Are you a strategic senior programme leader with a background in international development, education research, evaluation, or assessment? If so, fancy joining an international organisation whose mission is to help children and young people get the best education possible and make a positive, lasting impact with a leading charity?
The opportunities and quality of life available to children and young people worldwide arise directly from the education they receive. And yet, in much of the world, many children are not accessing a quality education. We are committed to helping those formulating education policies and programmes to make better decisions and deliver equitable and inclusive access to a quality education for all children. We do this by working with partners and the global education community to generate data and evidence and to provide analysis and insights that directly inform education improvement.
In 2021 we embarked on a new strategy to increase the reach of NFER’s expertise and impact on education, positioning NFER as the partner of choice with decision makers internationally. Key to this strategy is an initial focus on teaching and learning in Sub-Sharan Africa.
As the Head of Global Development, you will be instrumental in enabling NFER’s research and assessment expertise to inspire and inform policies and programmes that strengthen teaching and learning for children.
You will establish effective strategic and delivery partnerships across the education communities of Sub-Saharan Africa in the first instance, as well as the global education and development of communities more broadly in time. You will raise NFER’s viability and increase stakeholder confidence in their offer to secure and maintain the consistent growth and development of NFER’s global business.
The Head of Global Development will also be key in enabling in-house operations such as Corporate Services to look at how to work internationally, as well as supporting colleagues through the change to focus their work on international projects.
You will directly manage a team of three; two Regional Directors who will identify business development opportunities and a Technical Lead will focus on bids and proposals.
This role will work closely with other colleagues across the Research Department who assist with the design and delivery of research projects, as well as the Finance and HR teams to identify wider teams, partners and associates. Furthermore, you will be supported by the Sales, Marketing and Impact team to raise the visibility externally and internationally, and the Knowledge Function who identify bids and tenders.
A key element of this role will be to connect internal colleagues and help them understand how the strategy can be achieved, and why it is important to make it happen.
Requirements
> As the Head of Global Development, you will have previous experience in running programmes in low-middle income countries and setting strategic directions.
> You will have superb networking and communication skills, as well as experience in international education development, research, evaluation or assessment.
> You will be a credible change leader with the ability to lead and influence others and have a passion for bringing people together internally and externally to make a real difference to the lives of young people and children through education.
> This is an incredible opportunity to lead NFER at the start of our international journey. If you are someone with the ability to find innovative ways to solve or pre-empt problems, can spot strategic opportunities, influence key stakeholders and has experience of winning and delivering donor or client-funded education activities, then we can’t wait to meet you!
Why NFER?
NFER is a leading independent provider of insights and evidence into education. For over 75 years we have been making a positive impact in to education. Joining us not only will you work make impact but you’ll also get to work alongside some of the UKs leading educational and assessment professionals.
- Attractive salary
- Generous pension scheme and 5x life assurance
- 42 days’ holiday per year including Bank Holidays + additional discretionary days (pro rata)
- Flexible working with a work/life balance plus a lot of well-being and social activities
- Open to UK Skilled Worker sponsorship
You’ll be linked to our Slough or York office with minimal requirement for office-based days meaning you can choose to work at home, from the office or a mix of the two to enable you to work as effectively as you can. Our teams value the energy we create when we come together so ideally you’ll join us in Slough for key dates throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a place where you can put your heart, soul and skills into making a difference, we want to hear from you. Apply via the button shown.
Closing date for applications will be midnight on 4th September 2022
For more details or to discuss this role further get in touch with Louise Wiseman, l.wiseman@nfer.ac.uk or book a time for a call (https://bit.ly/3tlFmPH) (no agency)
NFER is a not-for-profit organisation and an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.