Program Manager – Inclusive Education
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Job summary
This role requires strong program management skills, educational leadership, and the ability to translate high ambitions into concrete results.
Min Qualification:
Bachelors
Experience Level:
Mid level
Experience Length:
5 years
Job descriptions & requirements
Job Description
Are you a strategic yet hands-on leader with a solid understanding of special needs education and a passion for inclusion? KidsCare Kenya is seeking a Program Manager to drive the implementation of an ambitious, multi-year, multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at improving the quality of six Special School Units (SSUs) in Lunga Lunga SubCounty.
This role requires strong program management skills, educational leadership, and the ability to translate high ambitions into concrete results. You will not serve as a school or classroom specialist, but your understanding of special needs education (SNE) will strengthen your leadership, decision-making, and support to professionals.
Background
In partnership with the Kenyan Ministry of Education, KidsCare Kenya built and equipped six Special School Units within mainstream public primary schools. Since their government handover in 2022, KidsCare supports these SSUs through a comprehensive and inclusive quality improvement program.
The Program Manager leads this program in close collaboration with school professionals, local authorities, and community stakeholders — ensuring measurable improvements in inclusive education outcomes.
Position within the organization
- Member of the KidsCare Kenya Management Team
- Senior advisor to the Programs Director; reports directly to the Programs Director
- Supervises and motivates a cross-functional team supporting the SSUs
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Leadership & Execution
- Translate strategic goals and high ambitions into actionable work plans, milestones, and measurable results
- Manage the full project cycle: planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation
- Ensure coordination and coherence across education, health, community, and parental engagement actors
2. Team Management & Capacity Building
- Lead, coach, and inspire the KidsCare team working with the SSUs, ensuring teamwork, ownership, and high-quality output
- Identify capacity gaps and oversee targeted training and coaching for both KidsCare staff and SSU professionals
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Government Liaison
- Build and maintain strong relationships with educational authorities, specialized organisations, and funding partners at county and national levels
- Ensure strong engagement with head teachers, SSU teachers, caregivers, and parents
- Support sustainability through joint planning and clear agreements (e.g., MoUs)
4. Quality & Performance Monitoring
- Develop and implement monitoring–evaluation–learning (MEL) systems with school leaders and teachers
- Use data for decision-making, course correction, and targeted support
- Identify risks early and proactively manage obstacles to progress
5. Budget & Resource Management
- Manage program budgets and resources responsibly
- Contribute to fundraising initiatives and maintain relationships with donors
6. Communication & Reporting
- Provide clear, timely reporting to the Director, management team, donors, and stakeholders
- Establish a structured communication/reporting system for all SSUs
- Share impact stories, lessons learned, and data-informed insights
7. Policy & Innovation
- Promote inclusive education principles within county and national frameworks
- Introduce best practices and innovative approaches relevant to the Kenyan context
Candidate Profile
We seek an ambitious and confident program leader who can operate in a dynamic environment and translate strategic vision into high-quality execution on the ground.
The ideal candidate combines up to date knowledge/ experience of inclusive education, strategic thinking, discipline, execution power, and strong interpersonal leadership.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Project Management, Education, Development Studies, or related fields
- Minimum 5 years’ experience managing complex programs (preferably in inclusive or special needs education)
- Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives
- Understanding of the needs and rights of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Experience in coaching, capacity development, or educational quality assurance
- Strong analytical, planning, and reporting capabilities
- Excellent communication & relationship-building skills
- Familiarity with the Kenyan educational system is an advantage
The successful candidate is someone who:
- Thinks big and has the ambition to bring the SSUs to national best-practice level
- Can turn strategic goals into consistent, high-quality execution in the schools
- Works with discipline, structure, and clear follow-through
- Can guide teams from ideas to implementation, and from implementation to measurable results
- Is motivated by achieving tangible, visible impact for children with disabilities
What we offer
- A leadership role in a high-impact, vulnerable child-centred initiative
- A collaborative and committed team environment
- Opportunities for innovation, learning, and professional growth
- A chance to make a real and lasting impact in inclusive education in Kenya
Are you ready to lead for impact?
Apply now and help us drive meaningful change for children with disabilities and their communities.
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