Suyana Foundation
Head of Education - Global (100%)
Zug, Zug - Switzerland
Published 1 month ago
Type of contract: Indefinite
Type of workday:
Salary: To be agreed
Modality: Office
Sustainable Development Goals
Good health and well-being
Quality education
Decent work and economic growth
Reduced inequalities
Requirements
Studies:
• Degree in Education, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related fields
Experience:
Al menos 1 año
Languages:
Fluent in English and Spanish
Knowledge:
Skills:
• Minimum 5 years of leadership in education programs, preferably in rural or underserved contexts in South America and/or Sub-Saharan Africa
• Proven track record managing school operations, scholarship programs, and vocational or tertiary education
• Skilled at leading multicultural teams and engaging diverse stakeholders
• Degree in Education, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related fields
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate local realities into effective programs
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural, and organizational communication skills and adaptability
• Expertise in Project Cycle Management, MEAL, and inclusive pedagogical methods
• Willingness and ability to work independently in semi-remote areas (up to 70% field time)
• Fluent in English and Spanish
• Skilled in digital tools (MS Office, communication platforms, education-related applications)
• Swiss/EU passport or valid Swiss work permit required
Description
About the Suyana Foundation
The Suyana Foundation is a Swiss non-profit organization committed to the sustainable empowerment of individuals and rural communities through three core pillars: Health, Livelihoods, and Education. We run holistic development programs in Bolivia and Peru, and collaborate with trusted local partners in Uganda, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and beyond - promoting local ownership and lasting impact.
To strengthen and expand our impact in the education sector, we are seeking a dynamic, field-oriented Head of Education to lead and further develop Suyana’s global education strategy. In this pivotal role, you will shape our educational vision, coordinate implementation across countries, manage a multicultural team, and ensure alignment with grassroots realities and international standards—while staying grounded in Suyana’s core values.
Education in Suyana is both a standalone focus and a cross-cutting component of our holistic programs. Our initiatives include:
• Educational components embedded in holistic community development programs
• Scholarship programs for disadvantaged youth
• Tertiary education pathways
• The Suyana School in Cusco, preparing students for university, entrepreneurship or vocational careers
Beyond a desk job, this role requires a significant presence in the field, adaptability, strong engagement with local communities, and readiness to research and solve problems in real time — all of which will be crucial for the success of this position
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Program Development
• Lead and evolve Suyana’s global education strategy, ensuring alignment with our values and development model
• Guide the strategic direction and development of the Suyana School in Cusco, in close collaboration with the designated Suyana Perú school leadStrengthen and expand scholarship programs and tertiary education initiatives
• Identify, replicate, and scale best practices across regions
• Drive innovation, relevance, and scalability in all education programs
• Ensure effective coordination between country teams, Headquarter, and strategic partners
• Continuously research, adapt, and respond to local educational challenges
Team Management & Capacity Building
• Lead and mentor a small international and local education team
• Guide and support teams in adapting educational interventions to local needs and systems
• Foster a collaborative, impact-driven, and innovative culture
• Facilitate internal training and knowledge exchange
Field-Based Implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation
• Supervise and support education activities across all countries of operation and in close collaboration with local teams
• Maintain a strong field presence to support implementation and problem-solving
• Ensure solutions are grounded in first-hand insights from schools and communities
• Build sustainable local ownership in all education-related activities by developing strong networks with local entities, involving them actively, and potentially empowering them to manage specific programs in the future
• Support the Impact Team in the definition of education-specific indicators and monitoring tools
• Collect and analyze data and feedback to inform strategic adjustments
• Collaborate with Impact and Communications teams to document results and success stories
Partnership Development
• Contribute to funding proposals and strategic donor engagement with the Partnership team.
• Close cooperation with the Partnership team to identify collaboration and co-financing opportunities
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