Location: Geneva, SwitzerlandContract Type: Full-time, PermanentReports To: Chief Executive OfficerSalary: Competitive, with relocation support About IFFEd The International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd) is a groundbreaking global initiative transforming how education and skills development are financed in developing countries. Established with a US$1.5 billion commitment announced at the United Nations and endorsed by the G20, IFFEd’s innovative model works with multilateral development banks (MDBs) to unlock billions in affordable financing for education reform and skills training. IFFEd’s mission is clear: to ensure that 1.2 billion children and young people in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) gain the opportunity to learn, earn, and thrive. Operating at the intersection of global finance and education, IFFEd supports nations that are often excluded from traditional aid but face severe education gaps. These countries are home to half of the world’s children and youth, where investment in learning yields the highest returns for development and stability. IFFEd is now entering a dynamic growth phase, scaling rapidly with a small, agile team and a powerful vision to redefine global education financing. To drive this next chapter, IFFEd seeks an exceptional Head of Education to lead its impact strategy and ensure that every dollar mobilized translates into real change for learners worldwide. Role Overview The Head of Education will serve as IFFEd’s senior education leader and a key member of its management team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the postholder will shape IFFEd’s education strategy, strengthen partnerships, and oversee the implementation of programs that deliver measurable, transformative impact. This position requires a visionary and results-oriented leader with a deep understanding of global education systems, particularly in the Global South. The successful candidate will combine technical expertise, strategic acumen, and strong relationship-building skills to ensure that IFFEd’s financial model translates into equitable, scalable, and high-quality education outcomes. Working closely with MDBs, national governments, and international partners, the Head of Education will position IFFEd as a leader in innovative financing for learning, ensuring its operations remain data-driven, evidence-based, and focused on real-world results. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership and Thought Partnership Lead the development and refinement of IFFEd’s education impact strategy, aligning priorities with global education goals and IFFEd’s results framework. Advise the CEO and Board on education policy, impact measurement, and strategic priorities. Serve as IFFEd’s principal external voice on education, representing the organization at global forums and advancing dialogue on innovation, results measurement, and systems strengthening. Build and maintain strategic alliances with MDBs, governments, contributors, philanthropies, and other leading education actors. Produce thought leadership materials and evidence-based reports that position IFFEd as a pioneer in results-driven education finance. 2. Partnership and Pipeline Development Collaborate with MDBs to co-develop and monitor IFFEd’s project pipeline, ensuring alignment with national priorities and global learning outcomes. Design and implement support mechanisms for MDBs and countries, including partnerships to enhance data use, evidence generation, and implementation capacity. Lead pipeline reviews, evaluate project performance, and present recommendations to the IFFEd Board. Develop tools, frameworks, and quality assurance processes to manage pipeline performance and ensure accountability for results. 3. Results, Reporting, and Learning Finalize and operationalize indicators aligned with IFFEd’s results and innovation framework. Lead the establishment of the Board Committee on Education Results, Innovation, and Partnerships, serving as its main liaison. Oversee internal and external reporting, consolidating data and results from MDBs, and communicating impact to contributors and governance bodies. Champion a learning culture within IFFEd by defining and implementing a learning agenda that fosters evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement. 4. Team Leadership and Institutional Growth Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing education team comprising an Education Officer and an Education Analyst. Collaborate across functions to strengthen organizational systems, processes, and impact measurement frameworks. Represent IFFEd’s values of innovation, collaboration, and accountability in all aspects of leadership and partnership engagement. Candidate Profile Qualifications and Experience A master’s degree or higher in Education, Economics, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field. A minimum of 15 years’ leadership experience in education and skills development programs, particularly in lower-middle-income countries. Proven success in designing and implementing large-scale education initiatives, ideally involving multilateral development banks or blended finance models. Deep understanding of the education and skills challenges facing the Global South. Demonstrated expertise in results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, and policy-driven education reform. Experience working across public, private, and non-profit sectors; consulting or advisory background is advantageous. Demonstrated passion for IFFEd’s mission to advance quality education for all. Skills and Competencies Strong strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies. Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with a track record of building and managing diverse teams. Deep familiarity with MDB structures, lending operations, and education financing mechanisms. Entrepreneurial, solutions-oriented mindset with a commitment to innovation and measurable impact. Extensive professional network spanning international education, philanthropy, and policy communities. Application Process This recruitment is being managed by Inicio Partners. Initial CV screening is open to all applicants; however, applications are “by invitation only” following an initial discussion to confirm alignment with the role. Candidates who meet the core criteria are invited to send their CV to iffed@iniciopartners.com with the subject line “IFFEd Head of Education.”Please do not submit a cover letter at this stage. Shortlisted candidates will later be asked to provide a cover letter as part of the full application process. Closing Date: 7 December 2025 First Stage Interviews: December 2025 Final Interviews: January 2026 Equality and Diversity IFFEd is an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background. Individuals with lived experience of the communities IFFEd serves are particularly encouraged to apply. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.