MECPU, in partnership with World Education (JSI), is implementing the “Targeting the Learning Crisis” (TLC) project to improve early childhood education (ECE) service delivery. Under this project, MECPU will focus on Teacher and Centre Management training to enhance education quality, increase enrollment, and retain children in ECE programs while preparing them for school. TLC will utilize a common, evidence-based pre-accelerator model and a core package of ECE services, refined and aligned with partners throughout implementation. TLC will support the implementation of Uganda’s new Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) policy by training teachers and parental capacities. This will include delivering pre-literacy and pre-numeracy services to improve learning outcomes for underserved pre-primary children. The project aims to increase ECE enrollment and ensure smoother transitions from ECE to Primary 1 (P1). TLC will be implemented in the districts of Arua, Arua City, Maracha, Zombo, Nebbi and Packwach requiring a Project Coordinator to oversee the team responsible for project execution.

SCOPE OF ROLE:
The Programme Coordinator will supervise the implementation of all project activities to ensure timely delivery of project deliverables. S/he will also be responsible for advancing established partnerships with ECD stakeholders within the districts.

Role description
General management and Technical Support
• In liaison with the Programme Manager, provide overall leadership throughout the project life cycle.
• Supervise program officers by providing direction, input, and feedback on project implementation work plans, activity reports, accounting, and procurement.

Coordinate and support the staff in the preparation of new and revised training materials (Manuals, outlines, and programs).
Plan and implement Teacher training with efficiency ensuring timely, and on-budget delivery of both centre-based and site-based mentoring for CMCS.

Support the Programme Officers to organize and conduct the capacity of Centre Management Committees as they provide ongoing support to CMC members in techniques and approaches for engaging parents.
Partnerships management
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with local government leadership and other implementing partners in the TLC Project.
• Participate and assist in negotiations for contributions and partnership agreements, in line with internal policies and external regulations.

Share information from time to time with stakeholders on the impact of MECP-U programs to enhance support of its interventions.
• Organise District review meetings to track the progress of the program and receive feedback from the local government leadership.
Financial Management
• Ensure the existing internal and donor financial control & compliance procedures are adhered to at all times. Oversee preparation of activity budgets and implementation of corresponding activities in line with the approved budgets and work plan.
• Ensure proper coordination and collaboration with finance and procurement departments to ensure finance, as well as procurement plans and procedures, are adhered to.
• Be responsible for project budget utilization.
Quality Assurance and Reporting
• Lead in monthly, quarterly, and annual project review and planning meetings.
• Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate actions.

Timely compilation and submission of regular periodical project narrative reports and other progress reports as may be required from time to time.
• Ensure quality and timely implementation of the program activities against set objectives, targets, timelines, and budget as per the approved work plan and budget.
• Review and provide feedback on activity-level reports.
• Undertake any other delegated responsibility as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Experience:
• A Bachelor’s degree in ECD/ECCE or related field.
• At least 2-3 years’ experience working as a Coordinator. Working with communities on the promotion of ECD will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrable experience with adult learning facilitation
• Experience managing stakeholders at the district level, e.g. schools, communities, local government, etc, and mobilization skills.
• An excellent command of spoken and written English, including report writing and computer skills, especially MS Word and Excel.
• The ability to ride a motorcycle will be an added advantage.