The position

The Programme Director provides technical and strategic leadership of MECP in Zanzibar and is responsible for upholding MECP’s mission and values across all MECP programmes, staff members, and communications. The Programme Director is responsible for effective management and leadership of MECP in Zanzibar. The Programme Director will lead on and be the custodian of MECP’s technical strategy and ensure all programmes are designed and delivered in a manner that enables MECP to achieve its strategic goals. The Programme Director will be responsible for quality assurance across all areas of the organisation including programme implementation, financial management, Human Resource management, and reporting

Specific duties

Strategic Leadership: In collaboration with the National Board, AKF, MECP staff, and diverse MECP partners and stakeholders, ensure MECP-Z’s technical programme strategy is evidence-based, meets the need of children and communities in Zanzibar, and is aligned to the broader Regional strategic framework:

Lead on the technical strategy for MECP at the country level

Effectively communicate technical strategy with all MECP staff in Zanzibar to develop an agreed understanding of strategic direction

Programme Quality: Coordinate processes and the team to ensure Programme Quality with all projects being delivered on time, on budget, and with quality. This will include, but not limited to.

Ensure programme quality processes are in-place and conducted (including annual planning and budgeting, site visits, and regular programme reviews);

Ensure all narrative reports submitted are technically accurate, timely and representative of programme progress;

Facilitating programme/activity iterations based on learning and development of new, technical materials to respond to emerging needs and opportunities, and;

Ensure all programming is aligned to community needs and MECP strategy and contributes to MECP mission and values.

Organisational Management and Growth: Ensure internal organisational and staff capacity development and lead, in collaboration with AKF, on developing new business development opportunities:

Human Resource management, growth, and retention and develop a conducive and inclusive working environment for all staff.

With the support of AKF, develop and implement country resource mobilisation strategy

Partnerships and Representation: Ensure MECP develops and maintains high-quality relationships with diverse partners (including funding, government, and technical) and community members as well as represent MECP in national and international fora:

Build strong relationships with government, development partners, and civil society organisations

Represent MECP at the national, regional, and international levels with respect to ECD

Internal and External communications: Ensure MECP is effectively communicating internally (including through AKF’s newly established ICT enabled communication platforms) and externally to maintain MECP’s organisational profile, technical influence, and to grow MECP’s image

Diversity, Inclusion, and safeguarding: Ensure MECP’s pluralistic values are demonstrated internally, externally, and all programming in respectful and inclusive of people from diverse backgrounds including, but not limited to, socio-economic status, religion, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, and disability. Committed to acting ethically and upholding safeguarding standards towards all staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries of the organisation.

The requirements

Minimum Master’s degree or equivalent in Development, Education, ECD or related field
Minimum four years senior management experience
Experience in management, leadership and mentoring staff with willingness to visit programmes in the field
Experience developing relationships with government and development partners to generate income and influence policy and practice
Excellent communication skills, able to make strong presentations and produce high quality written reports
Experience of working across geographical, organisation boundaries, cultures & diverse stakeholders.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strategic Thinking and Communication
Creativity and Innovation
Influence and Negotiation