Job Details

Location: Remote
Application Deadline: 4 May 2025, 11:59 PM GMT

A mission-driven international non-profit focused on preparing preschool children in rural Africa for school success is seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Innovations & Impact to join its senior leadership team. This role leads a critical directorate responsible for programme innovation, design, monitoring & evaluation, scale strategies, content development, and organisational learning. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of managing high-impact projects at scale, preferably in the Global South.

Position Overview

The Director of Innovations & Impact will oversee the development and implementation of solutions aimed at improving programme quality, scalability, and sustainability. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), this role will manage a cross-functional team including the Head of Monitoring & Evaluation, Content Manager, Expansion Manager, and Special Projects Manager.

The successful candidate will drive forward multiple high-level initiatives, including designing and piloting new models, streamlining processes for replication, managing rigorous evaluations, and embedding learning throughout the organisation. This role also plays a critical role in supporting new partnerships, funding proposals, and strategy alignment.

Core Responsibilities

Programme Optimisation & Organisational Learning

• Lead learning cycles and targeted pilot programmes that test and refine scalable models to improve impact and sustainability.
• Oversee efforts to simplify and streamline content, delivery processes, and operational systems to improve efficiency and replicability.
• Collaborate with the Delivery team to integrate successful innovations into ongoing programme delivery, ensuring robust tracking and feedback loops.
• Strengthen and oversee real-time monitoring and evaluation systems that provide actionable insights to drive decision-making.
• Ensure the organisation remains learning-focused by integrating findings into programme improvements and sharing insights across teams.
• Liaise with external research institutions on evaluation design, implementation, and dissemination of evidence.
• Stay updated with emerging research and global best practices in early childhood development (ECD) and education, applying relevant insights to the organisation’s approach.

Scaling Strategy, Partnerships & Contextual Adaptation

• Identify and test new community-led scale solutions for early childhood development, especially in under-resourced rural contexts.
• Support the CEO in evaluating new strategic opportunities and making informed decisions about investments and partnerships.
• Contribute to the development of high-quality funding proposals, project plans, and budgets aligned with organisational priorities.
• Collaborate with the Communications and Partnerships team to ensure research findings and data are communicated accurately and effectively to external audiences.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous learning, and high performance.
• Provide mentorship and professional development to direct reports: Head of M&E, Content Manager, Expansion Manager, and Special Projects Manager.
• Facilitate cross-directorate collaboration to enhance knowledge-sharing, reduce silos, and promote integrated project execution.

Other Duties

• Undertake any additional responsibilities agreed with the CEO, in alignment with organisational priorities and personal expertise.
• Contribute flexibly to team initiatives and broader organisational goals as needed.

What You Bring

Essential Experience & Skills

• Demonstrated success in designing, implementing, and scaling innovative programmes in at least one Global South context.
• Experience managing large-scale programmes across thousands of communities with a deep understanding of field-level realities.
• Proven leadership in designing and overseeing complex data systems and conducting rigorous evaluations (quantitative and qualitative).
• Strong project management skills, including risk analysis, planning, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination.
• Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role managing multicultural, cross-functional teams.
• High proficiency in English, both verbal and written.
• Strong interpersonal and people-management skills with the ability to lead through influence and inspiration.
• Willingness to travel regularly for field-based oversight and to maintain a strong understanding of programme operations.

Desirable Qualifications

• Background in behaviour change communication and/or community-driven development.
• Advanced experience in research, impact evaluation, and evidence-based programme design.
• Familiarity with the development sector, particularly in early childhood education or related fields.
• Strong network and experience working with research institutions, funders, or government stakeholders.
• Project Management Certification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2).
• Experience with EdTech solutions in low-resource settings.

Organisational Context

This organisation is tackling the global early childhood crisis by equipping parents and communities in rural Africa to prepare children for school. With current operations impacting over 50,000 children in Ghana and Uganda—and weekly radio programming reaching over 2 million households—the organisation has established itself as a thought leader in scalable, community-led ECD. In a landmark public partnership, the Government of Ghana has adopted the programme, aiming to reach 1 million children across 60 education districts.

This is a high-impact role in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where innovation, learning, and passion are highly valued. The organisation is seeking a leader who is not only strategic and analytical but also hands-on and deeply committed to creating lasting impact at scale.

How to Apply

Applications are open until 4 May 2025 at 11:59 PM GMT. Click Here to Apply: Application Form