Working closely together with key government and civil society partners, the ECD Field Coordinator will be part of a team implementing a multi-country Early Childhood Development (ECD) project in Eastern Africa and Latin America. The project aims to adapt and replicate a playful parenting initiative originally implemented by ChildFund in Guatemala that used community-based radios to engage with caregivers of infants and young children in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. ChildFund is now seeking to build upon the Guatemalan experience, adapt content, and replicate initiative in Ethiopia, with communities still affected by COVID-19.

The ECD Coordinator will directly support the implementation of activities in communities in Ethiopia. Specifically, the FC will ensure smooth coordination with key stakeholders (community partners, key government agencies and authorities and community leaders) as planned. The ECD Field Coordinator will work under the supervision of the Senior Project Manager, based at the ChildFund Ethiopia country Office, and closely liaise with other colleagues who are part of the Country Office Support Team, with technical support from a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer, and ChildFund regional and global technical advisors. The position will entail community mobilizing and local travel to project sites, as travel permits. This is a 12-month position contingent upon funding, with start date tentatively set for March, 2022.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Implement of project activities based on strategies and interventions within approved design, spending plans and agreements, and in compliance with organizational policies/procedures, operational systems, and donor requirements and regulations.
• Organize, implement and support initiatives that will build the capacity of community-based organizations and improve the members’ capability to deliver required services and activities
• Coordinate and liaise with various stakeholders at the community level for support and resource complementation to achieve the project deliverables and objectives
• Conduct program/project monitoring visits and spot checks in local partners in the project areas
• Ensures that all project objectives are achieved in a timely manner complying with program standards
• Build relationships and collaborate with partners (GO’s, NGOs, others) at local and regional levels for resource sharing and complementation (financial, technical, etc.)
• Maintain positive relationship with donor through support in preparation and submission of timely and high-quality reports and documentations from the project sites
• Work with other units to develop budgets, track spending, and ensure timely financial reporting.
• Assist and collaborate with concerned staff in the conduct of initiatives aimed to enhance program quality and secure additional funding to support the project.
• Ensures that all procurement and spending are within ChildFund Finance and Admin policy and procedures
• Will refer to appropriate referral mechanisms any child protection issues identified at the course of project implementation. Will coordinate with ChildFund Staff for input and advice
• Lead child protection advocacy work in the project areas, together with the local implementing partners involved
• Build capacities of Local Partners to implement the project in high standards

Remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Child Safeguarding Policy.

Job Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in community development/social science discipline, advanced degree preferred; equivalent relevant work experience is acceptable in lieu of educational requirement.

Qualification/Experience

• 5+ years' experience in implementing and coordinating grant projects and/or other related programs related to Early Childhood Development (ECD), parenting, early learning programming, especially in support of infants and young children, and their caregivers living in marginalized contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in the monitoring programs and monitoring program budgets and tracking against activities
• Demonstrated interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including the ability to build collaborative relationships internally and externally with sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, social and political issues
• Proficient in Microsoft Office computer applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills on project-based accounting, facilitation, organizational and time management skills and with supportive attitude towards processes of strengthening local organizations and building local capacities for self-management.
• Fluency in one/more of national and local languages of Brazil, Ethiopia, Honduras, and Uganda
• Written and oral communication skills in English;

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicant can apply through: CLICK HERE

ChildFund International is committed to safeguarding the interests, rights, and well-being of children with whom it is in contact and to conducting its programs and operations in a manner that is safe for children.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. The position is contingent upon funding.

Note: All interested applicants must be authorized to work in the country where the position will be based at the time of application.