Unilever Uganda and higher education institutions. This role is pivotal in creating joint research projects, internship programs, talent pipelines, and knowledge‑exchange initiatives that align with Unilever’s business objectives and the educational goals of partner universities. The manager will act as the primary liaison, ensuring that partnership activities deliver measurable value, enhance brand reputation, and contribute to the development of Uganda’s future workforce. This position offers a unique platform to influence both corporate strategy and academic advancement, positioning Unilever as a preferred industry partner in the country.

Through this role, you will contribute to the broader mission of creating sustainable career opportunities in Uganda, supporting the nation’s economic growth, and reinforcing Unilever’s reputation as a leader in corporate‑academic collaboration. The position is ideal for professionals passionate about education, innovation, and driving impactful change across sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and secure partnership opportunities with universities, colleges, and research institutes across Uganda.
• Develop and negotiate partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, and joint project proposals.
• Design and manage internship, graduate trainee, and scholarship programs that align with Unilever’s talent acquisition strategy.
• Coordinate collaborative research initiatives, case studies, and innovation challenges that address real‑world business problems.
• Monitor partnership performance metrics, prepare regular reports, and present outcomes to senior leadership.
• Facilitate workshops, guest lectures, and campus events to promote Unilever’s brand and career opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal departments such as Marketing, R&D, HR, and Sustainability to integrate academic insights into business processes.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of higher education trends, funding opportunities, and regulatory requirements in Uganda.

Required Skills

• Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management abilities.
• Excellent negotiation, contract drafting, and project management skills.
• Proven experience in developing academic‑industry collaborations or similar partnership models.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in data‑driven decision making.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and influence senior leaders.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

Education

A Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related discipline is required. Relevant certifications in partnership management, project management (e.g., PMP), or higher education liaison are considered a plus.

Experience

Minimum of five years of experience in higher education partnership development, corporate‑university relations, or talent acquisition within a multinational environment. Experience in the consumer goods sector or similar industries is advantageous.

Salary

The successful candidate will receive a competitive monthly salary ranging from SSP 3,000,000 to SSP 5,000,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. A performance‑based bonus structure and comprehensive benefits package are also included.

Benefits

• Health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Generous paid leave, including annual, sick, and parental leave.
• Professional development allowance and tuition reimbursement.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Training

• Onboarding program covering Unilever’s culture, values, and operational processes.
• Continuous learning opportunities through internal academies and external workshops.
• Leadership development tracks for high‑potential employees.

Working Environment

Based in Arua, the role offers a modern office environment with flexible working arrangements, including remote work options where appropriate. The team is collaborative, diverse, and driven by a shared purpose of creating sustainable impact across Uganda.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience via the online portal. For detailed application instructions, please visit https://ugandajobssearch.com/. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Unilever Uganda is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected status.