Programme Co-ordinator - Systems Change & Government

About the role

The Madrasa Early Childhood Programme (MECP), an affiliate of the Aga Khan Foundation, is looking for a Programme Co-ordinator to lead an Early Childhood Development (ECD) and systems-change initiative in Kenya's ASAL region (Kilifi, Isiolo, Lamu and Tana River Counties). The role is the technical, operational and strategic lead, driving day-to-day implementation of time-sensitive interventions through relationships with National and County government entities and other partners. It reports to the Programme Manager.

Contract: initial 9 months, with potential extension for 4 years depending on funding availability; station is Mombasa.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute programme work: monitor the design-phase work plan, support drafting of project documentation and modules, and refine them with feedback from colleagues, the design coach and the donor.
• Support the Organizational Learning and Measurement Evaluation framework and the review and update of the Organizational Structure and Institutional Strengthening Plan.
• Serve as focal point for joint government-civil society working groups and steering committees, and secure approvals, MoUs and letters of support.
• Organize government site visits, study tours and policy briefings.
• Build and maintain contacts with the Ministry of Education, KICD, NCCS, Council of Governors, County Departments of Education, Health, Nutrition, Social Protection, Partnerships and Policy and Finance, and keep the team informed on government priorities and legislative opportunities.
• Compile internal and government reports, and obtain formal sign-off on project data, pilot evaluations and transition or exit strategies.

Required profile

• 5+ years of professional experience in early childhood development, government relations, public policy or inter-agency liaison in Kenya; close work with National and County governments is highly critical.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Education, Development Studies, Project Management or an equivalent field.
• Strong written and fluent verbal English and Kiswahili; basic knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

Required skills

• Exceptional understanding of Kenya's ECD space, devolution structures, budget cycles and public participation frameworks.
• Strategic communication, negotiation and ability to draft formal government letters and MoUs.

Applications (letter, CV and three referees) are due by 20 November 2026.