If you are an experienced programme management professional with a strong background in education, public policy, or international development, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is inviting applications for the Country Lead, South Africa position under the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF). This senior-level opportunity is based in Pretoria, South Africa, and offers the chance to lead one of the country’s most significant early childhood education initiatives.
The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in implementing a large-scale outcomes-based education programme while working closely with the South African government, donors, development partners, and implementing organizations.
About the Position
The Country Lead will provide strategic leadership for the implementation of the Education Outcomes Fund’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme in South Africa. The position focuses on strengthening partnerships, ensuring successful programme delivery, influencing education policy, and supporting sustainable improvements in early childhood education.
This role is ideal for professionals who have extensive experience managing complex development programmes, working with government institutions, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
Job Overview
| Position | Country Lead, South Africa |
|---|---|
| Organization | UNOPS – Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) |
| Duty Station | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Job Category | Programme |
| Seniority Level | Senior Level |
| Contract Type | ICA – LICA Specialist (Regular) |
| Contract Level | LICA 11 |
| Duration | Ongoing, subject to funding, organizational requirements, and satisfactory performance |
| Application Opens | 23 July 2026 |
| Closing Date | 06 August 2026 |
About the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF)
The Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) was established to improve education systems by linking funding directly to measurable learning outcomes. Rather than focusing only on activities delivered, EOF supports programmes that demonstrate real improvements in education and employment outcomes for children and young people.
Working alongside governments, donors, investors, and implementing organizations, EOF promotes innovative financing models that improve accountability, encourage innovation, and maximize development impact.
Programme Background
In partnership with South Africa’s Department of Basic Education (DBE), EOF launched a US$30 million South Africa Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Outcomes Fund in December 2025.
Over a three-year implementation period, the programme aims to:
- Establish approximately 1,400 new Early Learning Programmes (ELPs)
- Strengthen around 600 existing learning centres
- Improve access to quality early childhood education
- Generate evidence to support future national education policy
- Inform the design of future education outcomes funding models
The Country Lead will oversee this flagship programme while ensuring collaboration among government departments, donors, investors, evaluators, and implementing partners.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading programme implementation and ensuring strong collaboration among all stakeholders.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Lead partnerships with government ministries, donors, and implementing partners.
- Represent EOF at national-level meetings and strategic engagements.
- Oversee implementation of the South Africa ECCE Outcomes Fund.
- Coordinate programme governance and technical workshops.
- Manage relationships with evaluators and partner organizations.
- Monitor programme performance and achievement of outcomes.
- Conduct site visits to assess implementation progress.
- Prepare programme performance and annual progress reports.
- Oversee programme budgets and financial reporting.
- Promote safeguarding standards throughout programme implementation.
- Support evidence generation to influence education policy.
- Develop long-term sustainability strategies for programme expansion.
- Lead advocacy initiatives to increase programme visibility.
- Manage and mentor the EOF South Africa team.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Education, International Development, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a related discipline.
A Master’s degree in one of the above fields will be considered an advantage.
Required Experience
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Minimum 9 years of relevant professional experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 7 years with a Master’s degree.
- Experience managing programmes in South Africa, preferably within the education or Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) sector.
- Experience working directly with the Government of South Africa.
- Proven leadership and people management experience.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and programme management skills.
Preferred Experience
Preference will be given to applicants with experience in:
- International donor-funded education programmes.
- Results-based or outcomes-based financing models.
- Innovative education financing initiatives.
- Monitoring and evaluation design or programme evaluation.
- Working with international organizations.
Required Skills
Successful applicants should demonstrate strong abilities in:
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Project delivery
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Results-oriented programme management
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Fluent English (required)
Why Join UNOPS?
Joining UNOPS and the Education Outcomes Fund provides an opportunity to contribute to one of South Africa’s most innovative education programmes while working with international development partners.
Benefits of the role include:
- Lead a nationally significant education transformation programme.
- Collaborate with government, donors, and international organizations.
- Influence education policy through evidence-based programming.
- Manage a high-impact, multi-million-dollar development initiative.
- Work within a diverse, mission-driven international team.
- Support sustainable improvements in early childhood education across South Africa.
Application Deadline
Interested candidates must submit their applications no later than 06 August 2026. Late applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process, which may include assessments and interviews.
Final Thoughts
The UNOPS Country Lead, South Africa vacancy presents an outstanding opportunity for experienced programme leaders passionate about improving education systems. By leading the implementation of the Education Outcomes Fund’s flagship Early Childhood Care and Education initiative, the successful candidate will help shape policies, strengthen partnerships, and improve learning outcomes for thousands of children across South Africa. Professionals with extensive leadership experience in education, government collaboration, programme management, and international development are strongly encouraged to apply before the closing date.
