ECD Program Officer at Child Fund International

Job Description

Reporting to the ECD Specialist, the ECD Officer will back fill the roles and responsibilities of the ECD Specialist as she commits 75% of her time to the ECD Franchising Pathway as the Technical Lead. Thus, ECD Program Officer will work closely with the ECD Specialist, Program Managers, Local Partner staff, and other stakeholders on the ground, to provide technical assistance to the Country Office’s ECD program portfolio, to accomplish ChildFund’s outcome of healthy and secure infants and young children. S/he will provide the day-to-day oversight in executing the roll-out of the Responsive and Protective Parenting (RPP) program model with local partners, identify and strengthen relevant partnerships, and ensure timely implementation of planned activities. The program officer will be responsible for ensuring quality in the collection of routine data and ensuring that all necessary information, both from routine reporting as well as from ad hoc data collection and special studies is well documented and accessible. The Program Officer is also expected to support the ECD Franchising Pathway piloting as required.

Duties/Responsibilities

The ECD Project Officer will be responsible for the following:

1. Provide technical support in planning and executing the roll-out of the RPP program model with partners.
2. In collaboration with other program and sponsorship staff from the country office, provide technical support to local partners to implement, monitor and improve the quality of ECD and education related programs 
3. Where necessary, support the ECD Franchising Technical Lead in the design, research, and piloting of the ECD Franchising pathway from time to time.
4. Ensure all ECD and Education related Program plans are implemented according to approved budget and program guidelines, and that ChildFund procedures and policies are always adhered to.
5. Regularly review and monitor progress of ECD and education related interventions in accordance with established indicators, guidelines, and evidence based best practices. 
6. Support in grants acquisition, including project and proposal development. 
7. Serve as a strategic resource for the country office to strengthen key national and county partnerships.
8. Aid in identification of existing and potential challenges that can slow down program implementation and share these with the management at the earliest opportune time for decision making and remedial measures.
9. Timely prepare and submission of quality progress reports.
10. Ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of program activities through routine supervisory /verification visits and use the information to improve project quality and implementation 
11. Document most significant change stories (MSC) and maintain accurate project records. 
12. Representation in area partners/network fora together with local partners and update on current development.
13. Document lessons learnt and best practices for experience sharing and replication.
14. Be alert and responsive to any child safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills necessary for promoting strong safeguarding practices, understand the child safeguarding policy and procedures, and ensure full adherence to the Child Safeguarding Policy.
15. Demonstrated commitment to fostering and maintaining an environment of diversity, inclusion, and equity.
16. Any other duties relevant to the position as may be assigned by the supervisor.  

Required Qualifications/Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in either Early Childhood Studies, development studies or any other relevant social sciences, plus at least 3 years’ relevant work experience.
2. Experience working with young children 0-5 years and their caregivers.
3. Demonstrated ability to run high quality interactive trainings in person and remotely (virtual).
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels, both internal and external.
5. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations.
6. Ability to work with minimum supervision and meet strict deadlines.
7. Practical experience working with local implementing partners 
8. Ability to manage multiple priorities.
9. Professional proficiency in spoken and written English, with demonstrated training and public speaking abilities.
10. Knowledge and application of computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Practical experience in implementing parenting education programs for caregivers of infants and young children.
2. Experience in any of the following sectors: child protection, gender, disabilities, health, nutrition.
3. Experience in ECD Social Franchising.