GLOBAL PROGRAMMES DIRECTOR

ABOUT UWS

UWS is an international nonprofit that was established in 2008 to provide children in remote and marginalised regions access to free quality, inclusive primary education. We currently operate in rural areas of Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Madagascar, working with over 320 communities and over 80,000 children to date.

Role summary

Role: Global Programmes Director

Remuneration: Competitive, negotiable

Working hours: 40 hours per week

Reports to: Global COO

Line reports: 4 Global team members - Senior Programmes

Manager, GESSI Manager, Education Specialist, MEAL Manager

Type of contract: Full time, renewable

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal. International and local travel

required.

Role summary

This is a newly created leadership role, introduced as part of UWS’ evolving organisational strategy to strengthen the impact, coherence, and sustainability of its global programmes. The Global Programmes Director will play a central role in shaping and driving this strategy, providing expert leadership across UWS’ multi-country education portfolio.

The role will lead strategic programme design and delivery, ensure strong institutional and donor alignment, and drive consistent, high-quality education outcomes across diverse low-resource contexts. Working closely with country teams, partners, governments, and donors, the postholder will bring deep expertise in education and international development to translate strategic ambition into meaningful, measurable impact for children and communities.

The postholder will act as an international development thought leader, bringing sector expertise and insights to inform UWS strategy, influence external stakeholders, and communicate innovative approaches across the organisation. They will also champion an inclusive, values-driven culture and advance the localisation agenda. Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally are essential to effectively support UWS programmes. International travel is expected to be approximately 4-6 trips per year, typically lasting 1-2 weeks, including stays in remote or challenging locations.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Shape and deliver mission-aligned programme strategies, budgeting, and operational plans. Ensure cohesive programme quality and global coherence, integrating insights across countries.

Capacity Strengthening: Build the capability of country teams to lead planning, delivery, and adaptive management—prioritising local ownership and reducing dependency.

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Institutional Project Delivery: Lead institutional-level planning for large-scale, multi[1]stakeholder education initiatives. Coordinate capacity development, alignment with government systems, and donor expectations.
• Fundraising & Donor Relations: Work closely with fundraising teams to design compelling proposals and cultivation strategies, support donor engagement, and proactively manage grants.
• MEAL Systems: Embed robust frameworks for monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning. Promote evidence-driven adaptation, quality assurance, and results-based reporting.
• Global Learning & Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate cross-country exchange of best practices, evidence, and innovations to strengthen programme quality globally.
• Inclusion & Safeguarding: Champion gender, disability inclusion, and child

protection across programmes. Maintain compliance and accountability systems.

• Partnerships & Advocacy: Build strategic alliances with governments, NGOs, and institutions. Represent UWS in regional forums and contribute to programme advocacy.
• Team Leadership: Provide inclusive, coaching-focused leadership. Develop staff capacity and drive organisational learning and cohesion across functions.
• Thought Leadership & Innovation: Drive UWS’ strategic insight by staying abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and innovative approaches in international development, ensuring the organisation remains forward-thinking, adaptive, and at the forefront of sector developments.
• Driving Inclusive Culture: Champion UWS’ evolving culture by fostering inclusivity, advancing localisation, and modelling the values and behaviours that inspire high-performing, equitable teams and programmes.

ABOUT YOU

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES

• 5+ years’ senior leadership in the education sector, including significant experience in international programme development, management and delivery.
• Advanced degree in Education, International Development, Public Policy, or equivalent experience
• Proven success in co-design and delivery of multi-country or large-scale institutional programmes in low-resource contexts.
• Experience supporting fundraising and maintaining strong donor relations (institutional donors preferred).
• Strong leadership in adaptive programme management and applying learning to scale.
• Track record in safeguarding and inclusive education programming.
• Excellent strategic, operational, and financial management skills.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build strategic partnerships across diverse contexts.
• Experience in public speaking and representing an organisation externally.
• Data literacy and the ability to use evidence to inform programme strategy and demonstrate impact.
• Fluency in English; other local languages valued.
• Willing to travel to remote sites

Every individual at UWS needs to:

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

HOW TO APPLY

Application process

Apply here -  https://hr.breathehr.com/v/global-programmes-director-44953

Selection process: Expect to hear by w.c. 16 February. 1 technical round, followed by 2 panel interviews

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 underrepresented 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.