Project Director, PlayMatters Initiative

About the role

The International Rescue Committee is seeking a seasoned Project Director to lead PlayMatters 3.0, a five‑year, foundation‑funded programme delivering quality education to refugee and host‑community children in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda. You will be the primary face of the project, steering strategy, operations, and stakeholder engagement to ensure high‑impact outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to achieve project goals and maximize impact.
• Develop, review, and monitor annual work and performance plans in coordination with project staff.
• Oversee delivery of activities, ensuring compliance with performance frameworks, operational policies, and donor regulations.
• Manage partners and sub‑grantees, overseeing budgets, financial tracking, and timely reporting to donors.
• Report to donors through formal debriefings, annual and semi‑annual reports.
• Maintain active relationships with government officials, implementing agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Represent the project publicly, sharing achievements and lessons learned.
• Foster a collaborative work environment that empowers staff and promotes teamwork.

Required profile

• Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s) from an accredited institution.
• Extensive experience managing large‑scale humanitarian or development projects across multiple countries.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with diverse partners.
• Strong understanding of donor compliance, financial management, and reporting standards.

Required skills