Project Director – PlayMatters

About the Role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a dedicated Project Director for the PlayMatters 3.0 initiative, which aims to enhance educational opportunities for refugee and host community children in Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. This role is crucial for ensuring the project’s success as it enters its third phase, focusing on delivering impactful programming that meets the needs of vulnerable populations. In the initial months, the Project Director will work closely with project staff and partners to develop strategies, establish performance metrics, and ensure compliance with donor regulations. The position also involves significant engagement with stakeholders, requiring strong leadership and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic and technical direction of the PlayMatters project to maximize its impact on the educational outcomes for children in refugee and host communities.
• Develop, review, and monitor annual work plans in collaboration with key project staff to ensure alignment with both long-term and short-term goals.
• Oversee the delivery of project activities, ensuring adherence to operational policies and the performance framework established by IRC and the donor.
• Manage relationships with partners and subgrantees, providing necessary financial and operational support to optimize resource utilization and budget management.
• Deliver regular reports to donors, including both formal and informal updates, to maintain transparency and accountability of project outcomes.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including government officials and implementing agencies, to foster collaboration and share project achievements and lessons learned.
• Support project staff by fostering a work environment characterized by teamwork, trust, and mutual respect, empowering them to take ownership of their roles.

Requirements & Qualifications

• A master’s degree in international development, humanitarian assistance, or a related field is essential for this position.
• At least 10 years of experience managing programs focused on refugees or crisis-affected populations in challenging contexts is required.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale, multi-year projects, demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary for engaging with diverse stakeholders and presenting project information effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to navigate complex challenges and ensure project objectives are met.

What You’ll Gain

• Experience leading a significant humanitarian project that directly impacts the lives of vulnerable children and families in crisis.
• Enhanced skills in project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, vital for career advancement in the humanitarian sector.
• The opportunity to work with a diverse team of professionals and build a strong network within international development.
• A chance to contribute to innovative educational initiatives and policy development aimed at improving access to quality education for marginalized communities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the IRC’s official channels. For direct application, please follow this link: Apply here.