BACKGROUND

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda is a statutory body established under Section 9 of the Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Act Cap. 161. The mandate of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) is to monitor and regulate the exploration, development, and production, together with the refining, gas conversion, transportation, and storage of petroleum in Uganda. This includes ensuring that petroleum operations in Uganda are carried out in accordance with the relevant laws, regulations, guidelines, statutes and in line with international best practice for the petroleum industry.

The Petroleum Authority of Uganda invites applications from qualified Ugandans who fully meet the required job specifications and with the right personal attributes to occupy the position below in the Authority's established structure.

1.1 Job Purpose

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority and a full-time employee of the Authority. The Executive Director is, in the performance of his or her functions, answerable to the Board of Directors of the Authority.

1.2 Functions of Executive Director.

Subject to the Act and to the general supervision and control of the Board, the Executive Director shall-

• Initiate and implement the policies and programmes of the Authority and report on them to the Board and ensure that the agreed objectives, targets and service standards are met;
• Be responsible for the proper management of the property of the Authority;
• Manage the staff of the Authority;
• Develop and oversee an operating plan to guide the Authority in performing its functions;
• Co-operate with lead agencies and organisations in matters related to the petroleum sector;
• Develop an economic, efficient and cost effective internal management structure;
• Provide advice as required on all matters which fall within the area of the Authority's responsibility; and,
• Perform any other duty necessary for the implementation of this Act as may be assigned to him or her by the Board.

1.3 Person Specifications

1.3.1 Education Qualifications

• A Master's Degree in petroleum geosciences, petroleum engineering, petroleum management, petroleum law or petroleum taxation and finance from a recognized university.
• A Bachelor's Degree in physical sciences, industrial chemistry, engineering, economics, finance, taxation, law or a related field from a recognized university.

1.3.2 Experience

A minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience, including 10 years in oil and gas, at Senior Management level.

1.4 Skills and Competencies

PAU seeks a dynamic, visionary and strategic Executive Director with a distinguished record of leadership in regulatory governance in the oil & gas sector or related technical fields. The candidate shall demonstrate, amongst others, the majority of the qualities listed below;-

• Technical and Regulatory Expertise in petroleum sector governance, policy implementation, compliance oversight, and standards enforcement.
• Governance and Strategic Leadership capabilities, with proven experience in driving institutional performance and transformation.
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Sustainability, National Content frameworks, Risk Management, and Financial Stewardship required for a modern petroleum regulator.
• Good Communication, Negotiation, Stakeholder and Diplomacy Skills, enabling effective engagement with government, industry, development partners, and communities.
• Integrity, Professionalism, and Ethical Conduct, essential for safeguarding national interests and ensuring transparent resource management.
• Ability to Lead and Inspire Multidisciplinary Technical teams, strengthen organisational systems, and navigate complex regulatory and operational environments.

1.5 Key Expectations

The Executive Director will provide strategic direction, ensure strong regulatory oversight, champion institutional excellence; advance the PAU's mandate with unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and international best practice; and advance Uganda's long-term national development agenda.

• Initiate and implement the policies and programmes of the Authority and report on them to the Board and ensure that the agreed objectives, targets and service standards are met;
• Be responsible for the proper management of the property of the Authority;
• Manage the staff of the Authority;
• Develop and oversee an operating plan to guide the Authority in performing its functions;
• Co-operate with lead agencies and organisations in matters related to the petroleum sector;
• Develop an economic, efficient and cost effective internal management structure;
• Provide advice as required on all matters which fall within the area of the Authority's responsibility; and,
• Perform any other duty necessary for the implementation of this Act as may be assigned to him or her by the Board.

• Technical and Regulatory Expertise in petroleum sector governance, policy implementation, compliance oversight, and standards enforcement.
• Governance and Strategic Leadership capabilities, with proven experience in driving institutional performance and transformation.
• Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Sustainability, National Content frameworks, Risk Management, and Financial Stewardship required for a modern petroleum regulator.
• Good Communication, Negotiation, Stakeholder and Diplomacy Skills, enabling effective engagement with government, industry, development partners, and communities.
• Integrity, Professionalism, and Ethical Conduct, essential for safeguarding national interests and ensuring transparent resource management.
• Ability to Lead and Inspire Multidisciplinary Technical teams, strengthen organisational systems, and navigate complex regulatory and operational environments.

• A Master's Degree in petroleum geosciences, petroleum engineering, petroleum management, petroleum law or petroleum taxation and finance from a recognized university.
• A Bachelor's Degree in physical sciences, industrial chemistry, engineering, economics, finance, taxation, law or a related field from a recognized university.