Job Summary:
The ECCD (Early Childhood Care and Development) Officer will support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of early childhood programs under the Sustainable Goals Organization for Afghanistan (SGOA). The role focuses on improving access to quality early learning, care, and development services for young children, particularly those from vulnerable groups including returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and underserved communities.
The ECCD Officer will work closely with caregivers, facilitators, community leaders, local authorities, and partners to ensure holistic child development through age-appropriate learning, health, nutrition, protection, and psychosocial support interventions.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Implementation & Support:
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Support the implementation of ECCD activities, including early learning centers, parenting sessions, and child-friendly spaces.
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Ensure ECCD interventions align with national standards, donor requirements, and SGOA’s strategic objectives.
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Assist in planning and coordinating daily ECCD activities to ensure safe, inclusive, and child-centered learning environments.
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Monitor field-level activities and provide timely feedback to improve program quality and effectiveness.
Facilitator Training & Capacity Building:
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Conduct training and refresher sessions for ECCD facilitators, caregivers, and community volunteers on early childhood development principles.
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Support facilitators in applying age-appropriate teaching methods, play-based learning, and positive discipline approaches.
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Assist in the development and use of ECCD learning materials and educational kits.
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Provide regular coaching, mentoring, and technical support to ECCD staff and facilitators.
Community Engagement & Parenting Awareness:
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Engage parents, caregivers, and community leaders to promote the importance of early childhood care and development.
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Organize parenting education sessions focusing on early learning, child health, nutrition, protection, and psychosocial well-being.
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Encourage community ownership and participation in ECCD activities.
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Support community-based mechanisms that enhance child protection and early childhood development outcomes.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:
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Collect, verify, and analyze data related to ECCD activities, attendance, and child development indicators.
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Maintain accurate records and documentation of program activities.
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Prepare regular progress reports, success stories, and case studies for internal and donor reporting.
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Support baseline assessments, evaluations, and lessons-learned exercises to measure program impact.
Coordination & Partnership Development:
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Coordinate with local authorities, community structures, NGOs, and UN agencies working in ECCD and child protection.
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Participate in ECCD and education sector coordination meetings at local and regional levels.
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Support the ECCD Supervisor/Coordinator in strengthening partnerships and ensuring effective collaboration with stakeholders.
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Ensure alignment and integration of ECCD activities with other SGOA programs where applicable.