Project Director – PlayMatters

About the role

The International Rescue Committee is seeking a senior leader to head PlayMatters 3.0, a five‑year, private‑foundation‑funded initiative delivering quality education to refugee and host‑community children in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Uganda. As Project Director, you will steer the third phase of the programme, ensuring high‑impact delivery and compliance with donor agreements.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to achieve project goals and maximize impact.
• Develop, review and monitor annual work and performance plans with key staff.
• Oversee project delivery, ensuring activities align with performance frameworks and operational policies.
• Manage partners and sub‑grantees, optimizing resources through sound budgeting, financial tracking and timely donor reporting.
• Report to donors through formal debriefings, annual and semi‑annual reports.
• Maintain active relationships with government officials, partners, implementing agencies and other 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 in international development, humanitarian assistance or a related field from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience managing large‑scale programs in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Proven experience coordinating multi‑partner initiatives and engaging with donors and government entities.
• Strong understanding of donor regulations, quality standards and performance monitoring.

Required skills

• Financial tracking and budgeting.
• Donor reporting and compliance.

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead a high‑visibility, impact‑driven programme across multiple countries.
• Collaboration with a global humanitarian organization committed to protecting and empowering vulnerable populations.