Country Lead, Namibia

Job Posting Organization:
The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) is an initiative aimed at transforming education financing to achieve real learning and employment outcomes for disadvantaged children and youth. EOF operates globally, focusing on innovative financing models that shift how education is funded and success is measured. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies, to implement impactful educational programs. EOF is part of a broader movement to address the challenges in education systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where traditional approaches have often failed to deliver measurable results. The organization is committed to driving systemic change and improving educational outcomes for children, particularly in regions like Namibia where educational challenges are significant.

Job Overview:
The Country Lead for Namibia will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of EOF’s outcomes fund, which is designed to support education for children in Namibia. This position requires strategic guidance and collaboration with local stakeholders, including government entities, donors, and implementing partners. The Country Lead will be responsible for overseeing the program's execution, ensuring that it aligns with EOF's mission to enhance early childhood development (ECD) in Namibia. This includes managing stakeholder engagement, facilitating governance meetings, and leading workshops aimed at capacity building. The Country Lead will also be tasked with identifying new opportunities for program expansion and ensuring the sustainability of the initiatives through evidence-based policy changes. The role demands a proactive approach to stakeholder management and a commitment to driving educational reforms that benefit the most disadvantaged populations in Namibia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Lead will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Stakeholder Management: Lead EOF’s engagement with government, donors, and implementing partners to further program goals and identify new opportunities. Facilitate formal governance meetings and capacity-strengthening workshops.
• Program Oversight: Oversee the implementation of the program, ensuring adherence to EOF’s standards and objectives. Collaborate with evaluation firms to assess program effectiveness.
• Relationship Building: Develop strong relationships with government and partners to support the application of outcomes-based financing (OBF) principles.
• Reporting and Analysis: Produce reports analyzing program implementation, successes, challenges, and progress towards outcome targets.
• Budget Management: Oversee the program budget and produce financial reports.
• Sustainability Planning: Lead efforts to ensure that program-generated evidence informs public policy and supports long-term sustainability.
• Team Leadership: Manage EOF’s team in Namibia, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Advocacy: Amplify program learnings and results through strategic advocacy efforts.

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 similar field is preferred. The role requires a minimum of 9 years of experience leading programs in Namibia, particularly in the education sector. Candidates should have direct experience working with the Government of Namibia and managing multiple stakeholders across complex projects. Experience with outcomes-based financing and evaluation design is highly desirable, as is prior work with donors and international organizations in the education sector.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a first-level Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Education, International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or Project Management. A Master’s degree in these areas is considered an asset and is preferred for candidates seeking to enhance their qualifications for this senior-level role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 9 years of relevant experience, particularly in leading educational programs within Namibia. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government entities and managing complex stakeholder relationships. Experience in innovative financing models and evaluation management is also beneficial, as it aligns with EOF’s mission to transform education financing and outcomes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Proficiency in Afrikaans is desirable and may enhance communication with local partners and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified at a senior level (ICS 11) and is offered as a regular contract under the ICA - LICA - Specialist category. The contract duration is ongoing, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The successful candidate will be expected to work full-time and may need to engage in various assessments as part of the recruitment process. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.