Debate Director

Key Responsibilities:

1. Tournament Planning:

• Develop and implement the debate championship format, schedule, and rules.
• Collaborate with organizers to secure venues, judges, and resources.

2. Debate Format and Rules:

• Research and recommend suitable debate formats (e.g. parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas, Karl Popper, World Schools, Traditional Format ).
• Develop and enforce competition rules, guidelines, and scoring systems.

3. Judge Recruitment and Training:

• Identify, recruit, and train judges (experienced debaters, educators, or professionals).
• Develop and conduct judge training programs to ensure consistency and fairness.

4. Team Registration and Coordination:

• Manage team registrations, confirm participant details, and communicate with schools.
• Ensure teams understand competition rules, format, and expectations.

5. Debate Topic Selection:

• Research and recommend relevant, engaging, and age-appropriate debate topics.
• Ensure topics align with the championship's themes and objectives.

6. Logistics and Operations:

• Oversee debate venue setup, audio-visual equipment, and materials.
• Manage debate scheduling, timing, and flow.

7. Adjudication and Conflict Resolution:

• Resolve disputes, protests, or rule interpretations during competitions.
• Ensure fair and impartial adjudication.

8. Communication and Promotion:

• Develop and disseminate promotional materials (posters, social media, press releases).
• Coordinate with media outlets for coverage and publicity.

9. Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Manage debate-related expenses, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives.
• Ensure transparent financial reporting.

10. Evaluation and Improvement:

• Conduct post-championship evaluations and gather feedback.
• Recommend improvements for future championships.

Requirements:

• Degree in Education, Communications, or related field.
• Proven experience in debate coaching, judging, or directing.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with Ugandan primary school curriculum and education system.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with national or international debate competitions.
• Knowledge of debate formats, rules, and judging systems.
• Familiarity with event management software and technology.