Regional Goal Getter Project lead – Durban

Position Identification

Position Title:  Regional Goal Getter Project lead

Department: Programs

Organisation:  Islamic Relief South Africa

Location: Durban

Reports to:  Orphans & Child Welfare National Goal-Getters  Project Manager

Purpose of Position

• To oversee and supervise the implementation, and complete the administrative aspect of the Goal-Getters project with:
  • Partnered educational centres implementing the project, and
  • The senior care worker within the region who oversees the implementation of the project with orphans from the Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP).
• To oversee the provision of direct, holistic care and support to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) within your service region based on the concept of the Goal-Getters Project.
• To ensure the safety, well-being, and development of children enrolled in the Goal-Getters project
• To monitor the progress and development of children across the six dimensions of care: Academic Development; Spiritual Development; Physical Health & Wellbeing; Social & Emotional Wellbeing; Financial Literacy & Empowerment; Personal Growth & Self Development.
• To collect and document data for programme planning, reporting, and impact assessment.
• To uphold the safeguarding, child protection, and ethical standards of the organisation in all aspects.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Coordination

• Establish, manage, and oversee the implementation of the Goal-Getters Project within your service region across both OSP and Educational Centres/Schools.
• Receive and review project-related updates from the Senior Care Worker, who supervises the care workers/mentors working directly with OSP children.
• Work closely with the Educational Centres Lead (EC Lead) to coordinate project activities, track children’s progress, and ensure alignment between centre-based and home-based interventions.
• Ensure seamless communication between care workers, educators, community leaders, and other stakeholders to maintain a consistent project approach.

Personal Development Plans (PDPs)

• Oversee and support the development, implementation, and assessment of PDPs for all Goal-Getters children (OSP and Educational Centres) aligned with the six dimensions of care.
• Ensure PDPs are completed on time, monitored effectively, and updated based on the child’s progress and needs

Child Monitoring & Support

• Monitor the progress of OSP children through regular updates and field information provided by the Senior Care Worker
• Conduct direct monitoring of children in Educational Centres, including attendance, behaviour, participation, and project engagement, working closely with each educational centre’s project lead
• Liaise with educators and care workers to support children’s development across the project six dimensions
• Identify safeguarding concerns and escalate them immediately in line with IRSA/IRW safeguarding policies

Home, School, and Centre Visits

• Conduct monthly school/centre visits and selected home visits (especially complex cases or escalated concerns) to assess well-being, living conditions, and progress.
• Support the Senior Care Worker in ensuring the quality and accuracy of home-visit follow-ups conducted by care workers

Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish strong professional relationships with caregivers, educators, community leaders, and partner institutions within the region
• Conduct monthly meetings with liaison persons and community leaders to discuss project progress, risks, and opportunities
• Assist in organizing community events, awareness activities, and life-skills workshops where needed

Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure all child-level records are complete, accurate, and up to date (both digital and hard copies) in line with IRSA and IRW data standards
• Maintain regional project documentation, including OVC files, PDP portfolios, and activity records
• Submit monthly and quarterly narrative reports to the National Goal-Getters Project Manager, capturing progress, challenges, risks, and success stories.
• Develop and submit case studies to support fundraising and marketing efforts for the Goal-Getters Project

Quality Assurance & Risk Management

• Ensure all activities adhere to IRSA/IRW safeguarding policies and maintain the dignity and confidentiality of children and families
• Monitor risks, challenges, and gaps in project implementation and propose solutions
• Identify and share best practices by networking with organizations working in child development, psychosocial support, and OVC programming

Educational Qualification:

• Degree or diploma in Education, Social Work, Psychology, Development Studies, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in youth development, community programming, education programmes, or case management
• Experience supervising field teams (mentors, care workers, facilitators) is highly advantageous
• Experience working with vulnerable children or orphan support programmes is preferred

Skills & Knowledge Required

• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
• Ability to work with children, schools, community leaders, and households sensitively and professionally
• Good monitoring, evaluation, and reporting skills
• Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding protocols
• Ability to supervise and mentor staff
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Other Job Related Conditions

• Assist with program-related tasks and activities as and when the need arises, including supporting other team members and collaborating across departments.
• Willingness to work after hours, when required, to meet the needs of OVCs or respond to emergencies, ensuring the continuity of care and support.
• Report any legal matters or incidents relating to OVCs expeditiously to the line manager, ensuring compliance with child protection policies and legal requirements.
• Ensure the holistic well-being of each OVC entrusted to IRSA, addressing their physical, emotional, educational, and social needs through tailored interventions.
• Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures, including child protection, health and safety, and ethical guidelines.
• Participate in training and capacity-building sessions to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role and responsibilities.
• Maintain a flexible attitude towards role adjustments, being open to new tasks or changes in program direction as required by the needs of the OVCs or organizational goals.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders (e.g., community leaders, social services, and other organizations) to promote the well-being and safety of OVCs.

Key Islamic Relief Qualities Required

• It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with Islamic values and principles as well as commitment to IR’s vision and mission as per below:

• Excellence (Ihsan): Our actions in tackling poverty are marked by excellence in our operations and conduct which are deserving of the people we serve.
• Sincerity (Ikhlas): In responding to poverty and suffering our efforts are driven by sincerity to God and the need to fulfil our obligations to humanity
• Social Justice (Adl): Our work is founded on enabling people and institutions to fulfil the rights of the poor and vulnerable. We work to empower the dispossessed towards realising their God-given human potential and developing their capabilities and resources.
• Compassion (Rahma): We believe the protection and well-being of every life is of paramount importance and we shall join with other humanitarian actors to act as one in responding to suffering brought on by disasters, poverty and injustice.
• Custodianship (Amana): We uphold our duty of custodianship over the earth, its resources and the trust people place in us as humanitarian and development practitioners to be transparent and accountable.