Save the Children is a globally recognized non-profit organization that has spent decades working to improve the lives of children around the world. From emergency response in crisis zones to long-term developmental programs in education, healthcare, and child protection, Save the Children is a leader in child welfare and advocacy.
We are currently inviting applications for the position of Education Coordinator, based in Dadaab, Kenya. This role provides a unique opportunity for a seasoned education and humanitarian professional to lead crucial educational programs aimed at empowering refugee and host community children through improved access to learning and literacy.
This position will oversee multiple education projects—including digital literacy, alternative basic education (ABE), and early childhood development education (ECDE)—while ensuring their alignment with Save the Children’s mission to foster educational inclusion, safeguard children’s rights, and enhance community ownership of education interventions.
Role Purpose
The Education Coordinator will be primarily responsible for the effective implementation, coordination, and supervision of education programs across three refugee camps and the host community in Dadaab. The role entails program planning, execution, staff management, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and budget oversight.
This role is essential to supporting Save the Children’s education sector initiatives, enhancing the capacity of education teams, and providing technical assistance to consortium partners. The successful candidate will act as a key liaison between field-level activities and program management, ensuring the timely delivery of quality education services.
Key Areas of Accountability
1. Program Delivery
- Supervise and provide performance management support to all education staff across the camps.
- Lead, motivate, and mentor the education team to ensure effective project implementation and adherence to project timelines.
- Ensure any emerging issues are swiftly communicated to the Program Manager and other relevant staff for prompt resolution.
- Develop and oversee planning documents such as phased budgets, detailed implementation plans (DIPs), and procurement plans.
- Generate monthly education project reports and maintain comprehensive, updated filing systems for all project documentation.
- Work in collaboration with the MEAL team to maintain accurate indicators and up-to-date beneficiary data.
- Implement a digital record-keeping system to maintain electronic files for all learners.
- Conduct regular field support visits to ensure activities are running effectively and aligned with project goals.
- Supervise and monitor ABE centers while also supporting the professional development of teaching staff.
- Assist in the development of new project proposals and evaluation of current project effectiveness.
- Lead or co-lead assessments, evaluations, and reporting activities for education projects.
- Serve as the focal point for education consortiums, ensuring collaboration and strategic alignment.
- Update project tools to reflect Save the Children’s project management systems (PRIME platform).
2. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) team to regularly monitor project activities and outcomes.
- Maintain updated Indicator Performance Tracking Tables (IPTT) and track progress on a monthly basis.
- Document and disseminate program learnings to contribute to the organization’s advocacy efforts.
- Compile and analyze information related to beneficiary wellbeing in conjunction with other program teams.
- Ensure timely execution of budgeted activities and keep close track of expenditures to maintain financial compliance.
- Develop robust MEAL frameworks and quality indicators specific to education projects in coordination with the MEAL officer.
3. Partnerships and Coordination
- Facilitate close coordination of outreach and educational activities with other humanitarian agencies within the camps to ensure service synergy.
- Consolidate and report on the activities and progress of consortium members.
- Offer technical support and implementation guidance to consortium partners to maintain consistent standards and practices.
- Build strong partnerships with community members and stakeholders to enhance local participation and sustainability of education programs.
- Represent Save the Children in inter-agency working groups and other coordination forums to promote strategic partnerships and community engagement.
- Engage with both child protection agencies and community structures to ensure integrated child-focused services.
- Attend meetings on behalf of the Program Manager or other senior staff when necessary.
- Advocate for education issues at the community, partner, and donor levels, ensuring special consideration for vulnerable children.
4. Grants Management and Accountability
- Coordinate with the finance and awards teams to ensure proper budget monitoring and compliance with donor requirements.
- Facilitate grant lifecycle activities, including grant opening, mid-term, and closure meetings.
- Oversee accurate and timely budget implementation, ensuring expenditures are both allowable and properly allocated.
- Participate in proposal development by conducting needs analysis and drafting concept notes that highlight advocacy opportunities.
- Review monthly Budget vs. Actual (BvA) reports to monitor and adjust spending accordingly.
- Ensure high-quality, timely reporting for all grant-related activities and donor submissions.
Work Environment and Contractual Terms
- Contract Duration: 10 months
- Duty Station: Dadaab Refugee Camp, Kenya
- Reporting To: Program Manager – Education
- Number of Positions Available: 1
This position is field-based and requires frequent travel between the three refugee camps in Dadaab. It is a high-responsibility role, often necessitating flexible working hours, especially in humanitarian emergencies.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, social sciences, development studies, or related field.
- Minimum of four (4) years’ experience working in the education sector, particularly in coordination roles and sector integration.
- Prior experience in projects funded by ECHO or similar donors is considered an added advantage.
- Strong background in emergency program management and community mobilization.
- Demonstrated competence in preparing project proposals, technical reports, and budget documents.
- Experience in financial planning and expenditure tracking within NGO frameworks.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
- Strong commitment to child safeguarding principles and policy adherence.
- Fluency in English and Kiswahili, both written and spoken.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multicultural teams.
- High-level communication skills, particularly in public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong negotiation skills and a proven ability to manage external relations.
About Save the Children
Save the Children employs over 25,000 individuals worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries. Our work spans emergency response, healthcare, child protection, and quality education. We advocate at the national and global level to uphold children’s rights and ensure their voices are heard in decision-making spaces.
Our global mission is underpinned by three major goals for 2030:
- No child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday
- All children receive quality basic education
- Violence against children is eradicated globally
Save the Children is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply. Our rigorous safeguarding practices ensure that children are protected from all forms of harm during our recruitment and operational processes.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application in English, including a detailed CV and a cover letter combined into a single document. Be sure to indicate your salary expectations for this role.
Applications should be submitted through the official Save the Children job portal.
We look forward to receiving your application and joining hands to deliver impactful change for children in Dadaab and beyond.
