Senior Program Officer, Literacy at Gates Foundation

• Design and manage a portfolio of investments focused on literacy outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Review grant proposals and provide clear, concise and insightful written analyses and recommendations for funding.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with key researchers, implementers, practitioners, and donors to design and test innovations to build the evidence base to improve early grade literacy outcomes and better understand the drivers of implementation effectiveness. Develop and oversee study designs, field evaluations, and analyze results; ensure that programming is responsive to real-time data and insights. Strengthen and leverage local partners' capacity to drive implementation and maximize impact.
• Lead 1-2 country portfolios in Sub-Saharan Africa, working with local partners, the Ministry of Education, education Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies and the education community.
• Ensure that research questions on literacy are demand-led, and partner closely with Global Ed colleagues so that evidence generated informs country-programming.
• Consult with grantees and other partners to improve impact of projects and ensure grants are meeting strategy goals. This may include site visits, providing operational guidance, convening meetings of key partners, and monitoring and evaluating components of grants.
• Lead and serve as a thought partner in strategic discussions and leadership engagement within the Global Ed team and the foundation. Contribute to the design of strategies and implementation plans to ensure long-term sustainability and impact. Prepare written analyses and communications to effectively engage at all levels of the organization.
• Collaborate with donors and philanthropies to create co-funding and collaboration opportunities focused on boosting Research & Development to improve literacy outcomes.
• Effectively manage relationships and concurrent investment planning with multiple colleagues and shared partners. Collaborate closely with Global Ed colleagues to continuously improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Represent the foundation in regional forums as needed, championing the adoption and scaling of successful evidence-driven literacy interventions.

• We are seeking an experienced education leader with a deep understanding of literacy, a talent for building strategic collaboration, and a drive to improve learning outcomes. If you are passionate about transforming education systems and driving measurable improvements in early grade literacy, this is a unique opportunity to make a global impact.
• You will shape and manage a high-impact portfolio of investments aimed at improving literacy outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• You will lead applied research initiatives, collaborate with national and regional education leaders, and influence system-level reforms through evidence-driven innovation.
• Master's degree in education or related field with 10+ years of senior-level experience, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in pedagogy and implementing and/or supporting large-scale programs to improve early grade literacy outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa, with strong understanding of the global evidence base.
• Experience in developing and managing strong and equitable partnerships and relationships with senior decision makers, education partners, and implementation partners.
• Demonstrated ability in using soft skills, managing conflicts, and building consensus. Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships, and effective matrix management skills
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems with little oversight, high creativity, high energy, and a positive attitude.
• Outstanding project and team leadership skills, including ability to lead strategy development, develop shared goals and execution plans, prioritize, facilitate meetings, manage budgets, develop consensus, and work both autonomously and collaboratively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to effectively synthesize information into clear recommendations and messages to reach diverse audiences and build consensus
• Experience managing a donor funded portfolio either as a grantee or grantmaker, receiving and reporting on performance, with direct responsibility for management.
• Experience working in an environment with ambiguity while helping teams adapt to change.
• Ability to work with flexibility and a high level of rigor, collaboration, and diplomacy, both individually and as part of a complex team effort.
• Strong French language skills and francophone Africa experience preferred.

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