Project Officer – Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

About the role

ICS SP Africa is recruiting a Project Officer for its Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. The Officer will coordinate ECCE interventions in Machakos County, improving access, equity and quality of services for children from conception to age 8. As project lead for an upcoming Machakos-based project, the role provides technical guidance, ensures quality and timely delivery against project goals, and works closely with government actors, technical partners, research teams and community leaders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the start-up, implementation and administration of the ECCE project, keeping it on time, on scope and on budget and in line with donor regulations.
• Provide technical support to the design and implementation of ECCE interventions and help develop new tools, resources and solutions.
• Build the capacity of the ICS SP team on ECD/ECCE programming.
• Develop and present progress, process and financial reports according to organisational processes, donor requirements and timelines.
• Work with the MEAL team to set up an M&E and learning framework, and share evaluation and research findings.
• Build relationships with government departments and technical partners, and represent ICS SP at meetings and events with the Programme Manager and Director.
• Support the design of performance objectives for field staff, guide frontline community staff and conduct performance appraisals.

Required profile

• At least 5-7 years of programming experience in early childhood development, education, maternal and child health, parenting or community education.
• Demonstrated experience delivering ECCE, parenting and child protection interventions through sub-national government systems and service delivery platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Gender, Public Health or Early Childhood Development; a relevant Master's degree is an added advantage.
• Experience evaluating and disseminating ECCE project outcomes with stakeholders.

Required skills

• Strong project management, including planning, budgeting and donor reporting.
• Understanding of the Nurturing Care Framework, Care for Child Development and integrated ECDE approaches.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, reporting, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage oneself and guide a frontline workforce.

Candidates must also agree to abide by the organisation's safeguarding, child protection and PSEA policies.