Program Officer, Global Education - Innovation & Implementation

TL;DR

Program Officer, Global Education - Innovation & Implementation (AI/EdTech): Design and manage a high-impact portfolio to improve foundational learning outcomes, with an accent on Kenya country-level implementation, applied research, and testing education technology and AI-enabled solutions. Focus on translating evidence into government-led initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa and building partnerships to drive at-scale literacy and numeracy improvements.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Company

Nonprofit organization working to fight poverty, disease, and inequity globally, including through evidence-driven education programs.

What you will do

• Design and manage an investment portfolio focused on foundational learning outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa, including at-scale implementation in Kenya and support across the region.
• Lead the Kenya portfolio: develop study designs, run field evaluations, analyze results, and ensure programming responds to real-time data and insights.
• Advance partnerships with government stakeholders, researchers, implementers, and donors to improve early grade literacy and numeracy at scale.
• Consult with grantees and partners to improve project impact, including site visits, operational guidance, convening meetings, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Collaborate with donors and philanthropies on co-funding and collaboration opportunities to expand resources for foundational learning.
• Represent the foundation in regional forums and champion scaling of evidence-driven literacy interventions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, plus 5+ years of senior-level experience (or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience in pedagogy and implementing and/or supporting large-scale programs to improve early grade outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa, with strong understanding of the global evidence base.
• Strong understanding of AI and edtech, including how edtech/AI interventions scale within education systems and how to test non-tech and edtech solutions for students.
• Experience building equitable partnerships with senior decision makers and education/implementation partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including synthesizing information into clear recommendations and messages.
• Must be legally able to work in Kenya without visa sponsorship.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums.
• Generous paid time off and paid family leave.
• Foundation-paid retirement contribution and regional holidays.
• Opportunity to engage in employee communities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Travel up to 30% of the time.