JITEGEMEE CHILDCARE OFFICER (2 Positions – Matuu & Machakos)
BACKGROUND
Founded in 2002, Jitegemee supports 200 street and destitute children annually in Machakos, Kenya. We provide access to formal and vocational education for street children and teens through scholarships to primary and secondary schools. Our vocational program matches students with skilled artisans in the community. We also provide daily lunch, extra tuition, family counseling, medical care, economic empowerment training, and support to children and their families.
Jitegemee Children’s Program, in collaboration with Machakos County and the University of Nairobi WEE Hub, is jointly implementing a project aimed at developing and evaluating innovative childcare models that promote women’s economic empowerment in Machakos County, Kenya. As part of this initiative, two modern childcare centers have been established in Machakos and Matuu. These centers serve as exemplary models of contemporary childcare facilities, providing a safe and nurturing environment where parents, both women and men, can drop off their children in the morning before heading to work or business, and pick them up in the evening. The centers are staffed by well-trained childcare caregivers employed by the Machakos County government. Children attending these centers benefit from hot, balanced, and nutritious meals, and the facilities are equipped with age-appropriate play materials to support their development.
Based at Matuu or Machakos Childcare Center, the Jitegemee Childcare Officer will assist in the day-to-day operations of the childcare center, ensure the feeding program runs smoothly, and contribute to achieving the project’s objectives.
This position is a 12-month contract including a three-month probation period.
Project Location
- One position in Matuu town.
- One Position in Machakos town.
NB: You can only apply for 1 of the two.
SCOPE OF WORK
Direct Child Care and Development.
- Provide safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care for infants and toddlers.
- Supervise children at all times to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Plan and implement age-appropriate activities that promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development, following the provided curriculum.
- Assist children with daily routines such as feeding, diapering, toileting, and napping.
- Monitor and record developmental milestones and behaviors, reporting concerns to supervisors and parents.
- Support children in developing social skills, independence, and positive behavior.
Health, Safety & Hygiene
- Maintain a clean and safe environment, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Administer first aid and respond promptly to emergencies.
- Ensure proper sanitation of toys, equipment, and learning materials.
- Enforce health and safety standards, as well as center policies and guidelines.
Communication & Collaboration
- Maintain open and regular communication with parents/guardians regarding their child’s progress and concerns.
- Collaborate with colleagues to foster a positive and cooperative team environment.
- Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
Record Keeping & Administrative Duties
- Maintain accurate records of children’s attendance, health information, and developmental progress.
- Assist in preparing reports, lesson plans, and activity documentation.
- Manage daily schedules and activities, ensuring consistency and routine
Managerial & Leadership Responsibilities
- Assist in overseeing daily center operations.
- Ensure timely provision of feeding supplies.
- Ensure the center’s menu is followed.
- Supervise cleaning staff to ensure the premises are clean and maintained.
- Ensure there is an adequate and clean water supply to the center.
- Prepare and share monthly reports for the childcare center by the 5th of each month.
- Prepare daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring the till balances with the records.
- Ensure the center is child-friendly, free of grass and other hazards.
- Keep inventories well-maintained and updated daily.
- Support onboarding and mentoring of new caregivers.
- Coordinate with management on resource needs, inventory, and safety protocols.
Additional Responsibilities
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for children and staff.
- Address and resolve minor behavioral issues according to center policies.
- Participate in community engagement and outreach activities as required.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION
- Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in ECDE or Child Care Giving.
- Clear criminal background check and child abuse clearances as required by local regulations (Certificate of Good Conduct).
- Valid certification in pediatric first aid and CPR is an added advantage.
KEY COMPETENCIES
The successful candidate will possess the following key competencies:
- Minimum of three years’ experience working with infants and toddlers preferred.
- Understanding of developmental milestones and age-appropriate activities for children 0-4 years.
- Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and team members, both verbally and in writing.
- Patience, empathy, and a nurturing attitude towards young children.
- Ability to monitor children’s health, safety, and developmental progress.
- High integrity with a good understanding of child safeguarding practices.
- Strong mobilization skills and knowledge of the local context.
- Good report writing and analytical skills.
- Ability to develop engaging activities and adapt to changing needs.
- Ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrates patience and dedication when working with ECDE children.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
REPORTING
The Childcare Officer will be based in Machakos or Matuu town and report to the School Support Manager.Applications end on 31st Oct. 2025
NOTE: Jitegemee is committed to child protection and safeguarding, and is against all forms of abuse and exploitation.