As a member of our team, you will be responsible for executing key duties aligned with the position’s primary objectives. This includes performing tasks that contribute to operational efficiency while adhering to established policies and procedures. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless workflows and support organizational goals through diligent execution of assigned responsibilities. Additionally, you will maintain accurate documentation, meet deadlines, and uphold high standards of professionalism in all interactions.
The Global Ed team is seeking 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 implementation in Kenya, drive the adoption of educational technology (edtech) and artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning, and produce and disseminate evidence-based insights to guide and strengthen government-led foundational learning initiatives across the region.
The Product Owner will spearhead the creation and oversight of a dynamic portfolio encompassing applied research, innovation initiatives, and implementation assistance. This involves pinpointing and evaluating impactful interventions in Kenya while extending support to initiatives throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, driving advancements in educational technology and artificial intelligence-enabled solutions, and synthesizing critical factors for success across diverse settings. Additionally, the position will engage and harness perspectives from subject-matter experts, promote the adoption of evidence-based findings, and foster their integration in resource-constrained environments.
The Program Officer will foster strategic collaborations with country partners while engaging directly with education leaders and partner organizations to enhance learning outcomes at the system level. They will oversee a portfolio of grants and contracts, applying expertise in investment management, monitoring, and evaluation. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong grasp of education evidence and a proven track record in implementing large-scale programs effectively.
The role involves collaborating extensively with cross-functional colleagues and other foundation teams focused on education and related fields to share insights and maximize partnership opportunities, such as with the K-12 Education Team and functional divisions like Digital Public Infrastructure and Philanthropic Partnerships. Additionally, the position will assist the foundation in engaging with philanthropists and external partners to secure new funding and drive improvements in children’s literacy outcomes.
The position is situated in Nairobi, Kenya, and aligns under the supervision of the Director of Economic Opportunity, with a secondary reporting line to the Deputy Director of Innovation and Country Implementation.
What You’ll Do
Design and oversee a diversified investment portfolio aimed at enhancing foundational learning outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing large-scale program implementations in Kenya, broader African interventions, and evaluations of edtech and AI innovations. Evaluate grant proposals and deliver well-reasoned, succinct written analyses and funding recommendations.
You will oversee the Kenya portfolio within Sub-Saharan Africa, collaborating with local partners, the Ministry of Education, education Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies, and the broader education community. Your responsibilities will include designing and implementing studies, conducting field evaluations, and analyzing findings to ensure programs remain responsive to real-time data and actionable insights. Additionally, you will build and enhance the capabilities of local partners to strengthen implementation and amplify the impact of initiatives.
Develop and sustain strategic collaborations with essential government stakeholders, researchers, implementers, practitioners, and donors across sub-Saharan Africa to facilitate, design, and evaluate interventions aimed at enhancing early grade literacy and numeracy outcomes on a large scale while deepening insights into the factors influencing implementation effectiveness. Prioritize research questions that align with national priorities and work in close coordination with Global Education colleagues to translate evidence-based findings into impactful, country-specific programming.
Collaborate with grantees and strategic partners to enhance project outcomes and confirm that grants align with strategic objectives, which may involve conducting site visits, delivering operational support, organizing meetings with key stakeholders, and overseeing the monitoring and evaluation components of grants.
As a key contributor, you will provide strategic leadership and collaborate with the Global Ed team and the foundation as a trusted advisor in high-level discussions. Your role involves shaping strategic frameworks and execution roadmaps to drive lasting sustainability and meaningful impact. Additionally, you will craft insightful written analyses and communications tailored to engage stakeholders at every organizational level.
Work collaboratively with donors and philanthropic organizations to establish co-funding and partnership opportunities aimed at attracting additional resources for foundational learning, ultimately enhancing outcomes.
Proactively cultivate and oversee relationships alongside coordinated investment planning with diverse colleagues and collaborative partners. Work in tandem with Global Ed colleagues to consistently enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Act as the foundation’s representative at regional forums, actively advocating for the widespread adoption and implementation of proven, evidence-based literacy interventions.
Your Experience
We seek an accomplished education leader with a strong grasp of early grade education, exceptional skills in fostering strategic partnerships, and a commitment to enhancing learning outcomes. This role offers a rare chance to influence global education by driving transformative change and delivering tangible improvements in foundational learning. You will oversee a dynamic portfolio of high-impact investments designed to boost learning outcomes in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, you will spearhead applied research efforts, engage with national and regional education stakeholders, and advocate for systemic reforms grounded in evidence-based innovation.
A bachelor’s degree in education or a related discipline, coupled with at least five years of senior-level experience—or its equivalent—is required.
Professional candidates will have a proven track record in educational instruction and the execution or facilitation of extensive initiatives aimed at enhancing early grade performance in Sub-Saharan Africa, coupled with a deep familiarity with the global research landscape.
A robust grasp of AI and edtech is essential, particularly in leveraging these technologies to enhance teaching and learning outcomes, understanding their scalability within educational systems, and assessing the effectiveness of both digital and non-digital solutions for students through rigorous testing at progressively larger scales.
Demonstrated expertise in cultivating and overseeing high-impact, balanced partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders, including senior leadership, educational institutions, and implementation teams.
Proven expertise in leveraging soft skills to resolve conflicts, mediate disputes, and foster team alignment. Strong interpersonal abilities demonstrated through the capacity to cultivate and maintain collaborative partnerships, along with adept matrix management capabilities.
Proven capability to independently resolve intricate challenges, exhibiting exceptional creativity, sustained energy, and an optimistic mindset.
Exceptional project and team leadership capabilities are required, encompassing the capacity to guide strategic planning, establish unified objectives and implementation strategies, allocate priorities, conduct productive meetings, oversee financial resources, foster agreement, and operate with both independence and teamwork.
Demonstrated mastery in both verbal and written communication, with the ability to distill complex information into concise, actionable recommendations and messaging tailored to varied stakeholders, fostering alignment and consensus.
Seasoned professionals with hands-on experience overseeing donor-funded initiatives—whether as a grantee or grant maker—are sought, requiring strong financial stewardship, meticulous performance tracking, and full accountability for portfolio management, including receipt and reporting obligations.
Demonstrated ability to thrive in unclear or dynamic environments, effectively guiding teams through periods of transition and uncertainty.
Demonstrates adaptability, precision, and strong interpersonal skills, thriving in both independent and team-based settings while maintaining diplomatic engagement and rigorous standards.
Other Attributes
Proficient in navigating diverse cultural, geographic, and operational settings, consistently exhibiting culturally aware conduct with individuals from varied backgrounds and upholding a strong dedication to development challenges and exceptional personal ethics.
Eligible to work legally in the country of employment without requiring visa sponsorship from the employer.
Displays readiness to undertake travel commitments, amounting to as much as 30% of working hours.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 years
