Program Lead – Student Sponsorship

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Program Lead – Students’ Sponsorship

Grade: 4

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Location: Nairobi with 30 % travel to the project sites

Reports to: Deputy Director – Programs

Direct Reports: Program Officer and Program Assistants – Students’ Sponsorship

Contract Details: Fixed Term One (1) Year Contract, subject to availability of funds and performance

Light Up Hope is on a mission to provide education and health interventions which “light a path out of poverty” and bring hope for a brighter future for impoverished students and communities in Kenya. We are driven by the believe that simply being born into poverty should not dictate the end of an individual’s story. Students Sponsorship program is one of the programs through which Light Up Hope is advancing it’s mission in Kenya.

The Programme Lead will serve as focal person for all matters relating to the students sponsorship program. She/he is responsible for steering all the implementation and development related to the program (technical, operational and management etc.). She will be the link between management and the student sponsorship program.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Programme development and management

• Develop and review students’ sponsorship strategy to support the strategic direction of the organization.
• To build, maintain and manage students’ sponsorship programmes
• Take part in creating, editing and revising policies and procedures related to the program.
• Organizing programs and activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the organization.
• Analyzing program risks and advising on the mitigation procedures.
• Creating and managing the programs short and long-term goals.
• Development of operating plan for the student sponsorship program.
• Participate in the writing of program funding proposals to guarantee uninterrupted delivery of services.
• Implementing and managing changes and interventions to ensure project goals are achieved.

Programme Implementation

• Ensure approved project deliverables are completed within the agreed timelines and budget, reports are submitted as per the agreed schedule and formats.
• Lead the program’s financial and operational planning, including the annual work planning process and development of an appropriate exit strategy.
• Take a lead role in beneficiaries mapping and selection process.
• Identify critical issues in the implementation of the program and take the necessary actions to address problems and constraints.
• Ensure adherence to overall technical and programmatic quality in implementation of the student sponsorship programme.

Finance

• Ensure accountable and efficient utilization of the programs funds.
• Exercise sound judgment to ensure project expenses are reasonable, allocable and prudent.
• Ensure that all the documents submitted to the finance for payment have passed the necessary approval process and meet the set criteria.
• Track budget utilization against approved Program budgets to ensure proper budget control

Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Producing accurate and timely reporting of program status throughout its life cycle.
• Tracking and reporting on students’ academic performance on a termly basis and inform on necessary support towards improvement where required
• Ensure verification of all data provided by the students/Program Assistant before submission for approval
• Create and manage a schedule for regular school monitoring activities
• Provide photos and commentary as needed to be shared with US Based staff
• Provide change stories informing the program’s impact.
• Participate in regular Program Progress Reviews, including status reporting, risk and issues identification and mitigation, impact assessments etc.

Staff management

• Coordinate, manage and motivate the program team, ensuring that they have clear objectives/individual work plans as part of performance management and receive meaningful feedback on their performance.
• Manage student sponsorship staff to ensure timely, accurate and proper completion of tasks, and utilize his skills for successful completion of your responsibilities.
• Collaboratively undertake performance-based review of student sponsorship staff reporting under him or her as part of the professional development process.
• Keep the management informed on issues of concern pertaining to the program’s staff.

Stakeholder and community engagement

• Support in the management of school relationships and educational needs for all students, including school fee payments, term break transportation, any discipline or medical need, student performance and motivation, KCSE registration and collection of results.
• Ensure all program participants are familiar with the program policies and procedures at all times.
• Work with and support the management to nurture strong relationships with schools, partners, relevant government offices and donors as well as other key stakeholders.
• Actively participate in various stakeholders’ related coordination meetings/forums as required.

Accountability and code of conduct

• Adhering to organization code of conduct
• Supporting and promoting the standards outlined in the code of conduct
• Promote meaningful community engagement and consultations
• Promote child safeguarding and child protection principles at all times

Job Specification:

Education, Qualifications & Experience Required

• University Degree/advanced university degree in relevant discipline.
• Minimum of five years’ progressive and relevant professional work experience.
• Experience in staff and operations supervision
• Experience working with government counterparts and other partners at various levels
• Proven ability to manage a diverse team of professionals, with good communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to motivate/lead staff.
• Strong results-based management style with the ability to challenge existing mindsets as necessary
• Experience in documenting and sharing lessons

Disclaimer Clause:

This job description is not exhaustive and may be revised by the line manager from time to time.