UNICEF is recruiting a Programme Manager for its Resilience in Secondary Education (RISE) initiative in Nairobi, Kenya. The role provides technical and programme leadership for a multi-partner education programme focused on expanding inclusive, flexible and technology-enabled secondary education pathways.
Job Summary
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | UNICEF |
| Position | Programme Manager (RISE) |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Programme | Resilience in Secondary Education (RISE) |
| Education | Master’s degree or equivalent |
| Experience | 8 years relevant experience |
| Leadership Experience | At least 7 years in programme leadership or country-level coordination |
| Deadline | October 5, 2026 |
About UNICEF
UNICEF works with governments and partners to advance the rights and wellbeing of children and young people. Its programmes cover education, health, protection, social policy and other areas that affect children and adolescents.
The RISE programme brings together UNICEF, the Mastercard Foundation, FAWE Kenya, Kenya Red Cross Society, Government of Kenya institutions and other partners. It aims to improve access to secondary education and skills pathways for underserved adolescents and young people.
Available Position
The Programme Manager will provide technical leadership and coordinate the implementation of the RISE programme in Kenya. The position will work across government, UNICEF, programme partners, development organizations and private-sector stakeholders.
The programme focuses on out-of-school adolescents and young people, with particular attention to young women and mothers, refugees, young people with disabilities and communities in marginalized and arid or semi-arid areas.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead programme planning, implementation, monitoring and quality assurance.
- Coordinate activities across government institutions, UNICEF teams and consortium partners.
- Provide technical advice on inclusive and technology-enabled education.
- Support programme development, policy engagement and institutional capacity building.
- Monitor programme results, risks, budgets and implementation progress.
- Strengthen the use of data and evidence in programme decisions.
- Support youth engagement and participation across programme activities.
- Coordinate reporting to the Programme Steering Committee and relevant partners.
- Build partnerships with government, private-sector organizations, foundations and development partners.
- Promote scalable approaches to inclusive secondary education and skills development.
- Support innovation, knowledge management and capacity development.
The Programme Manager will also provide management and advisory support to the Chief and help maintain accountability for programme results.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree or equivalent in Management, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Development Economics or a related field.
- At least 8 years of relevant professional experience.
- At least 7 years of experience in programme leadership or country-level coordination.
- Experience managing multi-partner and multi-donor programmes.
- Experience managing high-value national programmes and multi-million budgets.
- A strong record of influencing policy or supporting institutional change.
- Experience with education technology, digital learning or technology-enabled service delivery at scale.
- Knowledge of education, youth development and development programming.
- Experience in programme design, costing, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
- Strong policy analysis and policy dialogue skills.
- Experience engaging government and private-sector stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of equity and gender considerations in education.
- Fluency in English.
Experience with UNICEF, the United Nations, the Mastercard Foundation or private-sector governance and reporting is strongly preferred.
Experience working in developing-country contexts, fragile settings or humanitarian environments may also be an advantage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official UNICEF recruitment system and submit the required application materials before the closing date.
Applicants should ensure that their education, programme leadership experience and relevant technical skills are clearly reflected in their applications.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is Monday, October 5, 2026.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Programme Manager (RISE) position offers a senior programme leadership opportunity in Nairobi. It is suited to professionals with substantial experience managing complex education programmes, coordinating multiple partners and supporting technology-enabled learning at scale.
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