[Hiring] Senior Manager @Global Schools Forum

Role Description

The Lighthouse Coalition pilot ran from October 2024 to September 2026, and the Coalition is now moving into Phase II, from November 2026 to January 2029. We are seeking a Senior Manager to guide Lighthouse from its start-up phase into this next chapter and to build the orchestration, systems and logistics that will strengthen and scale the model. Collaborating with the Lighthouse Lead Organiser, the Senior Manager will lead excellent and seamless execution of all Lighthouse activities.

This is a Senior Manager position of influence and accountability, and not a coordination role. You will be a trusted counterpart to senior government officials, funders and domestic coalition leaders across five countries, with real say in how the Coalition is run and where it goes next. You will shape Lighthouse’s theory of change and strategy, lead the orchestration of a multi-country coalition of non-state, government and funder actors, steward a budget of nearly $1 million annually, and design the governance and logistics that keep a complex, high-stakes network working together to overcome substantial challenges.

This is a rare opportunity to jump into a leadership position in a new, groundbreaking initiative testing ways to increase government demand for education reform. You will build stronger systems and guide the DNA of Lighthouse from proving the model works for foundational literacy and numeracy in India, Kenya, South Africa and Senegal – to potential expansion to other governments (such as Ethiopia, Nigeria or Pakistan) and other levels of education, such as early childhood and secondary.

Ultimately, this role will ensure measurable improvements in outcomes for learners in hundreds of thousands of government primary schools across India, Kenya, South Africa and Senegal - with potential to add other focus geographies through additional funding.

Qualifications

• Coalition management and government reform track record – experience leading a complex multi-stakeholder initiative with a budget of over $1 million.
• Commitment and motivation - passionate about education or international development.
• Attention-to-detail and planning - experience managing high-volume workloads and logistics.
• Proactivity and solution orientation – self-starter with initiative in identifying areas for improvement.
• Multi-Country Experience - experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia or Latin America.
• Tech literacy – proficient in Microsoft 365 suite, Google Docs, and excellent Excel skills.
• Communication, honesty and transparency - excellent written and oral communication skills.

Requirements

• Lead and own the day-to-day of Lighthouse Coalition’s success.
• Co-develop Lighthouse theory of change and strategy with partners and funders.
• Lead coalition orchestration, guiding a group of non-state, government and funder actors.
• Maintain trust, resolve tensions and keep over 50 leaders involved.
• Lead design and facilitate annual partner retreats.
• Lead bi-weekly check-ins with partners for quality assurance.
• Develop a shared governance framework and coordinate multi-stakeholder meetings.
• Lead day-to-day of the Lighthouse programme, ensuring disciplined reporting.
• Accountable for a budget of nearly $1 million annually.
• Develop world-class systems for international learning trips.
• Prepare regular reports and email updates to existing funders.

Benefits

• Fully remote organisation with a preference for candidates based in Kenya, South Africa or India.
• Daily Fee: £290.
• Total Days Available: 13.5 days a month, with potential for increase to up to 18 working days monthly.
• Contract Duration: up to 27 months, from start date December 1 2026 to January 30 2029.

How to Apply

Applications are to be submitted through Global Schools Forum recruitment portal by Sunday November 15th 2026. Please upload your CV.

Equal Opportunities

GSF is committed to a fair and inclusive workplace, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We welcome applications and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.