Programme Coordinator, Sierra Leone

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) supports sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding globally. In Sierra Leone, UNOPS partners with the Government and the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) to launch an innovative Outcomes Based Financing (OBF) programme in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). This initiative aims to expand quality foundational learning opportunities for young children.

Job Purpose

The Programme Coordinator will support the Country Lead in the successful implementation of the innovative Outcomes Based Financing (OBF) programme for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in Sierra Leone. This involves close collaboration with EOF partners to identify and resolve implementation challenges, ensuring the effective delivery of programme activities. The role contributes to the expansion of quality foundational learning opportunities for children aged 3-5, particularly in vulnerable areas, by supporting the establishment of new community ECD centres and enhancing the quality of services and children's developmental outcomes.

Responsibilities

The Programme Coordinator will manage stakeholder relationships, including building influential connections with government officials to ensure programme decisions are informed by EOF recommendations and that government actively champions the programme. This includes managing relationships with implementing partners, supporting them to address challenges, and facilitating broader stakeholder engagement. The role involves supporting day-to-day programme implementation, coordinating site visits to observe progress and assess safeguarding, and assisting with results verification and payment processes. Additionally, the coordinator will support operational and administrative processes, contribute to the programme's communications strategy, manage workplans, track action items, and prepare performance updates. Operational support includes drafting procurement and travel plans, coordinating logistics for events, maintaining operational standards, and managing records of assets and supplies. Financial administration involves monitoring expense verification and due diligence processes.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of experience in project or programme implementation, preferably in development, education, or ECCE sectors in Sierra Leone. Experience with stakeholder engagement and management, particularly within Sierra Leone's education/ECCE sector, and experience working with donors and international organizations are required. Experience with results-based financing or innovative delivery models is desirable.

Skills

Budget Monitoring, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Project Implementation, Project Planning, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Project Time Management

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