Programme Specialist – RISE Programme Manager (Fixed‑Term)

About the role

The Programme Specialist will provide technical leadership and coordination for UNICEF’s RISE programme in Kenya, aiming to create flexible, safe learning pathways for out‑of‑school adolescents and youth. Reporting to the Chief, Education and dotted‑line to the Deputy Representative, Programme, the role bridges government, UNICEF, the Mastercard Foundation, consortium partners and private‑sector stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Support the design, adaptation and implementation of formal and non‑formal secondary education, accelerated learning, digital learning and skills‑development options.
• Facilitate meaningful youth engagement, peer mobilisation, advocacy and feedback mechanisms to promote return to learning.
• Coordinate programme planning, results‑based management, risk management and reporting to the Programme Steering Committee.
• Contribute to situation analyses, data collection and evidence generation for education programmes.
• Strengthen system capacity for technology‑enabled learning and inclusive education.

Required profile

• Proven experience in programme management and coordination within the education sector.
• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders, including government, NGOs, foundations and private‑sector partners.
• Familiarity with results‑based management (RBM) approaches and UNICEF strategic frameworks.
• Strong analytical skills for data‑driven decision‑making.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to impact the lives of vulnerable youth in Kenya.
• Professional development within a global humanitarian organisation.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.