Programme Officer

About Madrasa Early Childhood Development Program (MECPU)

MECPU is an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation delivering community-focused, multi-sector early childhood care and education programming in Uganda aimed at holistic development for children aged 0-8 years. It enhances parents' and caregivers' knowledge and practices on responsive caregiving and learning, strengthens capacities of early childhood education workers for quality pre-primary environments, and builds government officials' abilities to influence policies at various levels.

Since 1986, MECPU has supported communities in Kenya, Uganda, and Zanzibar in establishing sustainable early education centers serving over 18,000 children annually. Since expanding to Uganda in 1993, the program has supported more than 54,000 marginalized children in completing pre-primary education and transitioning successfully to primary school. MECPU has trained over 8,500 teachers and 6,000 community members, operating across 207 communities in 10 Ugandan districts.

About The Project

MECPU partners with Noor Cultural Center to implement the three-year Early Steps Initiative (TESI), focusing on improving developmental outcomes for children in targeted centers across Kampala, Wakiso, and Butambala districts. The project strengthens teacher skills through training and mentorship, and boosts the capacity and functioning of Community Management Committees (CMCs) to manage centers sustainably.

Role Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct Training Needs Assessments (TNAs), training sessions, and mentorship programs for teachers and CMC members.
• Contribute technical expertise to the design, creation, and dissemination of training, advocacy, and visibility materials.
• Train local government officials and other key stakeholders on delivering quality integrated ECCE services.
• Represent MECPU at national and sub-national events promoting ECCE programming.
• Conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure implementation aligns with plans and budgets.
• Organize stakeholder engagements including inception and review meetings to track project progress and gather community and government feedback.
• Report concerns regarding project progress to supervisors.
• Identify capacity gaps among ECCE caregivers and organize relevant training to equip them with necessary skills.
• Submit activity reports and financial accountability documents; contribute to overall project reporting.
• Collaborate with team members to develop training materials and plans for caregivers and CMC members.
• Perform additional duties assigned by supervisors.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Development/Education (ECD/ECCE), Social Work and Social Administration, Development Studies, or Social Sciences.
• Two to three years of experience as an ECD Programme Officer or related role, preferably involving community engagement to promote ECD.
• Demonstrated skills in adult learning facilitation.
• Experience engaging stakeholders at national and sub-national levels including schools, communities, and local governments.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, report writing, and computer use with emphasis on MS Word and Excel.
• Motorcycle riding ability is an advantage.

Programme Values

• Child-centered approach focused on well-being, development, and dignity of children.
• Community ownership with communities as active partners shaping the program.
• Integrity demonstrated through transparency, honesty, and accountability.
• Commitment to continuous learning through evidence-based reflection and professional growth.
• Pluralism encouraging constructive engagement with diversity as a source of collective strength and shared prosperity.

Additional Information

MECPU is committed to equal opportunity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, disability, or background, with special emphasis on developing women leaders. Employment offers depend on satisfactory references and screening, including criminal record checks. MECPU also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

The salary package will be competitive to attract the best candidate.

Application Deadline

Applications should be submitted by 24 July 2026.

Location

Uganda