ECCD Officer

The Sustainable Goals Organization for Afghanistan (SGOA) is a non-profit NGO established in 2020 and registered with the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Public Health. It operates in various sectors, including WASH, health, education, food security, and livelihood support, providing emergency response and relief to returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in remote and underserved areas. Partnering with organizations such as UNDP, UN Women, and NRC, SGOA aims to enhance livelihoods, promote socio-economic inclusion, and deliver humanitarian assistance. Committed to upholding human rights and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SGOA focuses on economic empowerment, improving quality of life, and integrating individuals with disabilities, while valuing honesty, integrity, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

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:

• Support the implementation of ECCD activities, including early learning centers, parenting sessions, and child-friendly spaces.

• Ensure ECCD interventions align with national standards, donor requirements, and SGOA’s strategic objectives.

• Assist in planning and coordinating daily ECCD activities to ensure safe, inclusive, and child-centered learning environments.

• Monitor field-level activities and provide timely feedback to improve program quality and effectiveness.

Facilitator Training & Capacity Building:

• Conduct training and refresher sessions for ECCD facilitators, caregivers, and community volunteers on early childhood development principles.

• Support facilitators in applying age-appropriate teaching methods, play-based learning, and positive discipline approaches.

• Assist in the development and use of ECCD learning materials and educational kits.

• Provide regular coaching, mentoring, and technical support to ECCD staff and facilitators.

Community Engagement & Parenting Awareness:

• Engage parents, caregivers, and community leaders to promote the importance of early childhood care and development.

• Organize parenting education sessions focusing on early learning, child health, nutrition, protection, and psychosocial well-being.

• Encourage community ownership and participation in ECCD activities.

• Support community-based mechanisms that enhance child protection and early childhood development outcomes.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:

• Collect, verify, and analyze data related to ECCD activities, attendance, and child development indicators.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation of program activities.

• Prepare regular progress reports, success stories, and case studies for internal and donor reporting.

• Support baseline assessments, evaluations, and lessons-learned exercises to measure program impact.

Coordination & Partnership Development:

• Coordinate with local authorities, community structures, NGOs, and UN agencies working in ECCD and child protection.

• Participate in ECCD and education sector coordination meetings at local and regional levels.

• Support the ECCD Supervisor/Coordinator in strengthening partnerships and ensuring effective collaboration with stakeholders.

• Ensure alignment and integration of ECCD activities with other SGOA programs where applicable.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Development, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field (Master's degree preferred). 

Experience:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience in ECCD, education programs, early learning initiatives, or child-focused development projects.

• Demonstrated experience in ECCD program implementation, facilitator or caregiver training, and community-based education activities.

• Previous experience working with NGOs, INGOs, or UN-funded projects is highly desirable.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of Early Childhood Care and Development principles, including play-based and child-centered learning approaches.

• Knowledge of child development stages, early learning curricula, and age-appropriate teaching methodologies.

• Experience in project coordination, field monitoring, data collection, and report writing.

• Familiarity with donor-funded programs, humanitarian education standards, and integrated ECCD approaches (education, protection, health, and nutrition).

• Basic computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, and reporting tools.

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills for effective engagement with parents, caregivers, facilitators, and community leaders.

• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and resource-limited settings.

• Good problem-solving skills, flexibility, and adaptability in challenging environments.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accountability.

Language Skills:

• Fluency in Dari and Pashto is required.

• Working knowledge of English is preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to field locations, including remote and insecure areas, as required.

• Strong commitment to child safeguarding, child protection, gender equity, and inclusive programming.

• Adherence to organizational values and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Candidates who meet the above-mentioned criteria are invited to apply through the submission link provided below. Applicants are required to upload their updated CV and cover letter and ensure that all requested documents are clear and complete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Qualified local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration.