Country Lead, Namibia

Organizational Context

The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF), hosted by UNOPS Global Portfolios Office, aims to transform education financing and outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged children. In Namibia, EOF is partnering with the government to address the underdeveloped Early Childhood Development (ECD) system. This initiative seeks to leverage an outcomes-based financing approach to improve learning and employment outcomes, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 and Namibia's national education reform plans.

Job Purpose

The Country Lead, Namibia, is responsible for the strategic direction and successful implementation of EOF’s outcomes fund in Namibia. This role involves leading national representation, managing program execution, and fostering strong collaborations with local donors, government ministries, implementing partners, and evaluators. The primary goal is to ensure the smooth and sustainable delivery of education programs, particularly in Early Childhood Development, by securing stakeholder commitment, driving evidence uptake into public systems, and identifying new opportunities to advance EOF's mission and long-term sustainability within the country.

Responsibilities

The Country Lead will manage all aspects of program implementation, including overseeing evaluation processes and ensuring adherence to safeguarding standards. Key duties involve leading stakeholder engagement with government, donors, and partners to foster program goals and identify new opportunities. This includes facilitating governance meetings and capacity-strengthening workshops. The role requires building strong relationships with government to support the understanding and application of outcomes-based financing, and with implementing partners and donors to promote these approaches beyond the program's lifecycle. Additionally, the Country Lead will lead sustainability planning by ensuring program evidence influences public policy and system integration, and will manage the EOF team in Namibia, fostering cross-country learning and knowledge sharing.

Work Experience

A minimum of 9 years of experience is required, specifically in leading programs in Namibia, ideally within the education sector, and direct experience working with the Government of Namibia. Experience leading teams and managing complex, strategic projects with multiple stakeholders is essential. Prior experience with donors, international organizations, outcomes-based financing, or large donor-funded initiatives is desirable.

Skills

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

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