Deputy Project Coordinator – Policy & Advocacy (PlayMatters)

About the role

The International Rescue Committee is seeking a Deputy Project Coordinator to lead policy and advocacy efforts for PlayMatters 3.0, a multi‑country initiative that integrates Learning through Play (LtP) into Uganda’s education system. This role will support the institutionalisation of LtP, strengthen government ownership, and create sustainable pathways for scaling quality learning during crises.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for policy influence, systems strengthening, stakeholder engagement, and scaling activities.
• Coordinate the implementation of activities that embed LtP within national and sub‑national education policies and practices.
• Facilitate collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports, local governments, development partners, and other education stakeholders.
• Support the development of policy guidance, teacher professional development, and school improvement processes related to LtP.
• Monitor and report on progress, ensuring alignment with project objectives and donor requirements.

Required profile

• Demonstrated experience in policy advocacy, education programming, or humanitarian project coordination.
• Strong understanding of education systems, especially in crisis‑affected or refugee contexts.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with government agencies, NGOs, and international partners.

Required skills

• Project coordination and management.
• Policy analysis and development.
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence education policy at national level.
• Work within a respected international humanitarian organization.
• Collaboration with leading partners such as War Child Holland, Plan International, and the LEGO Foundation.