Education:

Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Planning and Management, Curriculum and Instruction, Development Studies, or a closely related discipline

The position of Education Program Coordinator is an important leadership role responsible for strengthening foundational learning and improving education outcomes for primary school students in Ethiopia. The coordinator will oversee education programs implemented in partnership with government institutions and development partners, ensuring that learning interventions are effective, inclusive, and sustainable. This role offers a unique opportunity for experienced education professionals to contribute directly to improving the quality of education for children in underserved communities.

The coordinator will work closely with schools, teachers, community leaders, and regional education offices to ensure that education initiatives produce meaningful improvements in literacy and numeracy skills among young learners. The role requires strategic thinking, strong leadership abilities, and a commitment to child protection and inclusive education.

About the Organization

Imagine1day International Organization is a global non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to quality education for children in Ethiopia. The organization was founded in 2007 by Canadian philanthropists Summer Wilson and Chip Wilson with a long-term vision that every Ethiopian child will have access to quality education that is locally sustained and independent of foreign aid by the year 2045.

The organization works closely with Ethiopia’s public education system and partners with the Ministry of Education, regional education bureaus, and local government institutions to implement impactful education programs. Imagine1day focuses on several key areas including education quality improvement, child protection, leadership development, community engagement, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).

Through these programs, the organization aims to strengthen local education systems and empower communities to take ownership of their schools and children's learning outcomes. Imagine1day has built strong partnerships with development organizations such as UNICEF and continues to expand its reach across multiple regions of Ethiopia.

Working with Imagine1day provides professionals with the opportunity to contribute to large-scale educational transformation while gaining valuable experience in international development and education programming.

Job Description

The Education Program Coordinator will play a central role in planning, implementing, and supervising education programs that focus on improving foundational literacy and numeracy among primary school students. These programs will primarily use the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) methodology, which helps teachers tailor instruction based on students’ current learning levels rather than grade level.

The coordinator will provide strategic leadership to ensure that TaRL interventions are effectively implemented in targeted schools across South Ethiopia Region and Southwest Ethiopia Region. The role requires close collaboration with school leaders, teachers, and local education authorities to ensure the sustainability and success of learning improvement initiatives.

A key responsibility of the role is supporting teacher training, mentoring, and classroom coaching. The coordinator will ensure that teachers understand and apply effective teaching strategies that support students who are struggling with basic reading and mathematics skills.

The position will also involve conducting learning assessments, analyzing education data, and adjusting program activities to improve learning outcomes. By closely monitoring classroom practices and student progress, the coordinator will help ensure that the program delivers measurable improvements in children's learning achievements.

Another important component of the role is integrating child protection and inclusive education practices into all program activities. The coordinator will ensure that learning environments are safe, supportive, and accessible for all children including girls, children with disabilities, and those from marginalized communities.

Community engagement is also a key part of the position. The coordinator will work with parents, school management committees, and community leaders to promote stronger participation in children's education and encourage community ownership of school improvement initiatives.

The coordinator will also oversee the distribution and management of learning materials and teaching resources needed for effective program implementation. This includes ensuring that schools receive appropriate teaching aids, learning tools, and assessment materials on time.

Monitoring and evaluation activities will be another critical responsibility. The coordinator will collaborate with the MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning) team to track program progress, measure learning outcomes, and generate reports for donors and program leadership.

The position also involves financial and compliance responsibilities. The coordinator will support budgeting, monitor program expenditures, and ensure that project activities follow donor and organizational guidelines.

Additionally, the coordinator will represent Imagine1day in regional education forums, coordination meetings, and technical working groups. Building strong relationships with government education offices and development partners will be essential for successful program implementation.

This position offers professionals an opportunity to lead impactful education programs, strengthen leadership skills, and contribute to sustainable improvements in Ethiopia’s education system.

Educational Qualification

Applicants should possess a strong academic background in education or related fields.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Planning and Management, Curriculum and Instruction, Development Studies, or a closely related discipline.
• Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree in the above fields may also apply if they possess strong professional experience in education program implementation.

A solid understanding of Ethiopia’s education system and foundational learning strategies will be considered an advantage.

Work Experience

Applicants must have significant professional experience in education program management and implementation.

Minimum requirements include:

• 7 to 10 years of relevant professional experience in education programming, education project management, or education development initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience working with foundational learning programs, remedial education, or structured pedagogy approaches such as Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL).
• Experience managing or implementing donor-funded education projects supported by organizations such as UNICEF, Education Cannot Wait, or other international development partners.
• Experience working with government education structures, schools, and community education systems.

Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder education programs and managing field teams will be considered a strong advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates should demonstrate strong professional competencies including:

• Strong leadership and program management skills.
• Knowledge of foundational literacy and numeracy improvement strategies.
• Ability to coordinate education programs across multiple locations and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, and capacity building for teachers and education staff.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to child protection, safeguarding, and inclusive education principles.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with education program monitoring tools.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and work under pressure in dynamic environments.
• Creativity and adaptability in solving program implementation challenges.

The organization particularly encourages applications from women and candidates from underrepresented communities who are passionate about improving education outcomes and supporting inclusive learning environments.

This role offers excellent opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and meaningful impact within Ethiopia’s education sector.

Job Location

The position will be based in Arba Minch City, South Ethiopia Region. The coordinator will support education program activities across South Ethiopia Region and Southwest Ethiopia Region.

Field visits to schools and project sites will be required as part of the role.

Employment Type and Salary

Employment Type: Full-time position.

The position will be offered on a one-year contract basis, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project continuation.

Salary and benefits will be provided according to the organization's salary scale and policies.

Working with Imagine1day offers valuable exposure to international development work, strong professional networking opportunities, and the chance to contribute to long-term educational transformation in Ethiopia.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply through the official Imagine1day career portal.

Applicants should submit their application online through the following link:
https://imagine1day.org/how-to-help/career/

Applicants are advised not to attach scanned certificates or additional documents at this stage of the application process.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further recruitment steps.

Imagine1day International Organization is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Application Deadline: March 19, 2026.