Programmes and Impact Manager

Job Details

This role will lead the design and implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) systems for the Madrasa Early Childhood Programme in Uganda (MECPU), while also contributing to the broader MEL function of the Aga Khan Foundation Uganda (AKFU). The role ensures that programme data is collected rigorously, analyzed meaningfully, and used actively to improve the quality of Early Childhood Development (ECD) delivered through the Madrasa preschool network. Beyond data collection, this role champions a culture of evidence-based decision-making, translating findings into clear programme insights, and supports donor and stakeholder reporting.

Employer: Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) / Madrasa Early Childhood Programme (MECP) - an affiliate of AKF Sector: Social Development Region: Eastern Africa Location: Uganda Employment Type: Full Time Reporting to: Programme Director, MECPU and functional link to AKFU MEL function Deadline: 15 September 2026 Job Reference: 4987BR

The Madrasa Early Childhood Programme (MECP), an affiliate of the Aga Khan Foundation, was established in East Africa in the 1980s to improve access and quality of Early Childhood care and services in marginalized communities. MECP works with key stakeholders to deliver ECD interventions for children ages 0-8, focusing on supporting front-line education and health workers and influencing ECD policy and practice, including quality teacher training.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Systems

• Design, maintain, and continuously improve the MECPU MEL framework, including the programme's Theory of Change (ToC) and Results Framework.
• Establish clear and quality data flow processes from preschool level through field supervisors to the central programme office.
• Coordinate and support periodic programme evaluations (baseline, midline, endline).
• Contribute to the AKFU MEL function by aligning MECPU data systems with foundation-wide reporting requirements, frameworks, and standards.

Data Management and Analysis

• Oversee the management of MECPU's programme data, maintaining a clean, up-to-date, and accessible central database of beneficiaries.
• Conduct regular quantitative and qualitative analysis of programme data to track progress against targets.
• Produce clear, concise data visualisations, dashboards, and summary reports.

Programme Quality and Learning

• Translate MEL findings into practical programme adjustments, supporting an active feedback loop between evidence and action.
• Document case studies, lessons learned, and programme innovations in formats that can be shared across the regional MECP network and with the wider ECD sector.
• Support the development and review of programme tools, operational guidelines, and quality benchmarks.

Field Monitoring and Supportive Supervision

• Conduct regular field visits to Madrasa preschools to observe teaching practice, verify data reported by field teams, and provide direct support to teachers.
• Ensure systematic follow-up on findings from field visits, tracking the resolution of issues identified and reporting progress to the Programme Director.
• Support the training of field staff in the use of data collection tools, observation protocols, and basic data interpretation.

Reporting and Stakeholder Communication

• Lead the preparation of programme reports for the National Board, the Programme Director, and AKFU.
• Contribute data, evidence, and analysis to donor reports, grant proposals, and strategic communications.
• Represent MECPU in relevant MEL working and learning networks, and coordination forums within the AKDN and the broader ECD sector in Uganda.

Research and Knowledge Management

• Support the design and implementation of action research and studies that strengthen the evidence base for the MECPU model of ECD.
• Maintain an organised, accessible knowledge management system for reports, evaluation studies, and learning documents.
• Stay current with developments in ECD research, MEL methodologies, and relevant national and international policy frameworks.

Cross-Institutional Coordination (MECPU and AKFU)

• Act as the primary MEL focal point between MECPU and AKFU, ensuring MECPU data and reporting are integrated into AKFU's foundation-wide MEL architecture and impact narrative.
• Participate in AKFU programme coordination meetings, contributing MECPU's evidence and learning to cross-programme discussions.
• Support AKFU in any joint monitoring activities, thematic evaluations, or portfolio-level learning processes.

Qualifications, Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (required) in Education, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Statistics, Public Health, or a closely related field.
• Formal training or certification in monitoring and evaluation, research methods, or data management is a distinct advantage.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in programme management, monitoring and evaluation, or research within an NGO, development organisation, or government programme.
• Demonstrable experience designing and managing MEL systems for community-based or education programmes, including developing results frameworks, data collection tools, and evaluation protocols.
• Hands-on experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis; proficiency in at least one data management or analysis platform (e.g. Kobo Toolbox, ODK, SPSS, Stata, Excel, Power BI, or equivalent).
• Experience producing high-quality programme reports for boards, donors, or senior management.
• Experience in early childhood development, education, or community-based programming is a significant advantage.
• Experience working within the Aga Khan Development Network or a similar multi-programme development institution is an advantage.
• Field experience -- direct engagement with communities, frontline workers, or programme beneficiaries -- is essential.
• Strong analytical, visualisation, and communication skills; ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Medical qualifications: Candidates with a Public Health background are considered an asset given AKF's integrated health and ECD work.

About Aga Khan Foundation

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a leading global development organisation and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), founded in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. For more than 50 years, AKF has helped create strong community institutions that support sustainable, locally-driven initiatives to improve the lives of millions of people.

Rooted in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, AKF operates in 18 countries and works across agriculture and food security, civil society, climate resilience, early childhood development, education, health and nutrition, and work and enterprise. Its programmes strengthen systems, expand access to essential services and opportunities, and support communities to build resilient livelihoods, inclusive societies and sustainable futures. By combining local knowledge with global best practices, AKF takes a generational approach and has built trust to work even in the most fragile contexts.

In Uganda, AKF has operated since 1992. In 1993, it established the Madrasa Early Childhood Programme in Kampala to respond to a request from local leaders for assistance in improving educational achievement. Today AKF Uganda leads integrated, innovative and gender-sensitive programmes across eight districts in Uganda's central (Kampala) and northern (West Nile) regions. Through a formal MoU with the Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports, AKF has implemented a comprehensive Education Improvement Program focused on teacher professional development, school leadership and governance, capacity of government systems, and parent/community engagement. MECP has trained over 8,000 teachers, reached over 1 million children, and celebrated 40 years of supporting children in East Africa to have the best possible start in life. This history makes the Programmes and Impact Manager role directly relevant to AKF's strategic focus on early childhood development, learning and evaluation, and evidence-based programming.

Source: https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation and https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/about-aga-khan-foundation

Application Procedure

• Visit the official application portal via the link below.
• Click Apply to access the AKDN careers page (BrassRing).
• Create an account or sign in if you already have one.
• Complete the online application form and upload required documents (CV/resume, cover letter, and relevant certificates).
• Ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications and experience requirements, including proficiency in MEL tools (Kobo Toolbox/ODK/SPSS/Stata/Excel/Power BI).
• Submit your application before the deadline: 15 September 2026.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

Job Summary

• Job Category: Monitoring & Evaluation, NGO, Education, Research, Administrative
• Job Type: Full-time
• Deadline of this Job: 2026-09-15
• Duty Station: Uganda
• Date Posted: 2026-09-08
• No of Positions: 1
• Application Link: Apply
• Location pin: Uganda -- 23 Prince Charles Drive, Kampala, Uganda