Career development

Katya Damjan

2w

I wanted to apply for a job at a small company near my home, but they set up an online interview. I said I could come to the office instead, but they said it had to be online.
Later they rejected me because my neighbors were doing repairs and there was noise during the interview. Is that normal? Or were they just looking for an excuse to reject me? Has this happened to anyone?
Thanks

4

Sheila Milburn
8h
They have to treat everyone the same. Allowing you to come in means they would have to offer that to others. It is their process. You were... mistakenly making it about you by: 1. not following the simplest direction, online. 2. Not moving to a better location to focus on the interview and avoid the noise. Managers look for subtle things to see if you will be compliant or difficult. more
Naomi Kihara
14h
The first impression on you was negative by you trying to change the mode of interview they are aware of those other methods of interviews. Secondly,... you failed to look for and organize for a quiet place for you to take the interview. Never mind, next time you will do a better plan. more

Isabel Turner

Career development

30m

My boss wants to take away my monthly bonus. She says I already make enough if I can afford flowers on my desk. But I just like having fresh flowers, they make me feel better at work, so I buy them.
It’s a sad situation. Are bonuses really not about how well you work, but about something like being jealous of flowers?

Career development

1d

Back to basics: Interview tips

The interview process is designed to challenge you, assessing your skills, experience and enthusiasm for a role. Because of this, it can be a nerve-wracking experience for most candidates, which is why preparation is so important.

When preparing for a job interview, taking the time to understand the process and practise common job interview questions and answers (for example if you're applying... for a job in construction, here are 10 interview questions and answers) can help you feel more confident and demonstrate the top interview skills employers are looking for.

Check out our top interview tips for success below.

General advice

Preparation often starts with the basics. Making sure you are well rested and organised before the interview can make a big difference to how confident and focused you feel on the day.

* Get a good night's sleep.

* Have a good breakfast on the morning of your interview - brain food!

* Plan and/or practice your journey.

* Aim to arrive 15-20 minutes before the interview.

Simple preparation like this can help you feel calmer and more confident during your UK job interview.

Preparation is key

Researching the company is one of the most important steps in interview preparation. Spending time exploring the company's website, social media channels and recent news can give you valuable insight into their culture, priorities and future plans.

The more informed you are, the easier it will be to explain why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with what the company is looking for. Employers often appreciate candidates who clearly understand the organisation and its direction.

It can also be useful to research the interviewer if you know who you will be meeting. Understanding their role within the business can help you anticipate the perspective they may bring to the conversation.

TOP TIP: LinkedIn is a particularly useful tool for researching both the company and the interviewer.

Some candidates also find it helpful to practise responses beforehand using AI interview practice tools (here are some useful ChatGPT prompts to help you land a job), which can simulate common interview questions and help refine answers before the real conversation.

Make a good impression

Research suggests that your opinion of a person is formed within the first 10-30 seconds of meeting them.

One of the easiest ways to create a positive impression is by dressing appropriately for the interview. Choosing a professional interview outfit shows respect for the opportunity and helps convey confidence. If in doubt, wear a smart suit - it is always better to be too smart than too casual.

Alongside appearance, body language also plays a role. Maintaining eye contact, offering a polite greeting and showing genuine enthusiasm can all help establish a positive connection with your interviewer.

TOP TIP: Take a notebook a pen into the interview with you, this will again show that you are prepared and forward-thinking.

Questions

Although every interview is different, there are certain standard interview questions that frequently appear. Preparing thoughtful answers in advance can help you respond more clearly and confidently during the interview itself.

Standard interview questions

* Why should we hire you?

* Why do you want this role?

* Tell me about your current role?

* What are your strengths and weaknesses?

* How do you think you will fit in with our team?

* What is your biggest achievement?

* Why do you want to leave your current role?

* What is the most difficult situation you have ever had to deal with?

Preparing for these questions can help you demonstrate strong communication, self-awareness and problem-solving abilities - all key top interview skills employers value.

Prepare some questions

An interview is not only an opportunity for the employer to learn more about you. It is also your chance to learn more about the organisation and the role.

Asking thoughtful questions shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and engaged in the conversation.

Examples of good questions to ask could be:

* Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?

* What plans do you have for the business?

* What projects are coming up soon?

* What do you like best about working for this company?

* What are the next steps in the interview process?

These types of questions help demonstrate curiosity and enthusiasm, which employers often see as positive qualities in potential candidates.

While interviews can feel challenging, preparation can make a significant difference. Taking the time to research the company, practise responses to common UK job interview questions, and present yourself professionally can help you approach the interview with confidence.

If you haven't yet secured an interview, have a look at our career advice or explore what jobs will be n demand in the future and build the skills that will define the AI era.

Or, if you think you're ready to apply now, send us your CV or browse our latest job roles.

Interview FAQs

What are 5 good tips for an interview?

Some of the most effective interview tips include researching the company beforehand, practising answers to common interview questions, choosing a professional interview outfit, arriving early and preparing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. These steps help demonstrate both preparation and professionalism.

What is the best answer for "What are your three weaknesses"?

A strong response shows honesty while also highlighting personal development. For example, you might explain that you previously struggled with delegating tasks but have been actively working on trusting colleagues more and improving teamwork. Employers often appreciate candidates who show self-awareness and a willingness to improve.

What are red flags during a job interview?

Interviewers may notice warning signs such as poor preparation, arriving late, speaking negatively about previous employers or providing vague answers. Showing enthusiasm for the role and demonstrating a good understanding of the company can help avoid these common pitfalls.

What are your 3 strengths best answer?

When discussing strengths, focus on skills that are relevant to the role. Communication, organisation and problem-solving are often valued by employers. Providing a brief example of how you have demonstrated each strength in a professional setting can make your answer more convincing. more

3

mary barry
11h
THIS IS EDUCATIVE

Career development

16h

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund | (NOFO)- DOS-PDS-FY26-01 - U.S. Embassy in Uganda

U.S Department of State

AF/Kampala, Public Diplomacy Section

Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. BASIC INFORMATION

1. Overview

Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements include substantial involvement of the bureau or embassy in program implementation of the project.

Project Performance Period: Proposed projects should be completed in 12 months or less.

This notice... is subject to availability of funding. The Public Diplomacy Section reserves the right to award less or more than the funds described under circumstances deemed to be in the best interest of the U.S. government, pending the availability of funds and approval of the designated grants officer.

2. Executive Summary

The U.S. Department of State's Embassy Uganda announces an open competition for past participants ("alumni") of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit applications to the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026). Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2026 should submit proposals to kampalagrants@state.gov by April 20, 2026. The project proposal must include the involvement of at least two exchange alumni or involvement of an alumni association. All proposals must clearly state how they directly support Freedom 250 (celebrating America's 250 anniversary) and current U.S. policy goals. Please follow all instructions below.

B. ELIGIBILITY

1. Eligible Applicants

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

* Not-for-profit U.S. exchange alumni organizations

* Individuals who are U.S. exchange alumni. This designation includes ECA-funded exchanges, BridgeUSA participants, and other U.S. government funded or sponsored programs that have met the criteria for exchange programs.

For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is encouraged but not required for this funding opportunity.

3. Other Eligibility Requirements

All organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity.

* Projects relating to partisan political activity;

* Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support

* Construction projects;

* Projects that support specific religious activities;

* Fund-raising campaigns;

* Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

* Scientific research or surveys;

* Commercial projects;

* Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;

* Projects that duplicate existing projects; or

* Illegal activities.

C. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives

AEIF increases the impact of the U.S. government's investment in exchange programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects to support U.S. policy objectives and promote shared interests.

All AEIF projects must celebrate and promote Freedom 250 (celebrating America's 250 anniversary) and align with U.S. policy goals or in defense of freedom of speech.

In preparation of proposal submissions, consider the following:

* The project proposal must include the involvement of at least two exchange alumni or involvement of an alumni association.

* All proposals must clearly state how they directly support Freedom 250 (celebrating America's 250 anniversary) and current U.S. policy goals; and

* All project activities must take place outside of the United States and its territories.

All AEIF projects must address at least one of the following:

* Bring Exchange Alumni together from different exchange programs to build or expand an Exchange Alumni network capable of working together on common interests, and increase regional and global alumni collaboration

* Strengthen the relationship between alumni and the U.S. government to work together on activities that address mutual goals and challenges

* Support Exchange Alumni as they develop their leadership capacity and implement projects in their communities

Project Audience(s): U.S. Exchange alumni, youth, entrepreneurs,

Project Goal: AEIF increases the impact of the U.S. government's investment in exchange programs by helping alumni develop and implement projects to support U.S. policy objectives and promote shared interests.

Project Objectives: Projects must address at least one of the following objectives:

* Celebrate American Excellence (Culture, arts, sports, technology and innovation)

* Promote Regional Safety and Security (rule of law, human trafficking awareness, community resilience, cybersecurity)

* Shared Prosperity and Economic Growth (entrepreneurship, digital skills, regional economic development, supply chains)

* American Ingenuity and Innovation (Emerging technologies, AI, space science, innovation communities, university-industry partnerships)

* Global Partnerships and Collaboration (Binational exchanges, international networks public-private partnerships, youth leadership)

* Strengthen U.S.-Uganda Diplomatic Ties

2. Substantial Involvement

* Recipient Roles and Responsibilities - Successful grantees will be expected to write to the Embassy ahead of time about planned activities and invite the Embassy to participate in all activities.

D. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Please follow all instructions below carefully. Proposals that do not meet the requirements of this announcement or fail to comply with the stated requirements will be ineligible.

Content of Application

Please ensure:

* The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity

* All documents are in English

* All budgets are in U.S. dollars

* All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various, required forms.

The following documents are required:

1. Mandatory application forms

* SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance - organizations) or SF-424-I (Application for Federal Assistance -individuals) at gov or Embassy website.

* SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction programs) at gov or Embassy website.

* SF-424B (Assurances for Non-Construction programs) at gov or Embassy website. (note: the SF-424B is only required for individuals, organizations exempt from registration, and for organizations not required to fully register in SAM.gov)

2. Proposal (15 pages maximum)

The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.

* Proposal Summary: Short narrative that outlines the proposed project, including project objectives and anticipated impact.

* Introduction to the Organization or Individual applying: A description of past and present operations, showing ability to carry out the program, including information on all previous grants from the State Department and/or U.S. government agencies as well as experience with and expertise in areas related to those described in the NOFO. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to use the attached Applicant Organization Information Survey form to provide this information (Attachment 1). If the applicant chooses not to use the attached form, all of the requested information from the form will still need to be addressed in the application package.

* Problem Statement: Clear, concise and well-supported statement of the problem to be addressed and why the proposed program is needed

* Program Methods, Design, Activities, and Deliverables: The "goals" describe what the program is intended to achieve. The "objectives" refer to the intermediate accomplishments on the way to the goals. These should be achievable and measurable. Describe the program activities and how they will help achieve the objectives.

* Proposed Project Schedule and Timeline: The proposed timeline for the program activities. Include the dates, times, and locations of planned activities and events.

* Key Personnel: Names, titles, roles and experience/qualifications of key personnel involved in the program. What proportion of their time will be used in support of this program?

* Project Partners: List the names and type of involvement of key partner organizations and sub-awardees (if applicable).

* Monitoring & Evaluation Plan: Proposals must include a draft Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The M&E PMP should show how applicants intend to measure and demonstrate progress towards the project's objectives and goals. Attachment 2 of this funding opportunity contains a template that may be used to fulfill this requirement. While the grantee is free to create their own template, completing Attachment 2 will ensure a thorough PMP.

The key components to the PMP are as follows:

* Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative: In narrative form, applicants should describe how they intend to monitor and evaluate the activities of their award. In addition, the applicant should describe any M&E processes, including key personnel, management structure (where M&E fits into the overall program's staff structure), technology, and as well provide a brief budget narrative explaining any line-item expenditures for M&E listed in the program's budget. If the proposal is from a prior grantee, the proposal discusses how the grantee has adapted, improved or otherwise modified their approach based on learning from previous experience. This narrative is limited to two pages.

* Theory of Change Diagram: Applicants are expected to submit either a Theory of Change diagram or an If-Then Statement that illustrates how project activities will lead to intended outcomes. Attachment 2 includes a suggested format for these requirements.

* Monitoring and Evaluation Datasheet: The applicant must include their proposed activities and their expected outputs and outcomes as well as the goals and objectives as written in the NOFO. The datasheet's purpose is to explicitly illustrate how a project's activities lead to tangible results (such as increased beneficiary skills, knowledge, or attitudes) that ultimately address a PDS objective. For more information, please see Attachment 2: Instructions.

* The selected applicant's M&E PMP is subject to review and approval before any award will be issued under this NOFO. The selected applicant will be required to work with the Public Diplomacy Section's Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to ensure the applicant's M&E PMP achieves an expected level of expertise and meets PDS objectives.

* Expenses directly associated with monitoring and evaluation are considered allowable. The suggested template includes a space to list the portion of the total budget amount directly associated with monitoring and evaluation activities.

3. Budget Justification Narrative

* Detailed Budget - Applicants must submit a detailed line-item budget. Applicants are encouraged to utilize the template provided with the funding opportunity but are not required to do so (Attachment 3). Line-item expenditures should be listed in the greatest possible detail. The budget must identify the total amount of funding requested, with a breakdown of amounts to be spent in the following budget categories: personnel; fringe benefits; travel; equipment; supplies; consultants/contracts; other direct costs; and indirect costs. See Annex Section I for a description of the types of costs that should be included in each category. Personnel salaries should include the level of effort and the rate of pay, which should cover the percentage of time each staff member will dedicate to grant-based activities. If an organization is charging an indirect cost rate without a NICRA, it must apply it to the modified total budget costs (MTDC), refer to 2CFR200.1. Budgets shall be submitted in U.S. dollars and final grant agreements will be conducted in U.S. dollars.

* Budget Justification Narrative - Applicants must submit a budget justification narrative to accompany the detailed line-item budget. The purpose of the budget justification narrative is to supplement the information provided in the detailed budget spreadsheet by justifying how the budget cost elements are necessary to implement project objectives and accomplish the project goals. The budget justification narrative is a tool to help Embassy staff fully understand the budgetary needs of the applicant and is an opportunity to provide descriptive information about the requested costs beyond the constraints of the budget template. Together, the detailed budget spreadsheet, the budget justification narrative, and the SF-424A should provide a complete financial and qualitative description that supports the proposed project plan and should be directly relatable to the specific project components described in the applicant's proposal.

Additional Budget Notes:

* Awards to Individuals: Please note the following budget guidelines for the Individual Award:

* Audit Requirements: Please note the audit requirements for Department of State awards in the Standard Terms and Conditions https://www.state.gov/m/a/ope/index.htm and 2CFR200, Subpart F - Audit Requirements. The cost of the required audits may be charged either as an allowable direct cost to the award OR included in the organization's established indirect costs in the award's detailed budget.

* Visa Fees: Include all visa application and related fees in your budget as applicable. Please note DS-2019s for post-funded programs must be submitted directly by the award recipient. If you anticipate your program will include the DS-2019 visa processing, your organization must be a registered Designated Sponsoring Organization. For more information go to: https://j1visa.state.gov/sponsors/become-a-sponsor/

4. Attachments

* Key Personnel Resumes: A résumé, not to exceed one page in length, must be included for the proposed key staff persons, such as the Project Director and Finance Officer, as well as any speakers or trainers (if applicable). If an individual for this type of position has not been identified, the applicant may submit a 1-page position description, identifying the qualifications and skills required for that position, in lieu of a résumé.

* Letters of support from program partners: Letters of support should be included for sub-recipients or other partners. The letters must identify the type of relationship to be entered into (formal or informal), the roles and responsibilities of each partner in relation to the proposed project activities, and the expected result of the partnership. The individual letters cannot exceed 1 page in length.

* Indirect Costs: If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, your latest NICRA should be included in the application submission.

* Proof of Non-profit Status: Documentation to demonstrate the applicant's non-profit status (e.g., U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their 501(c)(3) Internal Revenue Service determination letter, and non-U.S. organizations should provide evidence of non-profit status issued by a government entity).

* Proof of Registration: A copy of the organization's registration should be provided with the proposal application. U.S.-based organizations should submit a copy of their IRS determination letter. Uganda-based organizations should submit a copy of their certificate of registration from the appropriate government organization.

Other items NOT required/requested with the application submission, but which may be requested if your application is approved to move forward in the review process include:

E. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application forms required above are available at https://ug.usembassy.gov/, grants.gov

2. Department of State Contacts

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: kampalagrants@state.gov

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

Required Registration: All organizations, whether based in the United States or in another country, must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active registration in SAM.gov. A UEI is one of the data elements mandated by Public Law 109-282, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA), for all Federal awards.

An applicant must maintain an active registration while it has a proposal under review by the Department and must continue to keep the registration active for the entire duration of the period of performance of any Federal award that results from this NOFO.

The 2 CFR 200 also requires subrecipients to obtain a UEI. Please note the UEI for subrecipients is not required at the time of application but will be required before an award is processed and/or directed to a subrecipient.

Note: The process of obtaining or renewing a SAM.gov registration may take anywhere from 4-8 weeks. Please begin your registration as early as possible.

* Organizations based in the United States or that pay employees within the United States will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

* Organizations based outside of the United States and that do not pay employees within the United States do not need an EIN from the IRS but do need a UEI prior to registering in SAM.gov.

* Organizations based outside of the United States that do not intend to apply for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards are no longer required to have a NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to apply for non-DoD foreign assistance funding opportunities. If an applicant organization is mid-registration and wishes to remove an NCAGE code from their SAM.gov registration, the applicant should submit a help desk ticket ("incident") with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) online at fsd.gov using the following language: "I do not intend to seek financial assistance from the Department of Defense. I do not wish to obtain an NCAGE code. I understand that I will need to submit my registration after this incident is resolved in order to have my registration activated."

Organizations based outside of the United States and that DO NOT plan to do business with the DoD should follow the below instructions:

* Step 1: Proceed to SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and complete the SAM.gov registration process. gov registration must be renewed annually.

Exemptions

An exemption from the UEI and sam.gov registration requirements may be permitted on a case-by-case basis. See 2 CFR 25.110 for a full list of exemptions.

Organizations requesting exemption from UEI or SAM.gov requirements must email the point of contact listed in the NOFO at least two weeks prior to the deadline in the NOFO providing a justification of their request. Approval for a SAM.gov exemption must come from the warranted Grants Officer before the application can be deemed eligible for review.

Please note: Any applicant with an exclusion in the System for Award Management (SAM) is not eligible to apply for an assistance award in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235), "Debarment and Suspension."

4. Submission Dates and Times

Submission Deadline: All applications must be received by April 20, 2026, 05:00pm EAT. For the purposes of determining if an award is submitted on time, PDS will utilize the timestamp provided by Grants.gov. This deadline is firm and is not a rolling deadline. If organizations fail to meet the deadline noted above their application will be considered ineligible and will not be considered for funding.

Submission Method A: Submitting all application materials directly to the following email address: kampalagrants@state.gov. Applicants opting to submit applications via email kampalagrants@state.gov must include the Funding Opportunity Title and Funding Opportunity Number in the subject line of the email.

Submission Method B: Submitting all application materials through Grants.gov. For those opting to apply through Grants.gov, thorough instructions on the application process are available at http://www.grants.gov. For questions relating to Grants.gov, please call the Grants.gov Contact Center at 1-800-518-4726 or go to https://www.grants.gov/support.html. Please note that kampalagrants@state.gov is unable to assist with technical questions or problems applicants experience with Grants.gov.

5. Funding Restrictions

(a) Definitions.

American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity means an entity included on a list developed and maintained by the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) and published in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov

FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft system manufactured or assembled by an American Security Drone Act-covered foreign entity.

Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft .

Unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently in the national airspace system.

(b) Prohibition. Recipients of funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (including subawards and subcontracts issued by the recipient) will be prohibited from:

(1) delivering any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system, which includes unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and associated elements;

(2)Operating a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the award; and

(3) Using Federal funds for the purchase or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system .

6. Other Submission Requirements: Copyrights and Proprietary Information

If any of the information contained in your application is proprietary, please note in the footer of the appropriate pages that the information is Confidential - Proprietary. Applicants should also note what parts of the application, program, concept, etc. are covered by copyright(s), trademark(s), or any other intellectual property rights and provide copies of the relevant documentation to support these copyrights.

Applicants must acquire all required registrations and rights in the United States and Uganda. All intellectual property considerations and rights must be fully met in the United States and Uganda.

Any sub-recipient organization must also meet all the U.S. and Uganda requirements described above.

F. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

1. Review Criteria

Criteria: Each application submitted under this announcement will be evaluated and rated on the basis of the criteria enumerated below. The criteria are designed to assess the quality of the proposed project, and to determine the likelihood of its success.

* Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants - 25 points:

* Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives - 20 points: The project plan is well developed, with sufficient detail about how activities will be carried out. The proposal specifies target audiences, participant recruitment, and geographic areas of implementation. The proposal outlines clear, achievable objectives. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline. The project scope is appropriate and clearly defined.

* Budget - 10 points: The budget and narrative justification are sufficiently detailed. The budget demonstrates that the organization has devoted time to accurately determine expenses associated with the project instead of providing rough estimates. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The results and proposed outcomes justify the total cost of the project. Budget items are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.

* Monitoring and Evaluation - 10 points: There is a complete and thorough draft submission of a M&E Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). This will include a list of proposed project activities, corresponding milestone, output, and outcome indicators, a description of data collection methods, and a timeline for collecting such information. The proposal presents a clear theory of change on how the program will address that problem. Use of the suggested template (Attachment 2) will satisfy these requirements. Funded projects will have their plans finalized during the negotiation phase, and monitoring plans may be subject to periodic updates throughout the life of the project.

* Sustainability - 5 points: The project proposal describes clearly the approach that will be used to ensure maximum sustainability or advancement of project goals after the end of project activity.

If two or more applications receive equivalent scores based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this NOFO, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate, as consistent with Executive Order 14332, Section 4(b)(iii). This preference will only be applied as a tie-breaking mechanism and does not supersede the primary evaluation criteria.

3. Review and Selection Process

2. Risk Review

Awardees that are deemed to be high risk based on the above risk factors will be held to special award conditions. At a minimum, the recipient and/or project designated as High Risk will be required to submit monthly narrative reports and/or quarterly detailed financial reports. Recipients may also be required, upon request of the Grants Officer or Grants Officer Representative, to provide electronic copies of receipts or other supporting documentation (e.g., timesheets, travel documents) for costs incurred. The Grants Officer may withhold 10% of the award amount until final reports have been reviewed and approved by the GO. The recipient may be required to pay all salaries supported by the grant via electronic funds transfer. Other special award conditions may also be included if deemed appropriate by the Grants Officer.

G. AWARD NOTICES

The award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and counter-signature. The recipient may only start incurring project expenses beginning on the start date shown on the award document signed by the Grants Officer.

If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.

Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.

Payment Method:

Recipients will be required to request payments by completing form SF-270 -- Request for Advance or Reimbursement and submitting the form to the Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative.

Recipients may not draw down funds without the affirmative authorization of the Department of State. In addition, recipients must submit, with each SF-270 payment request, a detailed explanation justifying the request.

H. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply. These include:

In accordance with the Office of Management and Budget's guidance located at 2 CFR part 200, all applicable Federal laws, and relevant Executive guidance, the Department of State will review and consider applications for funding, as applicable to specific programs, pursuant to this notice of funding opportunity in accordance with the following:

* Guidance for Grants and Agreements in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR), as updated in the Federal Register's 89 FR 30046 on April 22, 2024, particularly on:

2. Reporting

Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify what reports are required and how often these reports must be submitted. Note: most recipients will be required to submit quarterly program progress and financial reports throughout the project period. The quarterly progress report should include an up-to-date copy of the PMP datasheet. Progress and financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. Final certified programmatic and financial reports are due 120 days after the close of the project period.

All reports are to be submitted electronically.

The Awardee must also provide the Embassy on an annual basis an inventory of all the U.S. government provided equipment using the SF428 form.

Foreign Assistance Data Review: As required by Congress, the Department of State must make progress in its efforts to improve tracking and reporting of foreign assistance data through the Foreign Assistance Data Review (FADR). The FADR requires tracking of foreign assistance activity data from budgeting, planning, and allocation through obligation and disbursement. Successful applicants will be required to report and draw down federal funding based on the appropriate FADR Data Elements, indicated within their award documentation. In cases of more than one FADR Data Element, typically program or sector and/or regions or country, the successful applicant will be required to maintain separate accounting records.

The Department of State, its programs, and U.S. Government funding and assistance should be easily identifiable to the Department's global audiences.

Recipients of federal assistance awards must follow the branding guidance published at Guidance for Contracts and Grants - U.S. Department of State Brand System. Branding policy exceptions are outlined in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual 10 FAM 416, Policy Exceptions.

For more information, visit: https://brand.america.gov/

I. OTHER INFORMATION

Guidelines for Budget Justification

Personnel and Fringe Benefits: Describe the wages, salaries, and benefits of temporary or permanent staff who will be working directly for the applicant on the program, and the percentage of their time that will be spent on the program.

Travel: Estimate the costs of travel and per diem for this program, for program staff, consultants or speakers, and participants/beneficiaries. If the program involves international travel, include a brief statement of justification for that travel.

Equipment: Describe any machinery, furniture, or other personal property that is required for the program, which has a useful life of more than one year (or a life longer than the duration of the program), and costs at least $10,000 per unit.

Supplies: List and describe all the items and materials, including any computer devices, that are needed for the program. If an item costs more than $10,000 per unit, then put it in the budget under Equipment.

Contractual: Describe goods and services that the applicant plans to acquire through a contract with a vendor. Also describe any sub-awards to non-profit partners that will help carry out the program activities.

Other Direct Costs: Describe other costs directly associated with the program, which do not fit in the other categories. For example, shipping costs for materials and equipment or applicable taxes. All "Other" or "Miscellaneous" expenses must be itemized and explained.

Indirect Costs: These are costs that cannot be linked directly to the program activities, such as overhead costs needed to help keep the organization operating. If your organization has a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate (NICRA) and includes NICRA charges in the budget, attach a copy of your latest NICRA. Organizations that have never had a NICRA may request indirect costs of 15% of Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC) as defined in 2 CFR 200.1.

"Cost Sharing" refers to contributions from the organization or other entities other than the U.S. Embassy. It also includes in-kind contributions such as volunteers' time and donated venues.

Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that award funds cannot be used for alcoholic beverages and other entertainment related expenses.

STEP Enrollment

U.S. citizens who travel to Uganda are encouraged to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) available at: https://step.state.gov/step/. Enrollment enables citizens to receive security-related messages from the Embassy and makes it easier for us to locate you in an emergency. The Embassy also recommends that all travelers review the State Department's travel website at travel.state.gov for the Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Uganda Specific Information.

Attachments:

Attachment 1: Applicant Organization Information Survey

Attachment 2: M&E PMP

Attachment 3: Budget Detail Narrative more

Career development

20h

Stanbic Bank urges youth to exploit targeted Empowerment Initiatives

KAMPALA, UGANDA -- Stanbic Bank's head of personal banking, Israel Arinaitwe has urged students and recent graduates to actively exploit the youth empowerment initiatives available to sharpen their skills, strengthen their goals, and position themselves for growth after university.

Arinaitwe said, "What we've done as a bank, first and foremost, is to make sure that we are a youth-friendly bank.... In fact, we are the only bank in this country that has a dedicated youth manager, Head of Youth. What does that mean? It means that they are thinking about you."

He was speaking on the last day of the Makerere Career Expo 2026, at Makerere University on March 13th 2026. The expo, which is a nationwide university and tertiary institutions' outreach initiative aimed at preparing young people for the rapidly evolving world of work, is shaped by technological advancement and artificial intelligence.

Arinaitwe said, "To help you finish university and learn some skills, we've partnered with our clients to give you internship opportunities. But I think it's important. Most of you told us that, you know, even before we get a job or start a business, I must get an internship opportunity."

"Banks will finance a good idea, a good business idea. So where I started from, you get an internship, finish your university, get the right training, and begin and start your journey for starting a business. And what we are doing is to give you different financing for different businesses," he said.

The event was designed to connect students and recent graduates with employers, global education opportunities, and career development resources.

Day 3 was organised under the theme, Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for sustainable impact," the Career Expo will take place across 14 universities and tertiary institutions between 11th March and 21st April 2026, supported by different partners such as, Stanbic Bank, MasterCard Foundation, NSSF and others

Students were exposed to scholarship opportunities and further education pathways, allowing them to expand their academic and professional prospects.

Career development resources included: Workshops on CV writing, 30-second elevator pitches, and professional networking, Guidance on international scholarships, university applications, and visa processes, Masterclasses on thriving in the digital workspace, freelancing, and remote work, Insights from NSSF on long-term social security planning and financial security etc.

Arinaitwe said, "Every year, over 25,000 students graduate from universities and tertiary institutions across the country, yet the world of work is evolving every single day. We believe the Expo allows students to better understand these realities and prepare themselves for meaningful careers."

The Expo seeks to empower students with practical insights on the future of employment, emerging skills, digital transformation, financial literacy, and long-term savings planning. Through interactive sessions, panel discussions, and mentorship engagements, students will gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate a labour market increasingly influenced by automation and artificial intelligence.

Arinaitwe said Stanbic is ready to support viable ventures. of those just starting out in their chosen ventures, "Some of us are starting businesses in trade; we will support you with financing to ensure that your idea, your idea can easily be commercialised.

"We have the Stanbic Business Incubator to ensure that you have the skills. Yes, you're learning so much in class, but let me tell you the world out there can be different; it can be unique. So what we are doing is to ensure that we give you on-hand, on-work, on-site experience with running a business and ensuring that you have the right skills to run a business," he said.

The fair brought together over 50 employers, industry experts, and education partners to help young people explore career paths, understand the future of work, and build meaningful professional networks.

Mr. Paul Rumanda, Head of HR at Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) in his keynote speech said,"Purpose is what the world expects from you tomorrow and sustainable impact only happens when your potential and purpose are bridged together."

He said, "Purpose isn't just about a pay cheque. It's about the problem that you're uniquely qualified to solve. So as an HR leader, I would like to let you know, we do not hire just for your skills. We hire for your alignment to the mission of the organisations."

When asked about how students should prepare for the AI-driven economy, Fred Percy Kisa, in charge of digital transformation at NSSF said, "It's not machine versus human. It's human plus machine versus human. So the issue is not that the machines are enemies, or we should be scared or whatever is going on with AI."

He said, "The issue is we can't compete with AI and machines in terms of how much you can calculate and retrieve data. But what we can do is to use AI to improve our productivity and research, because guess what- there are things AI can't do. AI will only learn from available data and history, but what you tell it, it keeps learning."

The annual careers fair has become one of the university's key initiatives aimed at preparing graduates for sustainable careers and fostering partnerships between academia and industry. more

Career development

23h

Is Claude Pro Worth It for Job Seekers? An Honest Take

Job hunting in 2026 is a full-time job in itself. Between crafting tailored resumes, writing cover letters that don't sound like every other candidate, and prepping for interviews -- it's exhausting. So when I started hearing buzz about Claude Pro being a secret weapon for job seekers, I had to dig in. Is it actually worth the $20 a month? Let's break it down.

First, What Exactly Is Claude... Pro?

Claude is Anthropic's AI assistant -- and if you've been sleeping on it in favor of other AI tools, you're missing out. The free plan gives you a taste, but it caps usage quickly, especially when you're deep in a job search grind.

Claude Pro is the $20/month upgrade (or ~$16.67/month if billed annually at $200/year). It gives you roughly 5x more usage than the free tier, access to Claude's most capable models, a Research mode that pulls live, cited information from the web, the ability to organize your work into Projects, and priority access during peak hours. Think of it as the difference between a bicycle and a motorbike -- same road, very different speed. more

Career development

3w

Woman lands job after CEO asks why she shouldn't be hired: 'I wasn't ready for that question'

It's surprising how interviewers are finding creative ways to test candidates, sometimes asking questions that seem almost impossible to answer on the spot.

Recently, a woman experienced this firsthand and turned it into an opportunity that landed her a job.

According to the post, during her interview, the CEO asked her to give one good reason why she shouldn't be hired.

Katyayani Shukla... shared the incident on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, "During my last job interview, the CEO asked me to give her one good reason not to hire me."

"I told her I wasn't ready for that question and needed some time to think," she adds.

Most people might have expected the CEO to forget, but a few hours later, she received a follow-up message requesting her response. After reflecting carefully, Shukla wrote her answer, and the result was a job offer.

She began by apologising if her answer was long, explaining that it came from careful thought.

"A good reason not to hire me is that I have my life together. What that means for me is that I keep my personal and professional life organised," the email reads.

Shukla further explained that she has her time to work, usually around 9 to 5 on weekdays, and she sets boundaries to keep work inside those hours.

"I genuinely believe that when everything is urgent, nothing is urgent," she adds.

She added that setting boundaries is important for people to respect her as a professional. While some may appreciate that, others might see it as a red flag.

"Being organised and mindful of my time, and other people's time, is very important to me," the email further read. more

5

Rigor Data Analyst
1
23h
A strong answer to this question isn’t about disqualifying yourself, it’s about showing self-awareness, honesty, and growth without raising red flags.... The key is to frame a manageable limitation and show how you actively address it. more
Prossy Zalwango
3w
good...i don't quite know how i would have answered that question

Alex Lendel

Career development

4d

I’m an interior designer and work at a small agency. I like my job but about two weeks ago our schedule changed from 9:00-6:00 to 7:30-4:30. Management said it would give us more time in the evening with our families.
But it’s been terrible for me. I’m always sleepy, I can’t focus on my work, no ideas come to my head and I keep yawning all day. I even go to bed at 8 p.m.
Do you have any advice... on how I can convince management to bring back the old work schedule?
Thanks more

1

J real
1d
Look at the positive you get more Sunshine get up enjoy the vitamin D that awakes your mind to create from deferent perspective.
Kahutia Hernandez
2d
Hi there. How are you doing today. I just need a lil’ help connecting me to your school colleagues 🔴. I wanna assist them to crush their assignments... and get top grades ‘cause I’m solid in:

Marketing
Psychology
Econometrics
Social work
Nursing/Health Sciences
Engineering
Business/Management
English/Literature/Creative Writing

You wanna hook me up with them so I can help ‘em soar with my assignment writing skills.

Regards more

Anthony Macrostie

Career development

5d

i was in a mental crisis last year December 14th and was going through depression and was gettig the help i need and does anyone have any advice for in the future for someone whos been through mental health crisis.

1

J real
1d
Just the idea you recognized you are passed a negative situation you can say Been there done that don’t have go through that 😁
Kahutia Hernandez
4d
Hi there. How are you doing today. I just need a lil’ help connecting me to your school colleagues 🔴. I wanna assist them to crush their assignments... and get top grades ‘cause I’m solid in:

Marketing
Psychology
Econometrics
Social work
Nursing/Health Sciences
Engineering
Business/Management
English/Literature/Creative Writing

You wanna hook me up with them so I can help ‘em soar with my assignment writing skills.

Regards more

Thomas Hastings

Career development

2d

Hello everyone in the group! My trip to a construction site in Limassol (Cyprus), where I will work as a site supervisor, has been planned for a few months. Now it’s time for me to go.
To be honest, I’m a bit worried, even though it seems calm there now. Is anyone here from Limassol or nearby cities? Is everything okay there?
Thanks for your answers

3

Maria Andrianaki
13h
Just go for the money and leave everything else to God
Robin Miller
1d
The EU nations are using Cyprus as their military base (search news on Cyprus). Air traffic is minimal, but sounds like you're needed there. I have a... relative in the UAE and a friend in Turkey who are fine. Yes, it's calm now. Go with your gut feeling. more

Meredith Mayo

Career development

3d

There are five women in our department, but I always get all the difficult tasks. The others quickly tell the boss: “I don’t know how to do this” or “I’ve never done this before.” I usually can do it and figure it out.
But now I’m tired of it. If I start saying the same things, the boss probably won’t believe me. Can you give me advice on how to avoid difficult tasks sometimes and let others do... them too?
Thanks for any advice more

2

Sandra Tarkenton
1d
Is it interfering with your normal work? Does it require you to work longer hours? I’d it making you less effective in your normal work? These all... deserve a conversation with your boss. Taking on the responsibility of harder tasks can be good for a career growth, so a conversation about your career path desires might also be appropriate. I have always been of the opinion that you make your own career. Companies and bosses are not going to do it for you. more
1
Melody Penney
1d
You are a Lead. Now document all the "I can't do's" and all the
"can-do's" that you do! Now use those to negotiate a new title
as the lead in the... department along with a raise commensurate with your value to your team, your boss, and your company! more
2

Lauren Davis

Career development

1w

Hi! Things are getting weird in our department - our boss is acting crazy. Yesterday she said we can’t spend more than 5 minutes on coffee, even though we make it in the kitchen and then go back to our desks. Sometimes I only finish my cold coffee at the end of the day.
She also won’t let two people go to lunch together anymore - only one at a time. She says we’ll get back faster that way. Now... she’s even checking who is friends with whom.
And I heard her say “That’s all” like in that movie with Meryl Streep. Maybe she finally watched it?🤭

more

Melody Penney
1d
Sit back and watch the show. She is obviously grasping to validate her own authority and to give legitimacy to her job. Which suggests that she has... her own insecurities. I think you should have a private meeting with her and tell her you are concerned for her because people in your department are perceiving her as stressed. Of course, ask if there is anything you can do to help her get the department under control. more
Ranisha Pate
2d
It's great you caught the craziness in time to adjust your schedule. A lot of changes come from inconveniences to the company. Im sorry your... supervisor is not communicating the problem or her logic. I personally do find it better to enjoy my lunches on my own time. Sometimes we build a personal life at work that may be distracting for the work environment. I would ensure I'm energized and don't have to interrupt work process schedules because they cost. Hope you next workday goes better. more

William Robinson

Career development

5d

I had a job interview at a small company. The director said he was going to lunch and asked me to go with him. He bought me a coffee, we talked calmly and then he said I got the job and could start on Monday. I still don’t understand what the catch is. Or did I really just get lucky and find a job that easily?

6

Kasuubo Esther
1d
congratulations! lucky you
Henry Komakech
1d
Congratulations. The director needed to have a one on one with you and check your lineability with your CV. Prepare and start immediately.