Job Description

Senior Manager, Project at ChildFund Sierra Leone

Company: ChildFund International
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Job Type: Full-Time (Fixed Term)
Work Environment: On-Site
Division: Global Impact
Department: Country Management
Reports To: Program and Sponsorship Director
Sector: International Development / NGO / Child Development

Job Overview

ChildFund Sierra Leone is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Manager, Project to lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of an outcome-based Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) project in Sierra Leone. This opportunity is ideal for professionals looking for NGO jobs in Sierra Leone, international development careers, and project management jobs in Africa.

The Senior Manager, Project will oversee strategic project delivery, stakeholder coordination, donor compliance, and evidence-based programming aimed at improving child development outcomes across project districts.

Professionals exploring employment opportunities and labor market insights in Sierra Leone may also visit NGO jobs in Sierra Leone for career guidance and job market information.

About ChildFund International

ChildFund International is a child-centered international development organization committed to helping children grow up healthy, educated, protected, and empowered. Operating in over 23 countries and reaching more than 60 countries through global partnerships, ChildFund focuses on community-driven development and child wellbeing.

The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) and prioritizes child safeguarding, ethical conduct, and inclusive workplace practices.

Position Details

Position Title: Senior Manager, Project
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Employment Type: Full-Time (Fixed-Term)
Department: Country Management
Program Area: Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

The successful candidate will manage project planning, implementation, financial oversight, stakeholder engagement, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities.

Job Description (JD)

Project Planning, Implementation & Coordination

The Senior Manager, Project will:

• Lead day-to-day project implementation and ensure timely delivery of activities.
• Develop detailed project work plans, budgets, timelines, and implementation frameworks.
• Ensure project objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are clearly understood by all team members.
• Coordinate ECCE interventions across multiple project districts.
• Participate in country review committees for project evaluation and strategic planning.
• Collaborate with government institutions, NGOs, donors, and local partners.
• Promote best practices in early childhood education, inclusive learning, and child protection systems.
• Supervise field teams and provide technical leadership for effective project execution.

Professionals seeking broader international development opportunities in Africa can also explore NGO jobs in Uganda for regional NGO and development sector careers.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)

Key responsibilities include:

• Establishing monitoring systems to track child development outcomes.
• Collecting, analyzing, and reporting project performance data.
• Measuring project impact and supporting adaptive management strategies.
• Documenting lessons learned and program best practices.
• Supporting evidence-based decision-making and donor reporting.

Financial & Compliance Management

The Senior Project Manager will:

• Manage project budgets and financial resources effectively.
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations and organizational policies.
• Prepare narrative and financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor procurement and logistics processes to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Support proper resource allocation and financial stewardship.

Capacity Building & Team Leadership

The selected candidate will:

• Train and mentor project staff, caregivers, educators, and community stakeholders.
• Strengthen team performance through leadership and coaching.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and performance-driven work environment.
• Promote continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within project teams.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

Responsibilities include:

• Representing ChildFund in donor meetings, policy discussions, and coordination forums.
• Advocating for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) priorities.
• Building relationships with government ministries, civil society organizations, parents, and caregivers.
• Supporting local ownership and community participation in project activities.

Candidates interested in regional career opportunities in development and humanitarian sectors may also review NGO jobs in Eswatini for job insights and employment resources.

Education Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Education
  • Development Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • International Development
  • Child Development
  • Related disciplines

Master’s Degree is considered an added advantage.

Professional certifications in project management, monitoring and evaluation, or education program management are desirable.

Experience Requirements

To qualify for this role, candidates should have:

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in project leadership and management.
• Experience working in INGOs, humanitarian organizations, or development institutions.
• Strong understanding of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) frameworks.
• Experience in child development programs, inclusive education, and community engagement.
• Demonstrated expertise in budget management, donor compliance, and stakeholder coordination.
• Experience managing multi-location or geographically dispersed projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Core Competencies

• Strong teamwork and collaboration
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Results-oriented mindset
• Strategic decision-making abilities
• Resilience under pressure
• Digital literacy and technology adoption
• Critical thinking and problem-solving

Professional Competencies

• Proposal and report writing skills
• Monitoring and evaluation expertise
• Leadership and staff management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Negotiation and networking skills
• Program innovation and adaptive management
• Resource management and budgeting
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusion awareness

Salary & Benefits

Salary: Competitive / Negotiable

Compensation will depend on:

• Experience level
• Educational background
• NGO and development sector expertise
• Leadership experience
• Internal organizational salary structure

Additional benefits may include:

• Professional development opportunities
• International NGO exposure
• Leadership and management training
• Employee wellbeing support
• Inclusive workplace culture
• Career growth pathways

Training & Professional Development

Selected candidates may receive:

• Child safeguarding and protection training
• ECCE methodologies and inclusive education workshops
• Leadership and project management development
• Monitoring and evaluation training
• Donor compliance and grant management support
• Cross-functional leadership development

Why Join ChildFund Sierra Leone?

Joining ChildFund offers the opportunity to:

• Contribute to impactful child development programs
• Lead transformative education and social development projects
• Work in a mission-driven international organization
• Gain experience in donor-funded program management
• Support community empowerment and child wellbeing
• Advance your career in international NGO leadership

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit an updated application highlighting relevant project management experience, ECCE expertise, leadership skills, and development sector achievements.