The position
About the Madrasa Early Childhood Development Program
MECPU is an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation that delivers community-driven, multi-sectoral Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programming in Uganda with a proven model for holistic child development (0-8 years). Since 1986, MECP has supported communities in Kenya, Uganda, and Zanzibar to establish and sustain ECE centres now serving 18,000 children every year.
Purpose of the Role:
This is a senior leadership role responsible for translating the regional programme vision into effective national delivery while overseeing ECD programme quality, community engagement, staff development, financial stewardship, research, and external partnerships. The PD will be responsible for quality assurance across all areas of the organisation, including programme implementation, financial management, HR management, and reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Oversight:
- Lead the development and execution of national strategy in alignment with its mandate, AKF’s broader goals and national ECD priorities.
- Engage regularly with the National Board and AKFU to share strategic updates, mitigate risks, and seize opportunities.
- Support sound governance practices in partnership with the National Board, ensuring accountability and transparency across operations.
- In close consultation with the Technical advisory committee, prepare a detailed annual operational plan that sets clear programme targets, resource requirements, and accountability measures.
- Identify opportunities to deepen programme impact and expand reach to underserved communities.
Programme Leadership
- Oversee the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of programming to ensure it is evidence-based, community-responsive, and technically sound.
- Guide programme teams in effective and timely implementation that meets quality standards.
- Ensure robust M&E, learning, and adaptation mechanisms are in place for programmatic decision-making.
- Collaborate with fellow programme directors across the region on shared programme activities, learning exchanges, and joint initiatives.
- Design and implement strategies that strengthen meaningful parental participation and community ownership of Madrasa preschools.
Organisational Management
- Lead recruitment of national programme staff in alignment with the institutional budget.
- Champion a staff performance management system, including regular appraisals and mentorship where needed.
- Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration aligned with MECP’s values.
- Promote an inclusive and safe working environment, upholding safeguarding, and pluralism at all levels.
Resource mobilization:
- In collaboration with AKF, lead resource mobilization efforts to sustain and grow its impact and ensure prudent use of financial resources.
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, donor compliance, and risk management in accordance with national laws and AKDN policies.
- Provide timely, accurate financial and narrative reporting to the Management.
External Relations
- Ensure MECP develops and maintains productive, respectful, and professional relationships with diverse partners.
- Represent MECP in national and international fora and position her as a visible, credible voice on quality ECD and contribute to sector-wide dialogue and advocacy to influence policy and practice.
- Ensure compliance with all MOU signed with government or partners.
- Collaborate with sister programmes in the region to promote regional alignment, share learning, and strengthen collective impact across the network.
The requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in leadership, Social Work, Early Childhood Development, Educational Leadership, International Development, or a related field.
- Professional qualifications or formal training in project management is an advantage.
Experience
- A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in early childhood development, education programme management, or a closely related field.
- At least 3 years in a senior leadership or programme director role, with demonstrated responsibility for budgets, multi-site operations, and team leadership.
- Track record of working within or alongside Muslim communities and an understanding of the integration of Islamic principles with child development practice.
- Experience in curriculum development or teacher professional development in an ECD or primary education context.
- Experience working within a regional or networked organisation (NGO, development network, or multi-country programme) is highly desirable.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications by 18th August 2026. Click on the link to apply: www.akdn.org/careers