Programme Manager (RISE) – Fixed Term, Nairobi

About the role

The Programme Manager (RISE) will provide technical leadership and coordination for the RISE Kenya programme, a partnership between UNICEF and the Mastercard Foundation. Reporting to the Chief Education and working closely with the Deputy Representative, Programme, the role drives flexible, safe learning pathways for out‑of‑school adolescents and youth.

Key responsibilities

• Lead programme development, planning and monitoring to ensure results‑based management and compliance with UNICEF standards.
• Coordinate across government, UNICEF, Mastercard Foundation, consortium partners and private sector stakeholders, managing risks and reporting to the Programme Steering Committee.
• Provide advisory and technical support on system capacity building, technology‑enabled learning, data generation and youth engagement.
• Advocate, network and build partnerships to promote inclusive, scalable education solutions.
• Foster innovation, knowledge management and capacity‑building activities within the programme.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Management, Education, Development Economics or related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in education systems reform or large‑scale social sector programmes, including 7 years in programme leadership or country‑level coordination.
• Proven track record managing multi‑partner, multi‑donor programmes at national scale and influencing policy.
• Experience overseeing multi‑million budgets and delivering results in complex, multi‑sector environments.

Required skills

• EdTech and digital learning implementation at scale.
• Programme management and results‑based monitoring.
• Budget management for high‑value programmes.