Project Manager - Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)

Job Description Job Title: Project Manager – Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)Reporting to: Country DirectorTechnical Reporting Line: Regional Education Advisor / Global Education Programmes Advisor Contract Type: 6 months, Full time, National Contract Principal Location: Juba, South SudanDeadline for application: 07th July 2026 at 5:00 PM (South Sudan Time). About AET/Street Child in South SudanIn South Sudan, AET/Street Child builds on the legacy of the Africa Educational Trust (AET), which worked continuously in the country from 1996 and became part of the Street Child group in 2020. Over nearly three decades, AET established itself as one of South Sudan's leading education organisations, delivering programmes through periods of conflict, transition, independence and humanitarian crisis, while working closely with government, communities, schools and civil society partners. Today, AET/Street Child implements programmes across multiple states focused on foundational learning, teacher development, accelerated education, girls' education, school improvement, education in emergencies and system strengthening, in partnership with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), State Ministries of Education, UNICEF, Education Cannot Wait, FCDO and other development partners to improve access to quality education and learning outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.Street Child supports children to be safe, in school, and learning. We work with governments, communities, schools, and local organisations to deliver sustainable education solutions in low-resource, conflict-affected, and crisis-affected contexts.Street Child operates across more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia and has supported more than one million children to access education, improve learning outcomes, and develop pathways to safer and more resilient futures. Our work combines technical expertise in foundational learning, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), teacher professional development, accelerated education, girls' education, school improvement, education in emergencies, community engagement, child protection, and education system strengthening.Part 1: Role Purpose:The Project Manager will provide overall leadership, coordination, and management of the UNICEF-funded Targeting and Transforming Learning through Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) project in South Sudan.The project aims to improve foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes for 17,540 learners across 112 government primary schools in Aweil, Juba, Torit, and Yambio through the implementation of Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), an evidence-based approach that assesses learners according to their current competency levels and provides targeted instruction to accelerate learning. The project will also strengthen the capacity of 336 teachers, 112 school-based mentors, and Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) personnel to institutionalise TaRL approaches within government schools.The Project Manager will be responsible for ensuring the effective, timely, and high-quality implementation of all project activities, including project planning, budgeting, stakeholder coordination, supervision of project staff and consultants, donor compliance, reporting, and risk management.Working closely with UNICEF, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), State Ministries of Education, County Education Departments, and participating schools, the Project Manager will ensure the project delivers measurable improvements in learning outcomes while generating evidence to inform future scale-up within the South Sudan education system. Part 2: Key Responsibilities General Responsibilities:Ensure compliance with Street Child policies, procedures, safeguarding standards, and donor requirementsLead delivery of project objectives in line with UNICEF, MoGEI, and government prioritiesEnsure inclusion of the most vulnerable learners, including girls, children with disabilities, and learners who are over-age or behind grade-level expectationsContribute to programme learning, adaptation, documentation, and reportingRepresent AET/Street Child with government, donor, and coordination stakeholdersSpecific Responsibilities:a. Project Leadership & DeliveryLead overall planning, implementation, and coordination of the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) project across the target locations of Aweil, Juba, Torit, and YambioEnsure timely and high-quality delivery of all project activities, including training, mentoring, coaching, assessments, and monitoring activitiesDevelop and oversee detailed workplans, implementation schedules, and activity trackers to ensure delivery against targets and timelinesSupervise and support four County Coordinators/Master Trainers, MEAL Officer, and other project personnelEnsure effective coordination across project locations and implementation partnersMonitor progress against project objectives and ensure timely corrective action where required b. Technical Quality Assurance & OversightEnsure high-quality implementation of the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) methodology in accordance with approved project design and technical guidanceOversee training, mentoring, and coaching support provided to teachers, mentors, and Master TrainersEnsure project implementation maintains fidelity to agreed TaRL approaches, tools, and assessment methodologiesWork closely with technical advisors, MoGEI, and UNICEF to strengthen quality assurance and continuous improvement processesPromote data-informed programme adaptation, using monitoring and learning data to improve project performance and learning outcomesEnsure integration of inclusive, gender-responsive, and child-centred approaches throughout implementation c. Partnerships, Coordination & RepresentationLead coordination with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), State Ministries of Education, County Education Departments, and other relevant government stakeholdersMaintain strong working relationships with UNICEF and other project partnersSupport government ownership and participation throughout project implementationRepresent AET/Street Child in Education Cluster meetings, technical working groups, and other relevant coordination forumsSupport dissemination of project learning and evidence to government, UNICEF and other stakeholders to inform future scale-up of TaRL in South Sudand. Project Management, Compliance & ReportingOversee project budget management, ensuring effective, efficient, and compliant use of resourcesEnsure compliance with UNICEF requirements, financial procedures, procurement policies, safeguarding standards, and organisational policiesLead preparation of high-quality narrative reports, workplans, updates, and donor submissionsMonitor project risks (operational, financial, safeguarding, and security) and implement mitigation measures as requiredEnsure strong monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) systems are in place and effectively utilisedEnsure timely documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and project achievementse. Team Leadership & Staff ManagementProvide day-to-day supervision, support, and performance management for project staffFoster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team cultureSupport staff capacity development through coaching, mentoring, and regular performance feedbackEnsure staff understand and comply with organisational policies, safeguarding standards, and donor requirementsPromote staff wellbeing, accountability, and professional conduct throughout project implementationPart 3: Person Specification Education / QualificationsEssential Degree in Education, International Development, or related fieldDesirableMaster’s degree in Education, Development, or related fieldExperience and KnowledgeEssentialMinimum 5–8 years' experience managing large education or development programmesDemonstrated experience managing donor-funded projects, including planning, budgeting, reporting, and complianceStrong understanding of foundational learning and teacher professional development approachesExperience working with government education systems and stakeholdersExperience managing teams and delivering results in complex, fragile, or humanitarian contextsExperience working on TaRL, foundational literacy and numeracy, remedial education, or similar learning improvement programmesExperience managing UNICEF, ECW, FCDO, or other institutional donor-funded projectsDesirablePrior experience implementing foundational literacy and numeracy education programs with demonstrated impact on learning outcomes.Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops, training events, and technical working groups Strong report writing and proposal development skills Experience using digital data collection and project management tools (e.g. Kobo, CommCare, Power BI, Excel dashboards) Ability to analyse learning assessment data and translate findings into programme improvements Experience supporting organisational learning, documentation of good practice, and knowledge management Strong networking and partnership-building skillsSkills and AbilitiesEssentialStrong leadership and team management skillsExcellent planning, coordination, and organisational skillsStrong analytical and problem-solving abilitiesAbility to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in challenging environmentsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and representation skillsAbility to work independently and travel regularly to project locationsStrong facilitation and training skillsExperience using monitoring and learning data to inform programme management and adaptive implementationDesirableExperience using data and dashboards to inform project managementStrong facilitation and representation skillsOtherStrong commitment to child safeguarding and protection Flexible, proactive, and solutions-orientedWillingness and ability to travel frequently within South SudanKnowledge of South Sudan's education sector and government systems Street Child’s commitment to Safeguarding:Street Child is committed to the safeguarding and protection of the communities we serve, our partners, our volunteers, and our staff. As part of this commitment to safeguarding, all offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks, including a Criminal Records check. Street Child also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job 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. For purposes hereof, the following definitions will be used:Sexual exploitation: refers to any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, a power differential, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, among other things, with the aim of profiting pecuniarily, socially, or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. Sexual abuse: refers to actual physical harm or threat of physical harm, of a sexual nature, which may occur by force, or in situations of inequality, or coercive conditions.To apply: AET/Street Child welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion, belief, age, or other protected characteristics.Female candidates and qualified persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.Applicants may submit their applications online through the application link provided above or deliver hard copy applications to any AET/Street Child South Sudan office.Please note that this position is subject to donor approval and funding confirmation under the project “Building Resilience of Households and Communities through Integrated Action in South Sudan” (CFEI ID: CFEI/CEF/SSD/2026/016).Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Job Description

Job Title: Project Manager – Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)

Reporting to: Country Director

Technical Reporting Line: Regional Education Advisor / Global Education Programmes Advisor

Contract Type: 6 months, Full time, National Contract

Principal Location: Juba, South Sudan

Deadline for application: 07th July 2026 at 5:00 PM (South Sudan Time).

About AET/Street Child in South Sudan

In South Sudan, AET/Street Child builds on the legacy of the Africa Educational Trust (AET), which worked continuously in the country from 1996 and became part of the Street Child group in 2020. Over nearly three decades, AET established itself as one of South Sudan's leading education organisations, delivering programmes through periods of conflict, transition, independence and humanitarian crisis, while working closely with government, communities, schools and civil society partners. Today, AET/Street Child implements programmes across multiple states focused on foundational learning, teacher development, accelerated education, girls' education, school improvement, education in emergencies and system strengthening, in partnership with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), State Ministries of Education, UNICEF, Education Cannot Wait, FCDO and other development partners to improve access to quality education and learning outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.

Street Child supports children to be safe, in school, and learning. We work with governments, communities, schools, and local organisations to deliver sustainable education solutions in low-resource, conflict-affected, and crisis-affected contexts.

Street Child operates across more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia and has supported more than one million children to access education, improve learning outcomes, and develop pathways to safer and more resilient futures. Our work combines technical expertise in foundational learning, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), teacher professional development, accelerated education, girls' education, school improvement, education in emergencies, community engagement, child protection, and education system strengthening.

Part 1: Role Purpose:

The Project Manager will provide overall leadership, coordination, and management of the UNICEF-funded Targeting and Transforming Learning through Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) project in South Sudan.

The project aims to improve foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes for 17,540 learners across 112 government primary schools in Aweil, Juba, Torit, and Yambio through the implementation of Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), an evidence-based approach that assesses learners according to their current competency levels and provides targeted instruction to accelerate learning. The project will also strengthen the capacity of 336 teachers, 112 school-based mentors, and Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) personnel to institutionalise TaRL approaches within government schools.

The Project Manager will be responsible for ensuring the effective, timely, and high-quality implementation of all project activities, including project planning, budgeting, stakeholder coordination, supervision of project staff and consultants, donor compliance, reporting, and risk management.

Working closely with UNICEF, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), State Ministries of Education, County Education Departments, and participating schools, the Project Manager will ensure the project delivers measurable improvements in learning outcomes while generating evidence to inform future scale-up within the South Sudan education system.

Part 2: Key Responsibilities

General Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with Street Child policies, procedures, safeguarding standards, and donor requirements
• Lead delivery of project objectives in line with UNICEF, MoGEI, and government priorities
• Ensure inclusion of the most vulnerable learners, including girls, children with disabilities, and learners who are over-age or behind grade-level expectations
• Contribute to programme learning, adaptation, documentation, and reporting
• Represent AET/Street Child with government, donor, and coordination stakeholders

Specific Responsibilities:

a. Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead overall planning, implementation, and coordination of the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) project across the target locations of Aweil, Juba, Torit, and Yambio
• Ensure timely and high-quality delivery of all project activities, including training, mentoring, coaching, assessments, and monitoring activities
• Develop and oversee detailed workplans, implementation schedules, and activity trackers to ensure delivery against targets and timelines
• Supervise and support four County Coordinators/Master Trainers, MEAL Officer, and other project personnel
• Ensure effective coordination across project locations and implementation partners
• Monitor progress against project objectives and ensure timely corrective action where required

b. Technical Quality Assurance & Oversight

• Ensure high-quality implementation of the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) methodology in accordance with approved project design and technical guidance
• Oversee training, mentoring, and coaching support provided to teachers, mentors, and Master Trainers
• Ensure project implementation maintains fidelity to agreed TaRL approaches, tools, and assessment methodologies
• Work closely with technical advisors, MoGEI, and UNICEF to strengthen quality assurance and continuous improvement processes
• Promote data-informed programme adaptation, using monitoring and learning data to improve project performance and learning outcomes
• Ensure integration of inclusive, gender-responsive, and child-centred approaches throughout implementation

c. Partnerships, Coordination & Representation

• Lead coordination with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI), State Ministries of Education, County Education Departments, and other relevant government stakeholders
• Maintain strong working relationships with UNICEF and other project partners
• Support government ownership and participation throughout project implementation
• Represent AET/Street Child in Education Cluster meetings, technical working groups, and other relevant coordination forums
• Support dissemination of project learning and evidence to government, UNICEF and other stakeholders to inform future scale-up of TaRL in South Sudan

d. Project Management, Compliance & Reporting

• Oversee project budget management, ensuring effective, efficient, and compliant use of resources
• Ensure compliance with UNICEF requirements, financial procedures, procurement policies, safeguarding standards, and organisational policies
• Lead preparation of high-quality narrative reports, workplans, updates, and donor submissions
• Monitor project risks (operational, financial, safeguarding, and security) and implement mitigation measures as required
• Ensure strong monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) systems are in place and effectively utilised
• Ensure timely documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and project achievements

e. Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Provide day-to-day supervision, support, and performance management for project staff
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture
• Support staff capacity development through coaching, mentoring, and regular performance feedback
• Ensure staff understand and comply with organisational policies, safeguarding standards, and donor requirements
• Promote staff wellbeing, accountability, and professional conduct throughout project implementation

Part 3: Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Education, International Development, or related field

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Education, Development, or related field

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

• Minimum 5–8 years' experience managing large education or development programmes
• Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded projects, including planning, budgeting, reporting, and compliance
• Strong understanding of foundational learning and teacher professional development approaches
• Experience working with government education systems and stakeholders
• Experience managing teams and delivering results in complex, fragile, or humanitarian contexts
• Experience working on TaRL, foundational literacy and numeracy, remedial education, or similar learning improvement programmes
• Experience managing UNICEF, ECW, FCDO, or other institutional donor-funded projects

Desirable

• Prior experience implementing foundational literacy and numeracy education programs with demonstrated impact on learning outcomes.
• Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops, training events, and technical working groups
• Strong report writing and proposal development skills
• Experience using digital data collection and project management tools (e.g. Kobo, CommCare, Power BI, Excel dashboards)
• Ability to analyse learning assessment data and translate findings into programme improvements
• Experience supporting organisational learning, documentation of good practice, and knowledge management
• Strong networking and partnership-building skills

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent planning, coordination, and organisational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in challenging environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and representation skills
• Ability to work independently and travel regularly to project locations
• Strong facilitation and training skills
• Experience using monitoring and learning data to inform programme management and adaptive implementation

Desirable

• Experience using data and dashboards to inform project management
• Strong facilitation and representation skills

Other

• Strong commitment to child safeguarding and protection
• Flexible, proactive, and solutions-oriented
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently within South Sudan
• Knowledge of South Sudan's education sector and government systems

Street Child’s commitment to Safeguarding:

Street Child is committed to the safeguarding and protection of the communities we serve, our partners, our volunteers, and our staff.

As part of this commitment to safeguarding, all offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks, including a Criminal Records check.

Street Child also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job 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. For purposes hereof, the following definitions will be used:

Sexual exploitation: refers to any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, a power differential, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, among other things, with the aim of profiting pecuniarily, socially, or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.

Sexual abuse: refers to actual physical harm or threat of physical harm, of a sexual nature, which may occur by force, or in situations of inequality, or coercive conditions.

To apply:

AET/Street Child welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion, belief, age, or other protected characteristics.

Female candidates and qualified persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants may submit their applications online through the application link provided above or deliver hard copy applications to any AET/Street Child South Sudan office.

Please note that this position is subject to donor approval and funding confirmation under the project “Building Resilience of Households and Communities through Integrated Action in South Sudan” (CFEI ID: CFEI/CEF/SSD/2026/016).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Street Child believes that every child deserves the chance to go to school and learn. Our projects focus on a combination of education, child protection and livelihood support to address the social, economic and structural issues that underpin today’s education crisis. We partner with local organisations and communities to deliver our locally rooted programmes, using evidence to drive learning and the refinement and scale up of programmes to create maximum impact for the most children at the lowest cost. We pride ourselves on being willing to go to the world’s toughest places where others won’t, including remote, hard-to-reach areas and fragile, disaster-affected states across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Since 2008 we have helped over 250,000 children to go to school and learn and supported over 25,000 families to set up businesses so they can afford the cost of educating their children.

Street Child believes that every child deserves the chance to go to school and learn. Our projects focus on a combination of education, child protection and livelihood support to address the social, economic and structural issues that underpin today’s education crisis.

We partner with local organisations and communities to deliver our locally rooted programmes, using evidence to drive learning and the refinement and scale up of programmes to create maximum impact for the most children at the lowest cost. We pride ourselves on being willing to go to the world’s toughest places where others won’t, including remote, hard-to-reach areas and fragile, disaster-affected states across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Since 2008 we have helped over 250,000 children to go to school and learn and supported over 25,000 families to set up businesses so they can afford the cost of educating their children.