Program Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. It offers an exceptional benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions funded by the foundation, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Global Education (Global Ed) team is seeking a Program Officer (PO) to design and manage impactful investments aimed at enhancing foundational learning outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. This role will involve supporting the implementation of educational initiatives in Kenya, promoting the use of educational technology (edtech) and artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning, and generating evidence to inform government-led foundational learning initiatives across the region. The PO will oversee a portfolio that includes applied research, innovation, and implementation support, focusing on identifying and testing effective interventions in Kenya while also supporting broader initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa. The role requires collaboration with experts and stakeholders to disseminate insights and facilitate the adoption of evidence-based practices in low-resource contexts. The PO will also be responsible for building partnerships with country and regional education leaders and managing a portfolio of grants and contracts, necessitating strong investment management, monitoring, and evaluation skills. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the education evidence base and experience in large-scale program implementation, contributing to the foundation's mission of improving educational outcomes for children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will be responsible for designing and managing a portfolio of investments aimed at advancing foundational learning outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Kenya portfolio, collaborating with local partners, the Ministry of Education, and education agencies to implement programs effectively.
• Reviewing grant proposals and providing insightful analyses and recommendations for funding.
• Developing and overseeing study designs and field evaluations, ensuring programming is responsive to real-time data.
• Strengthening local partners' capacity to maximize impact and drive implementation.
• Maintaining partnerships with government stakeholders, researchers, and donors to support and test interventions that improve literacy and numeracy outcomes.
• Ensuring research questions align with country priorities and collaborating with Global Ed colleagues to translate evidence into effective programming.
• Consulting with grantees to enhance project impact and ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Leading strategic discussions within the Global Ed team and contributing to long-term sustainability and impact strategies.
• Preparing written communications to engage stakeholders at all organizational levels. 1
• Collaborating with donors to create co-funding opportunities for foundational learning initiatives. 1
• Managing relationships and concurrent investment planning with multiple partners. 1
• Representing the foundation in regional forums to advocate for evidence-driven literacy interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, along with a minimum of 5 years of senior-level experience or equivalent qualifications. They should demonstrate expertise in pedagogy and experience in implementing large-scale programs aimed at improving early grade outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. A strong understanding of AI and edtech, including their application in enhancing teaching and learning quality, is essential. Candidates should also have experience in developing and managing equitable partnerships with senior decision-makers and education partners, showcasing strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships. Additionally, candidates must exhibit problem-solving abilities, creativity, and a positive attitude, along with outstanding project and team leadership skills.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is required, with a preference for candidates who have advanced degrees or specialized training in education, pedagogy, or a related discipline. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in educational theory and practice, particularly in the context of early grade learning and literacy development.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of senior-level experience in education, particularly in roles focused on improving early grade learning outcomes. Experience in managing donor-funded portfolios, either as a grantee or grantmaker, is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of implementing and supporting large-scale educational programs, demonstrating a deep understanding of the global evidence base related to education.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the regions of operation, such as Swahili or French, would be considered an asset and beneficial for engaging with local partners and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and requires the ability to legally work in the country without visa sponsorship. The role may involve travel up to 30% of the time to engage with partners and stakeholders across sub-Saharan Africa. The foundation is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience, offering accommodations for candidates with disabilities or medical conditions. The hiring process will include a background check, and the foundation emphasizes its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all employment practices.