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 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.
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.
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.
EDUCATION SERVICE LINE LEAD (MATERNITY COVER)
This role carries full accountability for the performance of the Education Service Line, including strategy, team leadership, financial management, origination, and delivery. The Service Line Lead acts as both a business leader and technical leader, ensuring excellence, impact, and financial sustainability.
For the right candidate, the role may transition to long term employment with the education team, subject to mutual agreement in February 2027.
Key responsibilities include:
Strategy and Planning

• Lead the implementation and refinement of the Education Service Line strategy and annual plan, aligned with the wider Human Development strategy.
• Track progress against agreed KPIs and adapt plans as required.

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management for the education team.
• Ensure high standards of delivery, professional development, and team wellbeing.
• Work with practice leadership and HR on recruitment and resourcing as required.

Financial and Business Management

• Manage service line finances, ensuring revenue, profitability, cash flow, and cost control targets are met.
• Oversee project pipelines and resourcing across activity systems.

Origination and External Engagement

• Lead and support origination of new work across bilateral, multilateral, and foundation clients.
• Maintain and strengthen senior client and partner relationships.
• Represent Genesis externally in education-focused forums and engagements.

Delivery and Quality Assurance

• Provide oversight and leadership on key projects to ensure impact, technical excellence, and client satisfaction.
• Foster learning, innovation, and continuous improvement across the service line.

REQUIREMENTS
The successful candidate will be a seasoned leader with strong education sector expertise and proven experience managing complex teams and portfolios.
You are likely to have:

• 10+ years of professional experience, with a strong focus on education policy, systems, or programmes.
• Demonstrated experience leading a consulting team, or business unit, including responsibility for strategy, delivery, and financial performance.
• Strong understanding of the economics of consulting, including project management, budgeting, and revenue targets.
• Proven ability to build and maintain senior relationships with governments, development partners, and foundations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to work full-time or part-time (candidates should indicate preference).
• Experience in the Young World.

Location: Global. Preference will be given to candidates based in the Young World, but this is not an essential requirement.
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