As a member of our team, you will be responsible for fulfilling a key role within the organization, contributing to critical projects and initiatives. This position requires a proactive approach, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Additionally, you will be expected to demonstrate expertise in [specific area if mentioned], meet project deadlines, and maintain high standards of quality in all deliverables. The ideal candidate will possess [X years] of relevant experience, proficiency in [specific tools or systems], and exceptional problem-solving abilities to drive innovative solutions.
The Global Ed team seeks a Program Officer (PO) to develop and oversee high-impact investments aimed at enhancing foundational learning outcomes throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This position will facilitate country-level execution in Kenya, promote the integration of educational technology (edtech) and artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning practices, and produce and disseminate evidence-based insights on effective strategies. These efforts will inform and strengthen government-led foundational learning initiatives across the region.
The Portfolio Officer will spearhead the development and strategic oversight of a diverse portfolio encompassing applied research, innovation initiatives, and implementation support. Responsibilities include identifying and evaluating impactful interventions in Kenya while extending support to initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on advancing edtech and AI-driven solutions. Additionally, the role involves analyzing and extracting key success factors across varying contexts. The position will engage and mobilize insights from subject-matter experts, promote the dissemination of findings, and facilitate the adoption of evidence-based practices in resource-constrained settings.
The Program Officer will cultivate country partnerships and engage directly with educational leaders and partner organizations across regions to enhance learning outcomes at the system level. They will oversee a portfolio of grants and contracts, applying investment management, monitoring, and evaluation skills to ensure effective implementation. The ideal candidate will possess a robust knowledge of the education evidence base and extensive experience in large-scale program execution.
The successful candidate will collaborate extensively with cross-functional colleagues and other foundation divisions focused on education and related fields to share insights and maximize collaborative opportunities, including the K-12 Education Team and key functional units such as Digital Public Infrastructure and Philanthropic Partnerships. Additionally, you will assist the foundation in engaging with donors and external partners to secure additional funding, thereby advancing literacy initiatives for children.
The position is situated in Nairobi, Kenya, reporting to the Director of Economic Opportunity, with a secondary reporting line to the Deputy Director overseeing Innovation and Country Implementation.
What You’ll Do
Design and oversee a strategic investment portfolio aimed at strengthening foundational learning outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing large-scale program implementations in Kenya, expanded interventions throughout the region, and the evaluation of innovative edtech and AI solutions. Evaluate grant proposals and deliver well-reasoned, succinct written assessments and funding recommendations.
As the lead for the Kenya portfolio in Sub-Saharan Africa, collaborate with local partners, the Ministry of Education, education Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies, and the broader education community. Design, implement, and oversee rigorous study methodologies, field evaluations, and comprehensive analyses of results to ensure programs remain agile and data-driven. Foster and enhance the capabilities of local partners to optimize implementation and amplify overall impact.
To foster robust collaborations with essential government stakeholders, researchers, implementers, practitioners, and donors throughout sub-Saharan Africa, focus on cultivating and sustaining partnerships that drive the development, design, and evaluation of interventions aimed at enhancing early grade literacy and numeracy outcomes at scale, as well as deepening the understanding of implementation effectiveness drivers. Prioritize aligning research questions with national priorities to ensure demand-driven insights, while working in close coordination with Global Ed colleagues to transform evidence into actionable, country-specific programming strategies.
Consult with grantees and strategic partners to enhance project outcomes and ensure alignment with organizational objectives. This may involve conducting site visits, delivering operational support, facilitating collaborative meetings among key stakeholders, and overseeing both monitoring and evaluation components of grant initiatives.
Lead strategic discussions and act as a trusted advisor to leadership within the Global Education team and the foundation. Collaborate in developing long-term strategies and execution plans to drive sustainable impact. Craft clear, insightful analyses and communications to facilitate meaningful engagement across all organizational levels.
Partner with donors and philanthropic organizations to develop co-funding and collaboration initiatives aimed at securing additional resources for foundational learning, thereby enhancing educational outcomes.
Successfully cultivate and oversee relationships while coordinating concurrent investment planning with diverse colleagues and shared partners. Work in close collaboration with Global Ed colleagues to drive ongoing enhancements in operational efficiency and effectiveness.
As your regional representative, you will advocate for the foundation at local and regional forums, actively promoting the widespread implementation and scaling of evidence-based literacy interventions proven to be successful.
Your Experience
We seek a seasoned education leader with a profound grasp of early grade education, a proven ability to forge strategic partnerships, and a commitment to enhancing learning outcomes. This is an exceptional chance to contribute to transformative change in education systems and deliver tangible improvements in foundational learning on a global scale. Your role will involve designing and overseeing a high-impact investment portfolio focused on advancing learning outcomes in Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa. You will spearhead applied research projects, engage with national and regional education stakeholders, and champion evidence-based reforms to drive systemic innovation.
A bachelor’s degree in education or a closely related discipline, coupled with a minimum of five years of advanced-level professional experience, is required, along with comparable qualifications.
Professional candidates will possess a proven track record in educational instruction and the execution or facilitation of large-scale initiatives aimed at enhancing early grade performance across Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, they should exhibit a deep comprehension of the global research and best practices in this field.
Possesses a robust grasp of artificial intelligence and educational technology, encompassing their roles in enhancing instructional quality and student learning outcomes, the scalability of edtech and AI interventions within educational systems, and expertise in evaluating—at progressively larger scales—the effectiveness and appropriateness of both technological and non-technological solutions for learners.
Skilled in cultivating and overseeing robust, balanced partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders, including senior leadership, educational institutions, and implementation teams.
Proven expertise in leveraging soft skills, resolving conflicts, and fostering agreement among stakeholders. Strong interpersonal capabilities with a track record of establishing and maintaining productive collaborative partnerships, along with adept matrix management abilities.
Solves intricate issues independently, exhibiting strong creativity, relentless drive, and an optimistic outlook.
With exceptional expertise in project and team leadership, the ability to drive strategic initiatives, establish shared objectives and actionable execution plans, prioritize tasks effectively, conduct productive meetings, manage financial resources, foster consensus, and demonstrate proficiency in both independent and collaborative work environments is essential.
Proficient in both verbal and written communication, with a strong ability to distill complex information into concise, actionable recommendations and messages tailored to engage varied stakeholders and foster alignment.
With a proven track record in overseeing donor-funded initiatives—whether as a grantee or grant maker—you will oversee the receipt of funds and ensure accurate performance reporting, assuming full responsibility for portfolio management.
Demonstrated ability to thrive in unclear or evolving situations while supporting teams through transitions and shifting priorities.
Demonstrates adaptability and maintains a disciplined approach while collaborating effectively with diverse teams and navigating complex dynamics with tact and professionalism.
Other Attributes
Able to thrive in diverse cultural, geographical, and operational contexts, the ideal candidate exhibits strong cultural awareness while engaging with a broad spectrum of individuals. They maintain an unwavering dedication to addressing development challenges and upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and personal integrity.
Eligibility to work legally within the country where this position is based without the need for visa sponsorship is mandatory.
Requires the ability to travel up to 30% of the time.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 years
