Programme Manager - Systems Change & Early Childhood Development (ECD)

About the role

The Madrasa Early Childhood Programme (MECP), an affiliate of the Aga Khan Foundation, is looking for a Programme Manager to lead multi-stakeholder initiatives that drive systems change for quality early childhood care and education. The role maps systems dynamics, connects grassroots insights to institutional decision-makers and supports long-term sustainability, benefiting young girls and boys in the ASAL regions of Kenya (Kilifi, Isiolo, Lamu and Tana River counties). It reports to the Programme Director and is based in Mombasa.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision of the ECD systems-change initiative, engaging County Executive Committee Members for Education and Health, sub-county administrators, county assembly members, national ECD networks and other partners.
• Facilitate systems change so programme goals align with policy guidelines, and lead formal commitments such as MoUs; champion community-led ECD models in County Integrated Development Plans and budgets.
• Manage field officers, independent consultants, specialists and evaluators, appraising them and overseeing contracts, procurement and onboarding.
• Identify and mitigate high-level risks (political leadership changes, security, resistance to policy change) and guide the team through adaptive pivots.
• Convene steering committees, advisory boards and donor review sessions.
• Help design the Learning and Measurement Evaluation framework, compile progress reports and impact case studies for donors and partners, and ensure compliance with policies and donor requirements.

Required profile

• 5+ years in project management in social development, public policy or public health in Kenya, with at least 2 years in a leadership role managing teams, partners and donor reports.
• Proven experience delivering successful educational or systems-change programmes.
• Master's or bachelor's degree in education, project management, development studies, public health, social sciences or a related field; professional certifications are highly valued.
• Strong negotiation and influence skills, with experience navigating government bureaucracies and building coalitions.
• Fluent written and spoken English and Kiswahili; basic knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

The contract is initially 9 months with possible extension for 4 years depending on funding availability. Applications with a letter, CV and three referees close on 20 November 2026.