Programme Coordinator - Early Childhood Care and Development at ICS- SP Africa

Purpose of function:

• The Programme Coordinator - Early Childhood Care and Development will be responsible for coordinating ICS SP Interventions that improve caregiver well-being and early childhood development outcomes and will serve as the project lead for an upcoming project aimed at establishing the cost and cost effectiveness of a parenting intervention that aims at improving caregiver wellbeing and optimal development outcomes for children aged 0-3 years. The coordinator will provide technical guidance in implementation and ensure quality and timely delivery of the project goals and objectives while collaborating with project stakeholders, relevant government actors, technical experts, research teams and the donor.

Job Profile

Roles include but is not limited to;

• ECD technical guidance: Provide technical support to the design and implementation of ECD and caregiver wellbeing interventions. Contribute to the development of new ECD solutions, resources and tools. Build the capacity of ICS SP team on ECD programming.
• Project management: Oversee start-up, management, and administration of the new project and ensure program implementation is on time, scope, budget, and donor regulations.
• Project accountability: In line with organizational processes and donor requirements, and timelines, develop and present progress, process and financial reports.
• Monitoring, learning and research: Develop and implement an effective M&E and learning framework for the ECD and caregiver wellbeing interventions. Keep abreast of evaluation and research best practices related to multisectoral ECD interventions and in collaboration with M&E coordinator and research partners, provide technical support on how to incorporate these best practices/approaches in the project. Explore strategic opportunities to share and disseminate project evaluation and research results.
• Partnerships and networking: Foster meaningful working relationships, work in close collaboration with relevant government departments and strategic technical partners and utilize national, and sub national partnerships, technical working committees and networks to advance project goals and outcomes.
• Advocacy for government uptake and scaling: Lead on the ECD and caregiver wellbeing advocacy agenda and participate in strategy design meetings at national and sub national level, and provide evidence, and strategic direction for the uptake, institutionalization and scaling of cost-effective evidence based ECD solutions by line ministries and partners.
• Influence and representation: Represent ICS SP at government, donor, partner and other relevant meetings and events, in close coordination with the Director.
• Human resource management: Assist in designing of performance objectives and indicators for project staff, guide and support staff to meet desired deliverables and conduct performance appraisals as guided by organizational HRM policies.

Desirable requirements

• At least 15 years proven programming experience (with at least 8 years in the areas of early childhood, maternal and child health, Adolescent programming and the empowerment of women and girls.)
• Extensive understanding of global evidence, best practices and gaps around Early Childhood Development Interventions, including the nurturing care framework, care for child development and maternal and child health
• Strong advocacy and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated experience in operationalizing ECD, parenting and maternal & child health in interventions in government systems and service delivery platforms.
• Sound comprehension of working with research partners to evaluate and disseminate ECD and care giver project outcomes.
• Proven track record to coordinate complex family and child development programs with diverse range of partners.
• Solid understanding on planning, budgeting and project reporting
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, reporting, communication and presentation skills
• Proven ability to manage self and, guide and lead employees to ensure appropriate programme management processes are being used.
• Degree in development studies/ social sciences/gender/ public health/ early childhood development. Master's degree in related disciplines will be an added advantage.
• A sound understanding of adolescent programming is a plus.