Program Director Job, Global Education Practice at R4D

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify new opportunities for expanding the team’s portfolio of projects both through the development of new concepts and by responding to calls for proposals. Lead responses to such proposals, including assembling teams to craft proposals, crafting technical approaches, and ensuring overall quality of submissions.
• Ensure high-quality delivery of programs with portfolio.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with multiple partners, including government leaders, funders, multilaterals, peer organizations, and local partner organizations,
• Expand the impact of R4D’s education practice by identifying and implementing creative strategies for disseminating work to increase its influence beyond our direct partners.
• Cultivate innovative strategies for promoting the uptake of work among global, regional, and country audiences.
• Lead recruitment efforts for members of the Education practice.
• Manage several staff on Education Team
• Lead cross-cutting set of education team activities, such as the development of a monthly newsletter and agenda development of team meetings.
• Lead and/or contribute to cross-R4D management strategic initiatives. Represent education practice at Program Leadership Group.
• Lead periodic reviews and updates to the education practice strategy.
• Participates fully as a member of R4D by contributing, assisting, and participating in projects, activities, and initiatives as requested by management.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in international development, education, economics, or a related social science field.
• At least twelve years of experience in international education, with at least 5 years of experience in senior-level management positions. Experience overseeing large project portfolios and teams.
• Extensive experience working in Africa and Asia; understands the needs of decision makers in African and/or Asian countries and is experienced at co-designing and implementing efforts to strengthen capacity.
• Experience working in government or very closely with government is highly preferred.
• Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Proven track record of mobilizing financial support for international development projects. Relationships with a range of key international education donors.
• Proven experience conceptualizing and co-creating new project approaches.
• Recognized expertise as a global thought leader in one or more of the following topics: early childhood development, out-of-school children, education financing, EdTech, non-state education, education innovation, or other areas related to education systems.
• Track record of successful mentoring and coaching of mid-level and senior personnel
• Strong organizational skills, and a capacity to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills; including writing for multiple audiences and presenting to a range of different stakeholders (e.g. government officials, researchers, donors). Proficiency in a second language, especially French, is preferred but not required.
• Highly collaborative and approachable team member who is enthusiastic about supporting the team and working closely with other senior leaders at R4D.