Country Lead, South Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) is an initiative aimed at transforming how education is funded and delivered, particularly focusing on early childhood care and education (ECCE) in South Africa. EOF is part of a global movement to improve education financing and outcomes, especially for disadvantaged children and youth. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments and international partners, to ensure effective implementation of educational programs and initiatives. EOF is recognized for its innovative approaches to education funding and its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Country Lead for South Africa will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of EOF's ECCE outcomes fund, which involves providing strategic guidance and ensuring successful program delivery. This role requires engaging with local donors, government officials, and partner stakeholders to promote EOF's objectives. The Country Lead will represent EOF at a national level, manage stakeholder relationships, and identify new opportunities for program expansion. The position is crucial for influencing policy changes and ensuring the sustainability of educational initiatives in South Africa. The successful candidate will be part of a mission-driven team focused on driving systemic change in the education sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Lead will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Stakeholder Management: Lead EOF's engagement with government, donors, and implementing partners to further program goals. Facilitate governance meetings and capacity-strengthening workshops.
• Program Oversight: Oversee the implementation of the ECCE outcomes fund, ensuring adherence to program objectives and evaluation standards.
• Relationship Building: Develop influential relationships with government and stakeholders to promote outcomes-based financing and policy changes.
• Reporting: Produce end-of-year reports analyzing program implementation, successes, and challenges.
• Budget Management: Oversee program budgets and financial reporting.
• Sustainability Planning: Develop long-term sustainability strategies based on program evidence and stakeholder input.
• Team Leadership: Manage and build the EOF team in South Africa, ensuring effective operations and team success.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level Bachelor’s degree in Education, International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a related field. A Master's degree in a relevant area is desired. The role requires a minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience with a Bachelor's degree or 7 years with a Master's degree. Experience in leading programs in South Africa, particularly in the education or ECCE sector, is essential. Candidates should have direct experience working with the Government of South Africa and managing multiple stakeholders across projects.

Educational Background:
A first-level Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master's degree in Education, International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of educational programs and policy implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Bachelor's degree, or 7 years for those with a Master's degree. Candidates should have experience leading educational programs in South Africa, ideally within the ECCE sector. Direct experience working with government entities and managing diverse stakeholders is also necessary. Desired experience includes working with donors and international organizations in the education sector, as well as familiarity with outcomes-based financing and evaluation design.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language of communication within the organization and for stakeholder engagement.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a Senior Level role (ICS 11) and is offered as an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) under the LICA - Specialist - Regular contract type. The contract duration is ongoing, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The application deadline is set for midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of 06-Aug-202

• UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.