Background to Bantwana Uganda Initiative

Bantwana Initiative Uganda (BIU) is a local Non-Government Organization with programs that promote the welfare of children with a focus on access to essential services through strengthened community systems. BIU is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Job Summary

The ECCE Specialist will provide technical leadership, oversight, and support in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Early Childhood Care and Education programs with a special focus on Learning Through Play (LTP) and integration of Bantwana’s Community Based ECCE (CBECCE) into existing parenting programs. The role promotes quality standards in early childhood learning, caregiver engagement, child protection, and holistic child development in line with national policies and international best practices.

Key Result Areas & Specific Responsibilities

1. Program Design & Implementation

• Provide technical input in the design and roll-out of ECCE programs including CBECCE.
• Support curriculum development and expansion of community early learning development centers.
• Promote inclusive education and ensure children with special needs are supported.

2. Capacity Building & Mentorship

• Train and mentor teachers, caregivers, and community facilitators on ECCE methodologies, play-based learning, and child development.
• Strengthen parent and caregiver involvement in early childhood education.

3. Quality Assurance & Monitoring

• Develop and apply tools for assessing ECCE quality in learning centers.
• Conduct regular field visits to support and monitor ECCE activities.
• Collect and analyze ECCE-related data for decision-making and reporting.

4. Partnerships & Advocacy

• Collaborate with government agencies (e.g., Ministry of Education), NGOs, and community structures to promote ECCE.
• Advocate for policies and practices that enhance early childhood education and protection.

5. Reporting & Learning

• Prepare technical reports, case studies, and success stories for internal and external stakeholders.
• Document lessons learned and best practices to inform future programming.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in ECCE program design and implementation.
• Knowledge of child development theories, ECCE curriculum, and inclusive education.
• Strong facilitation, training, and mentorship skills.
• Experience working with NGOs, government agencies, or donor-funded projects.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and interpersonal skills.

Skills & Competencies

• Commitment to child rights and holistic development.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work effectively with communities, teachers, and government stakeholders.
• Flexibility, creativity, and innovation in problem-solving.

Key Deliverables

1. Curriculum & Program Design

• Develop/adapt ECCE curriculums (including CBECCE), learning materials, and caregiver guides within allocated timeframe.
• Ensure all ECCE centers implement play-based and child-centered learning approaches.

2. Capacity Building

• Conduct trainings for ECCE teachers, caregivers, and community facilitators annually.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and coaching sessions with documented feedback.

3. Quality Assurance & Monitoring

• Carry out quarterly monitoring visits to ECCE centers to assess quality standards.
• Produce and share monitoring reports with recommendations for improvement.

4. Child Development & Protection

• Ensure ECCE programs integrate holistic child development (cognitive, emotional, physical, social).
• Establish and maintain systems for child safeguarding and protection in all ECCE and home learning centers.

5. Parental & Community Engagement

• Organize parent/caregiver sensitization sessions on early childhood learning and child care.
• Strengthen community structures to support ECCE programs.

6. Data, Reporting & Learning

• Maintain an updated database of ECCE learners, teachers, and outcomes.
• Produce timely quarterly and annual technical reports for management, donors, and stakeholders.
• Document and share case studies or success stories.

7. Partnerships & Advocacy

• Collaborate with Ministry of Education and other stakeholders on ECCE policy implementation.
• Advocate for resource mobilization and policies that support early childhood education.