Program Manager

PROGRAM MANAGER Elimisha Kakuma ABOUT THE ROLE Elimisha Kakuma is looking for a Program Manager to drive the implementation and expansion of its academic and college access initiatives in Kakuma Refugee Camp. You'll be the bridge between our students, teaching teams, and organizational strategy—splitting your time between direct student support (roughly 70%) and program development (roughly 30%). In your student-facing work, you'll manage day-to-day operations at our Kakuma learning center, overseeing curriculum delivery, monitoring student progress, coordinating with instructors and tutors, and ensuring our programs run smoothly. You'll teach courses across academic writing, digital literacy, standardized test preparation, career exploration, and university-level seminars in your area of expertise. You'll guide students through college applications, mentor them on essays, compile application data, write recommendation letters, and prepare academic reports. You'll also coordinate program activities including family days, graduations, field trips, internships, and trips to Nairobi for visa and documentation appointments. On the strategic side, you'll strengthen our curriculum design, develop individualized student support systems, cultivate external partnerships, manage stakeholder relationships, contribute to fundraising and grant applications, and create compelling social media content and monthly updates that connect donors to our on-the-ground work. You'll collaborate with our college counseling team, US-based mentors, host family coordinators, and partner organizations including DRS, UNHCR, and WUSC. WHAT YOU'LL DO Teaching & Academic Support Teach and develop courses in academic writing, digital literacy, language labs, standardized test preparation (DET, SAT), and career exploration. Design and deliver university-level introductory courses aligned with your expertise. Provide comprehensive college application guidance including essay mentoring, application tracking, recommendation letters, and academic transcripts. Program Management & Coordination Plan and implement all Elimisha curricula, coordinate individualized tutoring, manage term scheduling, and oversee program events and activities. Arrange student internships throughout the year, coordinating with partners and students to meet deliverables. Supervise tutors, volunteer teachers, and interns while maintaining regular communication. Team & Stakeholder Coordination Work closely with on-ground facilitators, coordinate volunteer visits, liaise with host family teams on student placements and financial aid, and nurture relationships with refugee services organizations and alumni networks. Monitoring, Fundraising & Communications Track program outcomes and develop evaluation strategies. Contribute to grant applications and fundraising efforts. Create social media content and write monthly updates showcasing daily operations and student experiences. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree or minimum four years of relevant education sector experience. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and develop new projects independently. Preferred Experience Background in education, social impact programs, or refugee assistance contexts. Experience managing teams and collaborating within organizations. Essential Qualities Strong interpersonal and writing skills with the ability to teach academic writing effectively. Excellent organizational and leadership abilities. Comfort navigating diverse cultural contexts and communicating with varied communities. Genuine commitment to Elimisha's core values. Adaptability in challenging, resource-constrained environments. Strong collaborative approach to work. LOCATION & LOGISTICS This position is based in Nairobi with regular site visits to Kakuma Refugee Camp. You should have or be able to obtain a passport and necessary visas for travel to the US and other locations for annual team meetings, conferences, and fundraising activities. While Elimisha Kakuma doesn't maintain dedicated Nairobi office space, you'll work remotely or in-person with the College Counselor as needed. COMPENSATION & COMMITMENT Monthly stipend: $1,500 Travel coverage includes all flights, meals, and accommodation when visiting Kakuma. For conferences, meetings, and fundraising pitches, flights and accommodation are reimbursed with a meal stipend provided. You'll receive one annual round-trip flight home if needed. We're seeking a candidate committed to a three-year engagement. During your first year, you'll shadow and report to the Academic Director.