Play Associate

Role Summary

• The Play Associate is a pivotal role aimed at embedding creativity, play, and innovation into our organization’s culture. We believe that play is a powerful tool for learning and are confident that it is the key to unlocking healthy, playful and cohesive communities. The Play Associate will support the head of play in integrating play into our core processes and supporting the implementation of our Learning Through Play Initiative in school especially in the integration of LtP in classrooms in alignment with CBC, additionally measuring LtP outcomes through stakeholder and organization engagement as envisioned in the workplan. Given this is the first year of implementation, the associate role will be pivotal in coordinating classroom activities, managing relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring the successful implementation of learning through play programs for early childhood learners, all grade learners in line with CBC, and with staff. The incumbent must be creative, energetic, enjoy play in total spheres to be able influence engagement with the targeted audience. The success of this role overall shall therefore be measured through adoption of play in system activities with the learners and in the organisation to spur creativity, strengthen the bond and explore the benefits of play in general.
• We are seeking a dynamic candidate with a passion for creating transformative change in communities through harnessing the power of play. This position will report directly to the Head of Play.

Key Responsibilities

• LtP program implementation support: Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of program activities.
• Stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including schools, community organizations, and local authorities.
• Field capacity building session with learner/teachers: Organize and conduct training sessions for educators i.e. System teachers and Fellows including staff on the principles and practices of learning through play.
• Research, Reporting and Publication awareness: Be at the forefront to showcase successes of institutions that have adopted learning through play to catalyze/model LtP initiatives into scale. The associate will also collect and analyze data to assess the impact of program activities.

Key Functions/Accountabilities:

Program Implementation (20%)

• Help implement creative strategy for play integration at the classroom level under the tutelage of head of play
• Support in creating spaces and supporting teams within TFK to incorporate play in their practices.
• Prepare periodic program reports as per the work plan to ensure alignment with the overall program objectives and timelines.

Stakeholder Engagement (10%)

• Track stakeholder inputs as submitted by the Head of Play in driving visibility of desired outcome from the country government, Donor partners and leveraging on the goodwill in the partner school to drive prompt communication and collaboration on LtP initiatives.
• Facilitate focus group discussions to stir conversations and deliverables as per plan
• Co-create play agenda with stakeholders and track metrics of learner engagement, learner retention, cognitive retention of technical concepts and collaboration amongst learners and teams
• Prepare compelling reports on play for consideration especially in curriculum development and teacher training.

Training and Awareness (20%)

• Support the training of system teachers and caregivers to provide knowledge and awareness on learning through play approaches for all learner i.e. EDCE & All grade learners
• Support the co-creation of materials for the implementation of LtP both at school and at home
• Champion the importance of play within the organization, ensuring leadership and staff understand its benefits and implement supportive policies.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Reporting (20%)

• Conduct periodic classroom observations to document the impact of LtP in schools
• Generate quarterly reports to document the impact of LtP in schools and communities
• Provide updates to donors on project progress and realized successes attributed to LtP
• Support the creation of materials, i.e images, videos, and reels, to highlight the impact of the project
• Recommend remedial approach towards acceleration of program strategies.

Resource Allocation and Mobilization (20%)

• Support in managing and distribution of resources to support the implementation of the Learning Through Play Initiative
• Undertake field initiatives as per allocated budget
• Scout for potential collaborators to support the Learning Through Play Initiative including vetting of the implementation approach inline with the work plan

Staff Engagement (10%)

• Foster a culture of play and creativity within the staff team.
• Organize team-building activities and workshops that incorporate play-based methods to enhance team cohesion and morale.

Key Performance Indicators

• Success rate of Program based milestones linking LtP to derive pleasure, meaning, social interaction and active engagement, children initiative and/or decision making skills
  • Success rate % of stakeholder involvement in play activities
  • Number of capacity building activities
  • Analyzed beneficiary feedback
  • Hours allocated in school timetables towards LtP
• Teacher and Caregiver satisfaction and participation level of LtP
• Donor satisfaction with project outcomes
• Error free reports and documentation related to the Learning Through Play Initiative
• Visible implementation of Innovation approaches (targeted plays to cultivate this)
• Completion of findings reports/Studies to aid LtP decisions (Accuracy, inclusive of target group inputs at the data collection stages)
• Engagement rate through Team Building through direct play sessions (Contributor to positive work environment promoter, Strengthening of relationships at work across all cadres)
• Learners retention through play initiatives
  • Wellbeing exercises
  • Confidence index
  • Social relations
  • Learning and engagement style

Qualifications – Education, Experience, Skills, and Belief

• 3-5yrs years of experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Education with specialisation in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE).
• Experience in incorporating LtP in the classroom and demonstrating indicators of success inline with the Competency Based Curriculum
• Exposure in program management, preferably non-profit sector will be an added advantage evidenced with a certification
• Creativity and Innovation: Strong ability to cultivate innovative solutions and inspire creative practices throughout the organization.
• Interactive and Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to lead teams and effectively convey the value of play to varied stakeholders.
• Learning and Development Insight: Understanding of pedagogical strategies and child/adult developmental processes influenced by play.
• Gamification and UX Design Knowledge: Experience in applying gamification principles to enhance user experience and engagement.
• Research and Analytical Skills: Proficiency in measuring and analyzing the effectiveness of play-related initiatives to inform strategy

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and contact information for thre professional references to peopleandculture@teachforkenya.org. Please include “Play Associate” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.