Country Lead, South Africa

Organizational Context

The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF), part of the UNOPS Global Portfolios Office, aims to transform education financing and delivery, particularly for disadvantaged children. Operating in South Africa in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, EOF manages a significant $30 million Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Outcomes Fund. This initiative focuses on improving ECCE quality and informing future outcomes-based funding models through innovative approaches and partnerships.

Job Purpose

The Country Lead, South Africa, is responsible for the strategic direction and successful implementation of the EOF's ECCE outcomes fund. This role involves leading stakeholder engagement with government, donors, and implementing partners to advance EOF's objectives and secure support. The Country Lead will represent EOF nationally, oversee program delivery, and drive efforts to identify new opportunities for growth and sustainability. A key aspect of the role is ensuring that evidence generated by the program influences public systems and policy implementation, contributing to long-term systemic change in early childhood education.

Responsibilities

The Country Lead will manage and strengthen partnerships with government, donors, and implementing partners, identifying opportunities to expand EOF's impact and influence new donor programming. This includes preparing for and facilitating governance meetings, and conducting workshops on topics such as evaluation design and sustainability. The role involves overseeing the entire program implementation, including evaluation, and building strong relationships with government to ensure decision-making is informed by EOF's advice. Safeguarding standards must be maintained, and site visits conducted to validate progress. Financial oversight and reporting are also key responsibilities. Furthermore, the Country Lead will lead sustainability planning, ensuring program evidence shapes public policy and integrates into public systems, while also steering EOF's strategic positioning and advocacy efforts in South Africa. People management of the local EOF team is also a critical function.

Work Experience

A minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience is required with a Bachelor's degree (7 years with a Master's). Experience leading programs in South Africa, particularly in the education/ECCE sector, and direct experience working with the South African government are essential. Experience managing teams and multiple stakeholders is also necessary. Prior experience with donors, international organizations, results-based financing, or innovative delivery models is desirable.

Skills

Cross-functional Team Leadership, Problem Solving, Project Delivery, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Planning, Time Management, Results Oriented.

Explore related opportunities