Head of Programmes

Head of Programmes

Are you a strategic leader passionate about transforming education in remote communities? Join UWS Nepal as our Head of Programmes and lead impactful education and infrastructure initiatives across the country.

Department: Programmes
Location / Duty Station: Kathmandu, Nepal
Reports to: Country Director
Supervises: Education Specialist, Education Coordinator, Program Manager/Coordinator, Construction Manager, MEAL Lead, GESSI Lead, Procurement Officer

Role Purpose / Summary

The Head of Programmes is responsible for overseeing the construction of new school buildings and the development of education in schools, with a focus on promoting quality education, creating a child-friendly school environment, and promoting inclusive education across all schools. The Head of Programmes will report to the Country Director and will be responsible for managing and coordinating the implementation of education development projects across multiple schools. S/he plays a lead role in setting the strategic direction for the education sector, designing new programs and projects, and identifying and pursuing strategic partnerships. S/he is responsible for ensuring program quality and donor accountability for a range of projects and directly supervises project Managers and implementation teams. S/he plays a senior representational and advocacy role with the Government of Nepal, donors, and key national and international stakeholders and works on a regular basis with UWS members and internal stakeholders to maximise program delivery. In addition, S/he acts as a national lead for child protection and safeguarding. S/he ensures that program learning, research, and evaluation findings are channelled towards advocacy, continuous improvements, and new program design.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Direction, Program Design and Development

• Take a lead role in formulating CO’s vision for long-term programming in Education in Nepal.
• Introduce innovative ideas and approaches to support children’s education in Nepal; Identify needs and opportunities for potential programs through situation analyses/feasibility studies, networking, and leveraging research and evaluation findings from internal and external sources.
• Work with United World Schools staff to develop funding strategies and proposals to expand the Education portfolio in line with strategic priorities and technical best practices from a range of sources. This will involve continuously developing concepts and innovations and packaging them for a range of donors, both for proactive and reactive fundraising efforts.
• Continuously assess staffing patterns and competencies to ensure that the right staff are in place to support sector needs and development.

Programme Management:

1. Oversee the planning, design, and construction of new school buildings, ensuring compliance with local regulations, safety standards, and environmental requirements.
2. Develop and implement strategies to promote quality education in schools, focusing on improving student learning outcomes.
3. Promote inclusive education development across all schools, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds and special needs have equal access to quality education.
4. Direct line management and supervision of the Country Director overseeing Education programmes, and ongoing support, guidance, and leadership to managers and staff working on those programmes.
5. Manage and coordinate the implementation of education development projects across multiple schools, ensuring that project objectives are met on time and within budget.
6. Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of education development projects, and use data to inform decision-making and improve project outcomes.
7. Ensure that all programs have effective monitoring and evaluation practices throughout the program cycle.
8. Ensure tight financial oversight of project and thematic budgets, maintaining timely expenditure in line with agreed priorities and donor guidelines.
9. Enhance the skills of staff in managing programs, achieving technical proficiency, conducting policy analysis, and exerting influence in the field of Education.
10. Provide support and guidance to the Regional CP Lead in the implementation of UWS’ Child Protection policy and procedures in all UWS Nepal schools.

Representation, Coordination and Networking:

• Establish, maintain, manage, and negotiate sensitive high-level relationships with the MOEST, CEHRD, SWC, other local education stakeholders, and donors on issues of education policy and practices required for the smooth implementation of UWS education programs.
• Support government counterparts and other stakeholders in strategic planning and implementation of Nepal’s national education sector programs.

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATIONS

Every individual at UWS needs to be able to:

• Be committed to UWS vision, mission and values and apply them in their daily behaviour and work.
• Be committed to undertaking UWS’s safeguarding training and adhering to relevant policies, to ensure everyone who comes to contact with UWS are as safe as possible.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES

ESSENTIAL

• Master’s degree in Education, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
• At least 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in program management within the education sector, including experience in school construction and educational project implementation in remote, rural, and resource-limited contexts.
• Proven experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex, large-scale programs in challenging environments.
• Experience in engaging with government stakeholders, including ministries, local government representatives, and education sector leaders, to influence policy and program priorities.
• Deep understanding of the education sector in Nepal, including the current policy landscape, challenges, and opportunities.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, including budgeting, financial management, M&E, and risk management.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to design, plan, and implement impactful education programs.
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and staff development skills, with a demonstrated ability to motivate and guide teams in high-pressure environments.
• Advanced communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using data for decision-making and program improvement.
• High level of cultural sensitivity and the ability to adapt to different cultural contexts.
• Fluency and speaking and writing in both Nepali and English.

DESIRABLE

• Previous experience or specialisation in Primary School Education.
• Experience working with international NGOs or donor-funded projects.
• Experience in conducting advocacy and influencing national education policies.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into actionable strategies.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of inclusive education strategies.

RECRUITMENT GUIDELINES

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and CV to info.nepal@uwsglobal.net by 21 May 2025. You should give the names, positions, organisations and contact details of two references, one of whom should be your current (or most recent) employer. References will only be taken once your express permission has been granted. UWS reserves the right to close the recruitment process early if a suitable candidate is identified.
UWS is committed to the safeguarding of children and ensuring we recruit safely is central to this commitment. All applicants will be required to undertake a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service check (or country-equivalent background check) as a condition of employment.

UWS is an equal opportunity employer and commits to treating all applicants fairly. We actively promote diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from under-represented groups. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

All successful candidates must satisfactorily complete a 3-month probation period.