The Organisation

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.

We won’t stop until we are all equal.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Plan International Ghana is looking to recruit a highly experienced and qualified professional to join its ranks as Project Lead on our Ghana Education Outcomes Programme (GEOP) Project under the Ghana Accountability and Learning Outcomes Programme (GALOP).

GEOP is a results-based financing (RBF) initiative that aims to improve education outcomes for both in-school and out-of-school children in Ghana. Unlike traditional grants, this model emphasizes agility, adaptability, and reflective management to meet predefined targets

The Project Lead will be responsible for strategic oversight, program delivery, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders.

DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

• Program Strategy
• Program Management
• Representation and Coordination
• Financial Donor Compliance
• Business Development
• Management and Operations
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Partner, Supplier and Stakeholder Management
• Child Protection and Safeguarding Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

The position involves:

• Ability to take decisions such as the type and appropriate capacity building needed for different groups and also filters information to share at a different level. The post holder will demonstrate the ability to problem-solving, thinking strategically while introducing new initiatives or strategy, and in communication and facilitation to meet the demands of a dynamic and sometimes hectic operating environment
• Ability to manage/work with different streams (Education, Finance, Community Engagement and M&E) and meet frequently tight deadlines. Capacity to analyse data with relevant project staff and ensure project delivery is achieved in a timely manner
• Ability to support the project staff in defining influencing issues to ensure high quality and impact of interventions. This will encompass strengthening accountability, planning, management, adherence to policies and procedures, and promoting a culture for delivery of results, both short and long-term
• Ability to develop & present the project in front of different kinds of audience in or off site
• Use wide range of sources of data and information to make the right decision
• Make decision at speed appropriate to the issue
• Responding to queries and requirements of external audiences, stockholders, partners, advisory committee, line manager and technical advisors within strict timelines
• Understanding of the community issues and interest to build and plan solutions
• Demonstrate skill’s in articulating and documenting program communication, progress and review
• Ability to manage stress and interest to develop systems to improve quality of the program
• Ability to think differently: We will not succeed by copying existing models or structures. The role will require to think through each problem from first principles and find the most effective and efficient new solution in each case. This requires logic, analytical rigour, and a willingness to question assumptions. It also requires the desire to work in a dynamic environment, along with the ability to be solutions-focused and work in a small team.
• Ability to build and maintain trust: Everything we do must be open to scrutiny and full transparency. This requires excellent interpersonal skills and absolute integrity.

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in Education, Economics, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of project management experience, including overseeing education development and programming.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and managing literacy and numeracy instructional programs and interventions.
• Experience designing and delivering education programs focused on improving learning outcomes for in-school and out-of-school children.
• Proven ability to provide technical leadership, administrative oversight, and program coordination to meet stated goals and reporting requirements under donor-funded programs.
• Experience working in West Africa, particularly Ghana, with an understanding of the region’s education landscape and challenges.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

Key skills & Competencies

• Recognized expertise in education development and programming, with a focus on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes.
• Proven capacity to oversee multi-component, results-based financing (RBF) programs, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of interventions.
• Strong leadership skills to manage diverse teams, including direct supervision of program managers and specialists.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, particularly with government agencies, social investors, performance advisors, and community leaders.
• Ability to build and maintain strategic relationships, serving as the primary focal point for partners such as the Ministry of Education (MoE), Jacobs Foundation, Bridges Outcomes Partnerships, and Instiglio.
• Expertise in program monitoring and evaluation, including familiarity with digital tools like Tangerine and Zegeba for learner assessments and tracking progress.
• Strong project management skills, including budget oversight, compliance monitoring, and performance management.
• Excellent reporting and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize program data into actionable insights and comprehensive reports for donors and stakeholders.
• Proficient in adaptive and agile program management, with the ability to reflect on and adjust strategies to achieve program targets under the RBF model.

Personal Attributes

• Self-starter and team player with high standards
• Ability to multi task and work under some level of pressure
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment and with multi- and interdisciplinary teams

Desirable

• Experience with database / CRM system management
• Excellent leadership skills with increasing levels of responsibility in education sector in Ghana
• Experience working with international organizations or donors, including managing consortium-based programs.
• Familiarity with the Ghanaian education system, including collaboration with stakeholders such as THE MOE, GES, NACCA, and CEA.
• Prior involvement in programs targeting out-of-school children (OOSC) and implementing accelerated learning programs (ALP).
• Knowledge of safeguarding policies, gender equality principles, and inclusive education practices.
• Experience leading the delivery of teacher training and continuous professional development for teachers
• Previous experience promoting inclusion and student-centred approaches in schools

Please click on this link to view the full job profile and job description for the role:Full Job Description – Project Lead EOF – DEC 2024.docx

Location: Country Office (Accra)

Type of Role: Program Management

Reports to: Country Director

Job Type: Fixed – Term Contract

Closing Date: 3rd January, 2025

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements