Job Description

ABOUT GENESIS
In a world undergoing convulsive technological and political change, Genesis partners with key actors to deliver urgent, lasting impact in critical areas. Genesis, an impact consultancy founded, incorporated and headquartered in Africa, has worked in 52 African countries and more than 100 countries globally. Uniquely, Genesis is focused on the Young World - the arc of countries with young populations stretching across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and parts of Central and Southeast Asia.
Unencumbered by legacy systems, these nations can pioneer innovative models and chart a new path to prosperity. However, converting this potential into developmental gains is not guaranteed. At Genesis, we work alongside local partners to turn this opportunity into shared progress - helping the Young World move faster, more sustainably and on its own terms.
PRACTICE AREA DESCRIPTION
THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE
The Human Development Practice at Genesis works for a world where everyone can develop to our full potential. We are focused on expanding meaningful rights and opportunities for people who are marginalised. Part of a global African firm, we are particularly committed to children, women and young people in Africa and the Middle East.
We work in key human development areas: youth, education and early childhood development; health, nutrition, and WaSH (water, sanitation and hygiene); and social protection and social care. Rapid changes in demography, climate and technology are generating massive challenges and tremendous opportunities for human development.
K12 Education Team
The education team works with Ministries of Education and clients to strengthen education systems across the young world. Our deep understanding of effective strategies in enhancing teaching and learning, coupled with our insider's perspective on policy change, equips us to drive positive transformations in the educational landscape.
Our team has a combination of relevant experience as educators, policymakers, advisors and researchers. We work on improving strategy, planning and implementation, improving the quality and coverage of services.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
EDUCATION ECONOMIST
We are seeking a technically strong and delivery-oriented Education Economist to join the Education Team within the Human Development practice. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to analytical and advisory projects across foundational and basic education, and higher education.
This is a consulting role - focused on applying rigorous analysis to real-world education policy and system challenges. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of the education sector, analytical acumen, combined with commercial awareness. We are looking for someone who is a self-starter and can work independently from day one in a highly dynamic setting.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery and Technical Leadership

• Contribute and progressively lead the design and delivery of education projects, ensuring methodological rigour and policy relevance.
• Translate quantitative and qualitative findings into clear, policy-relevant recommendations and deliverables.
• Progressively, supervise, and mentor junior analysts and associates, fostering internal capacity for high-quality analytics.

Consulting and Client Engagement

• Engage directly with ministries, development partners, and private sector actors to co-create solutions to education system challenges.
• Communicate insights and recommendations effectively through presentations, reports, and workshops.
• Manage or co-manage project workstreams, ensuring timely, high-quality delivery and client satisfaction.

Thought Leadership and Business Development

• Support and lead business development, including proposal design, methodological framing, and client engagement.
• Contribute to the team's intellectual leadership on education financing, efficiency, and system reform.
• Collaborate across Genesis' Human Development practice.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master's (or PhD) in Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience working in the education sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to translate technical findings into actionable policy advice.
• A proven entrepreneurial and self-starter mindset.
• Prior consulting-style experience is a plus, or experience in a setting focused on the ability to manage tasks and deliver high-quality outputs under tight timelines.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Prior experience in prestigious international development programs such as the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship, the World Bank (WB) Young Professionals Program, the African Development Bank (AfDB) Young Professionals Program, or similar highly selective programs, are desirable.

Preferred location for this role is in South Africa, Kenya, or India. You must already have the right to work in the location you apply for. Exceptional candidates from other locations in the Young World will be considered.
HOW TO APPLY

• Please follow the online application process on the career portal of the Genesis website, we are unable to accept any e-mailed CVs or applications.
• Your application will primarily be considered for this role. If there are multiple roles that you are interested in, please submit your application for each position.
• Once you have applied via our career portal, you will receive a system-generated confirmation e-mail that your application was received.
• NOTE: Please be advised that uploaded documents / attachments cannot be bigger than 4MB in total, as the system will not accept your application if the uploaded documents exceed 4MB.
• Communication will be with short-listed candidates only - if you do not receive any feedback on your application within 3 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.
• Genesis Analytics reserves the right not to proceed with an appointment of any advertised role.
• All appointments will be made in line with Genesis Analytics' Employment Equity Plan and Transformation Policies.
• At Genesis, we prioritise your privacy by collecting essential personal information for job applications, which is reviewed confidentially by authorised hiring personnel to assess your suitability and communicate with you about your application status.

Skills Required