Details

Job Type: Full Time

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Application Deadline: May 25, 2026

Education: 4-Year Degree Required

Experience Level: Mid-level

Compensation: At least USD $1,500 / month

Cause Areas: Community Development, Education, Immigrants or Refugees

Description

Elimisha Kakuma is seeking a Program Manager to support the implementation and growth of its academic and college access programming. The Program Manager will work closely with the college counseling and academic teams to implement and expand Elimisha’s academic curriculum, strengthen individual student support, and contribute to initiatives including managing strategic partnerships, social media/communications, and fundraising. This role is designed to balance student-facing program management (approximately 70%) with program development (approximately 30%).

On the student-facing side, the Program Manager will oversee and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Elimisha learning center in Kakuma. This includes planning and delivering courses, coordinating term schedules, monitoring student attendance and well-being, tracking academic progress, coordinating curriculum delivery, communicating with teachers, and ensuring the smooth implementation of program activities.

On the strategic development side, the Program Manager serves as the conduit between events and daily life for EK students, and other EK teams for fundraising, donor relations, and social media.

While Elimisha Kakuma operates with an annual program plan, we are seeking a candidate who can also contribute to the ongoing development and expansion of the academic program, including strengthening curriculum design, coordinating individualized student support, and cultivating external partnerships that enhance opportunities for students.

Key responsibilities

Teaching

• Teach courses in academic writing and in areas such as digital literacy, seminar, language lab, Standardized testing preparation (DET, SAT), career exploration
• Further develop the existing curriculum
• Develop and teach university-level courses based on the instructor’s area of expertise (e.g., Intro to Sociology; Intro to Neuroscience; Intro to Philosophy)
• College application guidance
• Work closely with the college counselling team and US-based mentors on students’ college essays from brainstorming to final polishing
• Compile and track data on students’ applications and material 
• Write individualized letters of recommendation for each student
• Prepare student academic reports (EK transcript)

Program Management and Delivery

• Plan and implement programs, including Elimisha curricula; individualized tutoring for students; scheduling terms
• Coordinate program activities including family days, graduation, field trips, trips to Nairobi for documentation appointments (visas, CTDs, etc.) 
• Coordinate student internships throughout the year, meeting with intern partners and students to ensure students complete necessary deliverables
• Supervise and maintain regular communication with tutors, volunteer teachers, and interns

Team Coordination

• Coordinate with Facilitator to support student needs on the ground
• Coordinate with volunteers or partners for on-site visits to EK 

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Develop and implement strategies to track program outcomes

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with host family team for placement, ensuring students’ financial aid summaries are clear
• Develop opportunities to maintain alumni connection
• Nurture relationships with Department Refugee of Services (DRS), UNHCR, WUSC

Fundraising and Grant Writing

• Work closely with fundraising team to identify, collect material for, and contribute to applications for funding opportunities

Social Media

• Develop content to connect donors and followers to Elimisha’s daily activities for social media
• Write monthly letter to subscribers on on-the-grounds operations, emphasizing student experience

Qualifications: Education & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or at least four years of relevant experience in the education sector
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to develop and lead new projects

Preferred

• Experience in education or other programs with social impact focus, preferably refugee contexts
• Experience managing teams and working as part of a team

Skills/Characteristics

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to take initiative
• Commitment to EK’s core values 
• Strong writing skills and ability to effectively teach academic writing
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Strength in navigating new cultures and communicating with diverse groups,
• Strong collaborative skills 
• Ability to adapt to new and often challenging contexts

Location

This role will be based in Nairobi, Kenya with regular site visits to Kakuma Refugee Camp. The Program Manager should have or be able to secure a passport and visas to travel to the US and elsewhere when necessary, for annual team meetings, conferences, or fundraising pitches.

Elimisha Kakuma does not have dedicated office space in Nairobi, though the program manager will work closely remotely, or in person, with the College Counselor while in Nairobi.

Compensation & Benefits 

The Program Manager will receive a monthly stipend of $1,500. 

When traveling to Kakuma, all flights, meals and accommodation will be covered by the organization. For conferences, meetings and pitches, all flights and accommodation will be reimbursed, while a small stipend for food will be provided.

The Program Manager will receive one annual round-trip flight home (if needed)

Time commitment

The successful candidate should be willing to commit to remain with EK for three years. For the first year they will shadow and report to the Academic Director. Read less

Location

Hybrid

Work must be performed in or near Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya

ASSOCIATED LOCATION

Nairobi, Kenya

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter detailing relevant experience and reasons for interest in the position, and a resume to admin@elimishakakuma.org with the subject line “Program Manager Application.”

Location: Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya

Position Type: Full-Time / On-site 

Reports to: Co-Founders 

About Elimisha Kakuma

Elimisha Kakuma provides access to higher education opportunities for high school graduates living in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. Students receive intensive academic instruction, exam preparation, mentorship with current college students, and guidance through the college application process. As more refugees gain access to higher education, their long-term life outcomes will be improved and their communities will be strengthened.

The Role

This is a high-responsibility role for a self-motivated leader. As the only person on the ground, you are the face of Elimisha Kakuma. You will manage the center’s daily existence, safeguard the integrity of our academic programs, and serve as the essential bridge connecting our students to co-founders, tutors, and mentors across the globe.

Key Responsibilities

1. On-Ground Representation & Liaison

• Primary Point of Contact: Act as the official host and contact person for any on-ground visits from partners, NGOs, or community leaders.
• Global Communication Bridge: Serve as the primary liaison between the students and the international team (Co-founders, Tutors, and Mentors).
• Student Advocacy: Communicate student needs, progress, and challenges to the remote team to ensure program alignment.

2. Operations & Center Management

• Logistics & Supervision: Oversee all daily operations to ensure the center is safe, functional, and efficient.
• Financial Management: Manage all local financial matters, including budgeting for operations, record-keeping, and reporting expenditures.
• Tech Support: Provide hands-on technological troubleshooting for students to ensure they can access remote tutoring and online resources.

3. Academic Facilitation & Exam Proctoring

• Proctoring: Maintain the highest standards of academic integrity by proctoring exams and standardized test simulations on-site.
• Training: Facilitate workshops on Digital Literacy and Leadership, preparing students for the rigors of international university environments.
• Mentorship Support: Coordinate the scheduling and connection between local students and their mentors abroad.

Requirements

• Autonomy: Proven ability to work independently with minimal physical supervision; you must be a disciplined self-starter.
• Integrity: Absolute commitment to academic honesty, especially regarding financial management and exam proctoring.
• Technical Savvy: High proficiency in digital communication tools (Zoom, Slack, WhatsApp, Email) and the ability to troubleshoot hardware/internet issues.
• Communication: Fluent in English with the ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts (interacting with both camp residents and international academics).
• Problem-Solving: A resourceful mindset capable of handling the logistical complexities of the Kakuma environment.

How to Apply:

If you are a self-driven leader passionate about transforming lives through education, we want to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to admin@elimishakakuma.org .

Deadline to apply: May 25, 2026

Start date: mid-June

The Luminos Fund, an international nonprofit bringing education opportunities to the world’s most vulnerable children, seeks a Development Associate to contribute to its rapid growth.   

The Development Associate role includes providing systematic and administrative support for all Luminos fundraising and stewardship activities, including database and process management, gift processing and donor recognition, and prospect research. The successful candidate will be an early career professional who firmly believes that all children should have the right to education, regardless of where they are born. Additionally, they will be a team player, exceptionally detail-oriented and organized, process-driven, and a superb writer. 

The Development Associate will report to the Director of Development and collaborate closely with team members across our energetic and international organization. This full-time position will be based in Boston, Massachusetts. 

Candidates must have existing work authorization for the United States. We are currently unable to support relocation for this role.

About the Luminos Fund 

The Luminos Fund (www.luminosfund.org) provides transformative education programs to thousands of vulnerable children each year, helping them to catch up to grade level and prepare for lifelong learning. Working in partnership with community-based organizations in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, Luminos is scaling up its accelerated learning program through the Luminos Method (www.luminosmethod.org) — an evidence-based approach that helps children catch up fast and discover the joy of learning. 

Luminos is supported by a range of funding partners, including Cartier Philanthropy, the Gates Foundation, UBS Optimus Foundation, and UNICEF. Luminos has been recognized for its achievements globally, receiving the Klaus J. Jacobs Best Practice Prize, the Library of Congress International Literacy Award, the Lipman Family Prize, and the WISE Award, and is a member of the HundrED Hall of Fame. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Database and process management: 

• Enter gifts and donor information in Salesforce in an accurate and timely manner 
• Manage the creation and maintenance of accurate, informative Salesforce reports and dashboards 
• Implement quality checks and ensure continued data integrity and comprehensiveness 
• Oversee database processes proactively, with an eye on continuously enhancing the system 

Donor recognition:  

• Promptly prepare tax receipts and thank-you letters upon receipt of gifts 
• Track and file documents appropriately in Luminos Fund systems 
• Lead additional donor recognition requests with creativity and timeliness 

Prospect research and briefings: 

• Compile and disseminate pertinent, insightful donor research and briefs for meetings and events, as requested by Development team leadership 

Donor and organization communications: 

• Support frontline fundraisers to draft compelling, detailed, accurate donor communications, including personalized thank-you letters, event invitations, and PowerPoint presentations, always adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, with a goal of exceeding donors’ expectations 
• Manage the Luminos Fund organizational email account and phone line with the utmost professionalism and discretion, activating appropriate team members and coordinating with colleagues to provide prompt responses 

Administrative and logistical management:  

• Schedule team meetings, managing meeting agendas and note-taking 
• Provide general administrative support for the global Development team and our small Boston office, including but not limited to, providing executive meeting support, regularly checking the Luminos Fund mailbox, managing outgoing shipments on time and with the highest quality standards, and tracking inventory and office supplies 

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required 
• 2+ years of relevant professional experience with a demonstrated track record of success, a keen interest in pursuing a career in fundraising, and proven skills supporting senior executives 
• Excellent organization and time management skills 
• Exemplary writing and communication skills 
• Proven experience providing administrative support, including mailings 
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) 
• Fluency in written and spoken English 
• Proven success working with remote colleagues is strongly desired 

Core attributes

• Demonstrated passion for education, children’s causes, international development, and the values of the Luminos Fund 
• Impeccable attention to detail and an innate sense of responsibility for the delivery of high-quality work 
• Can-do attitude: comfortable working with a dynamic team in a very fast-paced, ever-evolving environment 
• Self-motivated and tenacious 
• Ability to juggle multiple assignments, adhering to strict deadlines 
• Natural curiosity and hunger for continuous learning 
• Strong sense of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion 
• Empathetic, with respect for and pleasure engaging with different effective working styles 
• A deep commitment to open and clear communication 
• Readiness to problem solve creatively 
• Deep appreciation for working with diverse constituents, teams, and colleagues 

Luminos Core Beliefs and Values 
1. We believe that every child is capable of learning a remarkable amount in a short period of time, if given the chance. 
2. We keep children’s joy and well-being at the heart of everything we do. 
3. We embrace assessment as a key component of effective teaching and learning. 
4. We celebrate and empower local leadership throughout our work with partner communities and governments. 
5. We use research, program data, and skilled classroom observation in the tenacious pursuit of excellence. 
6. We celebrate the unique contexts and cultures of the communities we serve in our curricula and pedagogy. 
7. We act with the highest standards of integrity and care, ensuring mutual accountability among colleagues and partners. 
8. We take the initiative to solve problems where we find them, managing details large and small, with urgency. 
9. We act deliberately to ensure that our organization is inclusive for people of different genders, racial backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, abilities, and other sources of diversity. 
10. We build deep, authentic relationships with our supporters in celebration of the mutually transformative power of giving.

To apply for this role, please complete the online application with your resume or CV and a cover letter describing why you are a good match for this position. 

We often receive hundreds of applications for our roles, and many applicants submit materials or answers generated by AI tools. We are looking for information written by you, about you. We want to understand your interests, experience, and enthusiasm for the role. Materials written with AI support tend to be generic and are often identical to that of other applicants. They do not give us enough insight into your unique profile. We request that you do not use AI for your application or that, if you must do so, that you mindfully edit or review the AI-generated information appropriately. 

You will be asked to confirm the following information as part of your application:

• Permanent address and present address (if different from permanent), e-mail address, and telephone number
• Disclose any existing personal relationships with existing Luminos Fund employees or Implementing Partners (IPs.)

Salary range: USD 50,000-65,000

The Luminos Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

The Luminos Fund, an international nonprofit bringing education opportunities to the world’s most vulnerable children, is seeking a Program Coordinator to support the implementation and scale-up of two structured pedagogy initiatives in Oromia: the Structured Accelerated Learning Program (SALP) for out-of-school children and a Grade 1 structured pedagogy literacy program designed to strengthen foundational literacy instruction in government schools. The Program Coordinator will support the development, translation, and adaptation of structured pedagogy materials, while also contributing to the planning, coordination, and day-to-day implementation of both programs in collaboration with implementing partners, government stakeholders, and Luminos technical teams. The Luminos Fund seeks someone who is detail-oriented, self-motivated, collaborative, organized, and passionate about improving learning outcomes for children. 

This full-time position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and requires regular travel to schools and woreda education offices. The Program Coordinator will report to the Program Manager (Oromia) and will work closely with Luminos colleagues across Programs, Teaching & Learning, Impact, and Finance teams. 

About the Luminos Fund

The Luminos Fund (www.luminosfund.org) provides transformative education programs to thousands of vulnerable children each year, helping them to catch up to grade level and prepare for lifelong learning. Working in partnership with community-based organizations in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, Luminos is scaling up its accelerated learning program through the Luminos Method (www.luminosmethod.org) — an evidence-based approach that helps children catch up fast and discover the joy of learning. The Luminos Fund is working in Ethiopia with an ACSO license #5731. 

Luminos is supported by a range of funding partners, including Cartier Philanthropy, the Gates Foundation, UBS Optimus Foundation, and UNICEF. Luminos has been recognized for its achievements globally, receiving the 2022 Klaus J. Jacobs Best Practice Prize, the Library of Congress International Literacy Award, the Lipman Family Prize, the WISE Award, and the HundrED Global Innovation Award. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Program Implementation and Coordination 

• Provide coordination and logistical support for all aspects of program implementation. 
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing coordination of implementing partners. 
• Support implementing partners and government stakeholders in planning and delivering program activities, including training, school visits, and supervision activities. 
• Support the procurement and distribution of teaching and learning materials in coordination with Finance and Programs team members. 
• Implement financial and operational guidelines as requested by the Finance team, including verifying expenditure documentation for staff and partner organizations. 
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee logistics for program events, including stakeholder trainings, workshops, program meetings, and site visits by donors, government officials, and staff. 
• Track key implementation milestones and ensure program activities are completed on schedule. 

Program Monitoring 

• Monitor program delivery through regular field visits, classroom observations, and communication with partner organizations. 
• Observe classroom instruction and provide feedback on the use of structured pedagogy approaches and learning materials. 
• Collaborate with the Luminos Impact team and partner organizations to drive accurate and timely data collection and ensure data integrity. 
• Identify implementation challenges from field observations and monitoring data, and share them with the Program Manager. 
• Maintain clear documentation of program activities, monitoring visits, and implementation progress. 
• Assist in preparing implementation reports and internal updates. 

Government Engagement and Partner Coordination 

• Support coordination with Regional, Zonal, and Woreda Education Offices to facilitate program activities. 
• Maintain positive working relationships with education stakeholders at the regional and local levels. 

Material Development and Adaptation 

• Support the translation and adaptation of program materials (including lesson plan templates, classroom observation tools, and student assessment tools) from English into Afan Oromo. 
• Assist in ensuring materials are linguistically accurate, culturally relevant, and aligned with the Oromia primary school curriculum. 
• Support the review and quality assurance of translated materials in collaboration with the Program Manager (Oromia). 
• Participate in piloting and testing new or adapted materials in classrooms, collecting feedback from teachers and supervisors. 

Training and Technical Support

• Participate in classroom visits to observe implementation and support partners. 
• Support the coordination of Trainings of Trainers (TOTs) and stakeholder trainings. 
• Conduct visits to training venues to provide feedback, support implementation, and conduct observations. 
• Provide practical support to ensure teachers and supervisors have the materials and information they need to implement program activities effectively. 

Qualifications 

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, language studies (preferably Afan Oromo), social sciences, development studies, or a related field. 
• 3–5 years of relevant work experience in education programs, NGO projects, or government education initiatives. 
• Familiarity with the Ethiopian primary education curriculum and early grade literacy approaches. 
• Experience coordinating activities with government offices, schools, or community partners. 
• Experience translating or adapting educational materials (English–Afan Oromo) strongly preferred. 
• Strong organizational and coordination skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and follow up on implementation activities. 
• Experience collecting or managing program data is an advantage. 
• Strong written Afan Oromo language skills. 
• Fluency in Afan Oromo, Amharic, and English is required. 
• Willingness to travel regularly within the region. 

Core Attributes 

• Belief and demonstrated passion for the mission, vision, and values of Luminos Fund. 
• Impeccable integrity, professionalism, and a solutions-oriented, can-do attitude. 
• Ability to wear multiple hats. 
• Team player, with a belief in the power of positivity and appreciative inquiry. 
• Innate sense of responsibility for delivery of quality work, even in adverse circumstances. 
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently in challenging international contexts, as required. 

Luminos Core Beliefs and Values 

1. We believe that every child is capable of learning a remarkable amount in a short period of time, if given the chance. 
2. We keep children’s joy and well-being at the heart of everything we do. 
3. We embrace assessment as a key component of effective teaching and learning. 
4. We celebrate and empower local leadership throughout our work with partner communities and governments. 
5. We use research, program data, and skilled classroom observation in the tenacious pursuit of excellence. 
6. We celebrate the unique contexts and cultures of the communities we serve in our curricula and pedagogy. 
7. We act with the highest standards of integrity and care, ensuring mutual accountability among colleagues and partners. 
8. We take the initiative to solve problems where we find them, managing details large and small, with urgency. 
9. We act deliberately to ensure that our organization is inclusive for people of different genders, racial backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, abilities, and other sources of diversity. 
10. We build deep, authentic relationships with our supporters in celebration of the mutually transformative power of giving. 

How to Apply 

To apply for this role, please complete the online application with your resume or CV by the application deadline: end of day Monday, April 20th, 2026. 

You will be asked to provide answers to the following questions as part of your application. 

• Describe a specific work experience when you had to coordinate an activity involving several different stakeholders (for example, school leaders, government offices, or partner organizations. What challenges did you face and how did you ensure the activities were completed successfully? (max 300 words) 
• Working in education programs often requires solving practical problems quickly (for example delays in training materials, transport challenges, or scheduling issues). Describe a situation where you had to solve a logistical or operational problem at work. What did you do? (max 300 words) 
• In this role, the Program Coordinator must keep track of many details, such as classroom lists, training attendance, supervision visits, or materials distribution. Describe a system you have personally used to track information or organize program activities? 
• Disclose any existing personal relationships with existing Luminos Fund employees or implementing partners. 
• Do you currently live in, or would you be prepared to move to, Addis Ababa for this role? (Yes/No) 

Please note, we often receive hundreds of applications for our roles, and many applicants submit materials or answers generated by AI tools. We are looking for information written by you, about you. We want to understand your interests, experience, and enthusiasm for the role. Materials written with AI support tend to be generic and are often identical to that of other applicants. They do not give us enough insight into your unique profile. We request that you do not use AI for your application or that, if you must do so, that you mindfully edit or review the AI-generated information appropriately. 

We are committed to ensuring competitive and equitable compensation for all employees, regardless of location. If you have any questions regarding how compensation may vary by location, please let us know during the application process. 

The Luminos Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

The Luminos Fund, an international nonprofit bringing education opportunities to the world’s most vulnerable children, is looking for a Senior Program Associate in Ghana to contribute to its rapid growth and expansion. The Senior Program Associate will play a key role in program planning and execution, training teachers and implementing partners, and monitoring Luminos classrooms. Luminos seeks a self-motivated, collaborative candidate who is passionate about driving transformative results for children. The ideal candidate has a teaching background and experience working on education programs in Ghana. 

This full-time position is based in a district capital in the Ashanti Region, with frequent travel to classrooms. The Program Associate will report to the Education Program Manager. 

Please note that this role is funding dependent and is expected to be a fixed, two-year position.

About the Luminos Fund

The Luminos Fund (www.luminosfund.org) provides transformative education programs to thousands of vulnerable children each year, helping them to catch up to grade level and prepare for lifelong learning. Working in partnership with community-based organizations in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, Luminos is scaling up its accelerated learning program through the Luminos Method (www.luminosmethod.org) — an evidence-based approach that helps children catch up fast and discover the joy of learning. 

Luminos is supported by a range of funding partners, including Cartier Philanthropy, the Gates Foundation, UBS Optimus Foundation, and UNICEF. Luminos has been recognized for its achievements globally, receiving the 2022 Klaus J. Jacobs Best Practice Prize, the Library of Congress International Literacy Award, the Lipman Family Prize, the WISE Award, and the HundrED Global Innovation Award. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Planning, Implementation, and Management 

• Support the planning and delivery of the Bilingual Boost (BLB) program in Ghana, including teacher recruitment and ongoing support, program monitoring and data collection, and logistics. 
• Support the planning and delivery of training to teachers on the Luminos Method and Bilingual Boost programs. 
• Support the management of Luminos BLB classrooms, providing regular coaching to teachers, tracking progress and needs, and addressing challenges as they arise. 
• Administer regular student assessments and collect data on attendance, learning, and classroom dynamics to support program monitoring and decision-making. 
• Prepare field reports as needed and review reports submitted by teachers, responding to team and program needs. 
• Assist in documenting lessons learned and best practices, and in gathering compelling student and classroom stories to communicate Luminos’ work in Ghana to a range of audiences. 

Stakeholder Management 

• Provide ongoing capacity-building support to teachers on program delivery, impact, reporting, and compliance. 
• Serve as a point of contact between teachers and the Luminos Fund. 
• Represent Luminos at local and regional events, as needed. 
• Build relationships with communities and local government bodies to support successful program implementation. 

Qualifications

Required Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree. 
• Proven experience as a teacher in a government school. 
• Ability to ride a motorbike and hold a valid motorbike license. 
• Experience delivering teacher training and supporting continuous professional development of teachers. 
• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in education or nonprofit sectors, with increasing responsibility. 
• Strong track record of program management and proven organizational and time management skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in building and managing relationships with a variety of stakeholders. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. 
• Fluency in spoken and written Asante Twi and English. 

Preferred Experience 

• Academic qualifications in education, social sciences, or related fields. 
• Experience working on structured pedagogy programs is a strong advantage. 
• Previous experience in foundational learning. 

Luminos Core Beliefs and Values 

1. We believe that every child is capable of learning a remarkable amount in a short period of time, if given the chance. 
2. We keep children’s joy and well-being at the heart of everything we do. 
3. We embrace assessment as a key component of effective teaching and learning. 
4. We celebrate and empower local leadership throughout our work with partner communities and governments. 
5. We use research, program data, and skilled classroom observation in the tenacious pursuit of excellence. 
6. We celebrate the unique contexts and cultures of the communities we serve in our curricula and pedagogy. 
7. We act with the highest standards of integrity and care, ensuring mutual accountability among colleagues and partners. 
8. We take the initiative to solve problems where we find them, managing details large and small, with urgency. 
9. We act deliberately to ensure that our organization is inclusive for people of different genders, racial backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, abilities, and other sources of diversity. 
10. We build deep, authentic relationships with our supporters in celebration of the mutually transformative power of giving. 

To apply for this position, please complete the online application with your resume or CV and cover letter. 

• 500-word essay ‘Drawing from your direct experience working in rural communities, describe a specific learning challenge you have encountered. What actions did you personally take, what were the results, and what would you do differently if faced with the same situation as a Program Associate at Luminos?’ 

We often receive hundreds of applications for our roles, and many applicants submit materials or answers generated by AI tools. We are looking for information written by you, about you. We want to understand your interests, experience, and enthusiasm for the role. Materials written with AI support tend to be generic and are often identical to that of other applicants. They do not give us enough insight into your unique profile. We request that you do not use AI for your application or that, if you must do so, that you mindfully edit or review the AI-generated information appropriately. 

The Luminos Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

ORGANISATION OVERVIEW

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is a non-profit, public charity organisation that supports, strengthens and promotes science innovation in Africa. The goal of the SFA Foundation is to address the continent’s most pressing developmental needs by generating scientific knowledge that solves problems and informs decision-making.

We serve the African research ecosystem by funding excellent research and innovation ideas, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, building and reinforcing environments that are conducive for scientists to thrive, and producing quality research that generates new, locally relevant knowledge.

The SFA Foundation takes a holistic approach to the development of science. Our programmatic initiatives are crafted to cater to the entire science ecosystem and span across the value chain from early discovery sciences to translation sciences and target cross-cutting gaps.

Our commitment to strengthening the entire research ecosystem is reflected in the creation of major science and innovation programmes implemented through a well-established grant-making scheme, advocacy and promotion of scientific excellence, emphasis on intra-Africa collaboration and evidence-based policymaking mechanisms.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Position Title	Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer
Department	Programmes
Reporting To	Senior Programme Manager and/or Manager – Knowledge Management and Learning
Position Location	Nairobi, Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer is responsible for supporting the implementation of evidence-based programming and continuous and adaptive learning for the Africa Pandemic Sciences Collaborative (The Collaborative) and across our implementing partners. This includes supporting the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation (MEL) activities and events within The Collaborative and other SFA Foundation programmes and partners, promoting MEAL knowledge transfer internally and externally.

The MEAL officer is a key member of the SFA Foundation MEAL team and will join the dynamic team in advancing knowledge management and learning across the organisation and beyond. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate experience and capability in leading detailed MEAL initiatives within the organisation as well as acting as a representative ambassador for MEAL both internally and externally.

SFA Foundation is committed to fostering a culture grounded in Respect, Accountability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), and Excellence. We seek individuals who embody these values in their work and interactions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Planning Support

• Contribute to the development and design of clear, relevant, and feasible MEL strategies to ensure clearly defined, measurable indicators of outputs, outcomes, and impact for The Collaborative, in line with the SFA Foundation’s mission and strategy.
• Drive quality operationalisation of The Collaborative MEAL strategy, with a focus on continuous improvement, adaptable evidence-based decision-making, and regular knowledge dissemination. This includes but is not limited to continuous review of MEAL tools for data collection, verification, management, reporting, and data audits.
• Develop programme reporting templates that facilitate the acquisition and aggregation of information in programmes, including input for impact-related success stories across The Collaborative.
• Support the maintenance of the MEAL system for the maintenance of the MEAL guidelines, tools, data files, analysis files, reports, and presentations for major activities undertaken.
• Work under the guidance of senior MEAL staff to contribute to strategy development and MEAL planning and delivery across The Collaborative.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Support the implementation of robust, efficient and effective reporting frameworks that facilitate the acquisition and aggregation of knowledge and impact stories across The Collaborative, in collaboration with the Communications Workstream.
• In collaboration with The Collaborative Programme Management and Workstream Leads, take a lead in reporting programme progress and key lessons, including overall progress on achievement of results.
• Assist in the development of robust evaluations and consultant recruitments as necessary for each relevant activity and process within The Collaborative.
• Support The Collaborative data quality assurance processes, including regular checks, validation exercises, and updates to MEAL databases and dashboards.
• Ensure timely execution of the MEAL Workstream activities by coordinating closely with The Collaborative programme teams to deliver planned outputs.

Learning

• Contribute to outcome and evidence-based strategic decision-making and promote a culture of evidence-based learning and adaptation at both The Collaborative and SFA Foundation levels.
• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic plans to improve learning approaches across The Collaborative.
• Support The Collaborative teams in developing strategies that enhance programmatic learning based on data collected and experiences noted during the implementation of activities.
• Support The Collaborative teams in reviewing and revising theories of change, where necessary.
• Ensure proper documentation of innovative approaches and best practices for dissemination across The Collaborative stakeholder groups.
• In collaboration with the Communications Workstream, support the translation of technical programme data and evidence into accessible learning formats such as briefs, digests, and outcome snapshots.
• Assist in coordinating cross-programme synthesis and dissemination of key insights to inform decision-making and learning across The Collaborative.

Training and Coaching

• Build the capacity of project staff in monitoring, evaluation and learning – specifically how to demonstrate impact.
• Support the development of relevant training and coaching material to build the MEL capacity of The Collaborative Programme staff and SFA Foundation grantees.
• Collaborate in developing visual learning tools that support internal knowledge sharing and enhance understanding of MEAL findings across The Collaborative.

Communication and Representation

• Ably represent the SFA Foundation in various local and international fora requiring liaison with current and potential implementing and funding partners for The Collaborative.
• Support in gathering, summarising and disseminating relevant technical updates on programme planning, monitoring, evaluation and operations research within The Collaborative.
• Contribute to managing The Collaborative knowledge-sharing platforms, including maintenance of the knowledge repository and coordination of content for internal learning calendars and communities of practice.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following (or related) fields: Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, or Public Health, Knowledge Management, Information Science, or Organisational Learning, Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences (with demonstrated training in M&E and learning systems)

Professional Qualifications

• Advanced certificate or training in MEL, statistics, data management or another relevant field.

Experience

• A minimum of four (4) years’ relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Must have a high level of integrity.
• Must understand and demonstrate the SFA Foundation’s values such as respect, accountability, excellence, diversity and inclusion.
• Must demonstrate the ability to build strategic relationships.
• Must be an effective communicator and have excellent problem-solving skills.
• Must be a critical thinker and innovative.
• Must demonstrate the ability to make decisions, plan, organise and manage work.
• Must have a high level of adaptability, engagement readiness and fast thinking.
• Must have the capability to initiate action and be keen on quality.
• Proven success in designing, implementing, and operating project MEL systems from project initiation to closeout stages.
• Experience in managing MEL database systems.
• Expertise in analysing data using statistical software.
• Must be attentive to details.
• Must demonstrate the ability to collaborate and build trust with others.

Leadership Competencies

• Must have proven and demonstrated leadership skills such as delegating responsibilities, developing others, facilitating change and leading through vision and values.
• Must possess the ability to build a successful team.
• Must demonstrate the ability to manage stakeholders.
• Mentor and coach juniors.

Organisational Values

All SFA Foundation staff are expected to uphold and demonstrate the organisation’s core values in the execution of their duties:

• Respect: Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and professionalism in all interactions.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on commitments.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I): Committed to inclusive practices and equitable decision-making.
• Excellence: Strives for continuous improvement and consistently delivers high-quality outputs.

HOW TO APPLY

Should you meet the competencies above, please submit your application by clicking the APPLY button below.

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE MONDAY, 4 MAY 2026

SFA Foundation has a commitment to safeguarding people and the environment, and this forms part of our background checks.