Program Manager – Numeracy at Zizi Afrique Foundation

Role Overview

• As a technical lead in Foundational Numeracy, the suitable candidate will spearhead the design, implementation, and scaling of numeracy interventions at Zizi Afrique Foundation, ensuring alignment with the organizational vision and mission. Working under the guidance of the Director of Innovation and Practice, the technical lead will oversee the roll out of high-impact evidence-based numeracy interventions, extending pedagogical support on foundational numeracy to the implementing teams.

Specific roles and responsibilities (Not limited to);

Program Design & Implementation (70%)
Program Monitoring, Budgeting and Reporting (10%)
Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy (10%)
Line management (10%)

• Design an organizational strategy and blueprint that will guide the design and implementation of foundational numeracy priorities.
• Lead the design, adaptation and scaling of numeracy interventions to enhance acquisition of numeracy skills among learners.
• Package relevant frameworks and oversee the development and refinement of numeracy curricula and assessment tools to support implementation.
• Contribute to the design and development of learning support materials including workbooks, teacher guides, facilitator manuals, and visual aids to support the implementation of numeracy initiatives.
• Ensure the integration of play-based and engaging activities/strategies to build foundational numeracy skills.
• Conceptualize the mainstreaming of core competencies and values and parental engagement in our numeracy interventions.
• Extend technical expertise and support to field teams and our network of impact partners on effective literacy instruction and improvement strategies.
• Support the packaging of high impact training and continuous professional development programs on numeracy for implementing teams.
•  Conduct training sessions and workshops for target teachers and program implementers to enhance their numeracy teaching skills.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement through regular feedback and support.

Desirable Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Mathematics, Curriculum Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in education, with a focus on early-grade numeracy.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing large scale numeracy interventions in low-resource settings. Experience working with international or bilateral organizations is an added advantage.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating educational programs, including data collection and analysis.
• Strong report writing skills, analytical skills and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams.
• Excellent strategic planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions.
• Holds oneself and others accountable for making decisions and managing resources to deliver on the responsibilities.
• Agile worker, future oriented and a strategic thinker.

Work environment and compensation

• ZAF offers a very competitive package that includes a family medical cover, pension scheme, annual leave of 25 working days, and other benefits.
• The position will be based in Nairobi, with a physical office and flexible work-from-home possibilities and occasional travels to the project areas.
• The job is often not an 8 am – 5 pm job. The job has flexibility, and is also demanding, requiring high skills of work-life balance, and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Experience is needed to work in a self-driven and ambitious, fast – paced environment, carrying the heavy responsibility of delivering the mission of ZAF.
• This is a two – year contract, renewable subject to availability of funding.