Programme Director – MECP-Z

Programme Director – MECP-Z

AKDN – Aga Khan Development Network

United Republic of Tanzania

The position

As the most senior leader of MECP-Z, the Programme Director will provide strategic direction, organisational leadership, and oversight to ensure the organisation delivers sustainable, high-quality impact for children and communities in Zanzibar. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong people management skills, robust financial stewardship, and the ability to engage and influence policy, while upholding MECP’s mission, values, and commitment to pluralism and safeguarding.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in line with MECP-Z’s mandate and AKF’s broader goals;
• Oversee programme design, delivery, and quality assurance, ensuring evidence-based and community-responsive approaches;
• Lead, mentor, and support a diverse team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and inclusion;
• Drive resource mobilisation efforts and ensure sound financial management, compliance, and risk oversight;
• Strengthen institutional capacity, manage staff performance, and promote organisational growth;
• Build and sustain partnerships with government, donors, civil society, and community stakeholders;
• Represent MECP-Z nationally, regionally, and internationally to influence policy and practice;
• Ensure effective internal and external communications in collaboration with AKF;
• Uphold MECP’s values of pluralism, inclusion, and safeguarding across all operations.

The requirements

Qualifications and experience

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in education, Development, International Relations, Public Management, Public Policy, Business Administration, Social Work;
• Proven ability to lead organisations or large teams, with strong skills in leadership, strategic planning, staff development, and financial oversight;
• Experience in building effective partnerships with government, donors, and other stakeholders;
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to represent the organisation in high-level forums;
• Experience of working across geographical, organisation boundaries, cultures & diverse stakeholders;
• Understanding of the Zanzibar or Tanzanian education landscape is an asset.

Core competencies

• Strategic Vision and Organisational Leadership;
• Team Leadership and Talent Development;
• Programme Quality and Accountability;
• Partnership Development and Policy Engagement;
• Equity, Inclusion, and Safeguarding.

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