Field Education Manager – PlayMatters Project

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a senior manager to lead implementation of the PlayMatters project, a five‑year initiative funded by the LEGO Foundation. The role focuses on improving holistic learning and wellbeing for 800,000 school‑age children (aged 3‑12+) living in refugee settlements and host communities across East Africa.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of the PlayMatters curriculum and learning‑through‑play methodologies in Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania.
• Coordinate with consortium partners – War Child Holland, Plan International, Behavioral Insights Team – to ensure alignment of activities.
• Drive behavior‑change strategies targeting parents, caregivers, teachers and community leaders.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes related to social, emotional, cognitive, physical and creative development.
• Manage project budgets, reporting, and compliance with donor requirements.

Required profile

• Extensive experience managing large‑scale education or humanitarian programmes.
• Proven ability to work in multi‑partner consortiums and complex field environments.
• Strong understanding of child development, learning through play, and refugee contexts.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in crisis‑affected settings.
• Collaboration with leading NGOs and a global humanitarian organization.
• Professional growth within a mission‑driven environment.