Programme Specialist – RISE Programme Manager (P-3)

About the role

UNICEF is seeking a Programme Specialist to lead the RISE Programme in Kenya. This senior‑level position will oversee large‑scale education and youth‑skilling initiatives, ensuring alignment with national policy and donor expectations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the RISE Programme, coordinating multi‑partner and multi‑donor activities at national scale.
• Translate programme delivery outcomes into policy dialogue with government, private sector, CSOs and academia.
• Manage a multi‑million‑dollar budget, ensuring financial compliance and value for money.
• Oversee data‑driven analysis of equity, gender, access and learning outcomes to inform strategic planning.
• Lead the integration of EdTech and digital learning solutions to enhance service delivery.

Required profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Education, Management, Development Economics, Psychology, Sociology or a related field.
• Minimum five years of experience in education systems reform, workforce development or large‑scale social sector programme leadership.
• Proven track record of managing high‑value, multi‑partner programmes and influencing policy at the country level.

Required skills

• Technical understanding of global development issues linked to education, youth skilling and employability.
• Knowledge of secondary education, youth empowerment, equity, human‑rights‑based programming and international engagement strategies.
• Experience with EdTech, digital learning or technology‑enabled service delivery at scale.
• Fluency in English.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape education policy and practice in Kenya.
• Collaboration with a diverse network of government, private sector and civil‑society partners.
• Professional development within a leading global humanitarian organization.