Early Childhood Network Director

About Us!

The Zimbabwe Network of Early Childhood Actors (ZINECDA) is a national umbrella body working in partnership to influence policies, programmes and practice related to Early Childhood Development (ECD) by sharing information on experiences and generating knowledge and understanding on ECD. ZINECDA takes a leading role in influencing policy, guidelines and legislations that concerns the rights and development of young children. ZINECDA is a dynamic and innovative organization committed to promoting the well-being and development of young children through our Early Childhood Development (ECD) Network.

Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our team as an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Network Director. As the ECD Network Director, you will play a pivotal role in
leading and advancing our organization's efforts in the field of early childhood development. We believe in the importance of providing quality early childhood experiences to lay the foundation for lifelong success. As we continue to expand our impact, we are seeking a passionate and experienced professional to join our team as the ECD Network Director. This position requires a strategic leader with a strong background in programme management, collaboration, and advocacy for the wellbeing of young children. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of early childhood development, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of successful programme management.

Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for the ECD network, aligning with the organization's overall mission and goals.
• Provide visionary leadership to guide the growth and impact of early childhood development initiatives within the network.
• Identify, cultivate, and secure strategic partnerships with businesses, foundations, and philanthropic organizations to support early childhood initiatives.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance programme impact and sustainability.
• Engage with the district and provincial early childhood development network members.

Programme Development and management

• Oversee the design, development, and execution of high-impact ECD programmes, ensuring alignment with best practices and evidence-based approaches.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for programme improvement and expansion

Collaboration and Partnership:

• Foster and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders in the ECD sector.
• Collaborate with partners to develop joint initiatives and advocate for policies that support
  the well-being of young children.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Implement robust monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the effectiveness of ECD programmes and initiatives.
• Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions and continuously improve the quality and impact of ECD efforts.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization's ECD initiatives, representing the network in various forums, conferences, and media appearances.
• Advocate for policies and funding that promote the importance of early childhood development at local, regional, and national levels.
• Conduct outreach activities to raise awareness about the importance of ECD and engage the community in programme initiatives.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Provide inspirational leadership to a team of professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Support professional development opportunities for team members and ensure a high level of performance and commitment.

Grant and Proposal Management:
Corporate Engagement:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to engage corporations in supporting early childhood development programmes.
• Cultivate relationships with corporate leaders and coordinate corporate sponsorships, donations, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities that align with the organization's goals and objectives.
• Prepare compelling grant proposals, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with funding guidelines.
• Manage relationships with grantors and reporting requirements for successful grant implementation.

Revenue Generation

• Develop and implement strategies to diversify revenue streams, including fee-for-service models, partnerships, and innovative funding mechanisms.
• Work collaboratively with the finance team to establish and monitor budgets related to business development initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Public Health, or a related field.
• Proven experience in a leadership role within the ECD sector, with a track record of successful programme development and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of current trends, research, and best practices in early childhood development.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy and influencing policy at various levels.

How to Appy:

• Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to zinecda@zinecda.org.
• Please include "Application for ECD Network Director" in the email subject line.
• In your cover letter please provide your salary expectation.

Applications are accepted until February 23, 2024 at 5pm CAT.

ZINECDA is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.