Zizi Afrique Foundation (ZAF) is delighted to announce an exciting leadership opportunity on behalf of Harnessing Education Research for Impact (HERI) in Africa, a bold and transformative Pan-African initiative. HERI Africa is a new and ambitious program bringing together diverse collaborators, including governments, universities, and civil society research organizations. Its overarching vision is to dramatically increase the productivity and influence of education research in Africa—rising from the current 3% contribution to global research outputs to an ambitious 30% by the year 2050.
HERI’s mission is not only about producing research but ensuring that the knowledge generated significantly impacts communities and societies across the continent. The initiative is committed to improving learning outcomes, enhancing transitions, and expanding mobility opportunities for young people. At its heart, HERI Africa seeks to revitalize and apply education research as a driver of sustainable progress in education and training across Africa.
Though Pan-African in scope, the Director will serve as the Head of the Secretariat in Kenya, working closely with strategic partners and stakeholders to steer HERI Africa toward its transformative goals. This is a demanding but highly rewarding leadership opportunity for a dynamic and visionary individual who is ready to shape education research in Africa for generations to come.
About the Role
The Director of HERI Africa will provide vision, leadership, and strategic oversight for the initiative. Reporting to the Co-Directors at Zizi Afrique Foundation and the Commission for University Education (CUE), the Director will lead in strategy execution, operations, fundraising, governance, and communication. The position requires agility, ambition, and a forward-looking approach, straddling policymaking, academic work, and organizational leadership.
The Director will be accountable for steering HERI’s secretariat, convening its Technical Leadership Team of eight institutions (including three universities), and serving as secretary to the HERI Africa Steering Committee, which is co-chaired by two Principal Secretaries.
The successful candidate will be a seasoned leader with proven experience in collaborative initiatives, organizational management, financial stewardship, governance, fundraising, and impact-driven program execution.
Key Responsibilities
The Director’s responsibilities span across multiple strategic and operational domains. These include but are not limited to the following:
I. Strategy Development & Execution
- Shape HERI Africa’s overall strategic vision with a strong focus on achieving measurable impact.
- Lead the design of long-term and annual resourcing plans, covering human capital and financial requirements.
- Prepare projections and secure Board approval while ensuring alignment with funder expectations.
- Establish and sustain robust organizational systems, frameworks, and processes that enhance efficiency and drive execution.
- Provide advisory support in both programmatic and administrative matters.
- Directly manage enabling functions such as Finance and HR while coordinating with partners for broader delivery.
- Design and implement a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) framework and effective communication plan.
- Develop a gender-responsive capacity-building strategy for HERI Africa stakeholders.
II. Establishing Systems and Processes
a) Governance and Board Support
- Draft governance and management policies for Board approval.
- Ensure effective functioning of Steering Committee meetings with timely preparation of reports, action tracking, and decision follow-through.
- Facilitate sub-committees by supporting Chairs with agendas, reports, and implementation oversight.
b) Policies, Systems, and Procedures
- Develop and enforce policies and systems to ensure quality delivery and effective impact.
- Roll out new and improved tools, systems, and procedures through effective communication and training.
c) Risk Management
- Oversee HERI’s risk management framework, covering strategic, financial, operational, legal, and compliance areas.
- Support external firms in complex negotiations while safeguarding HERI’s financial and reputational integrity.
- Ensure rigorous financial due diligence and value-for-money practices.
d) Procurement and Administration
- Prepare and manage procurement plans in consultation with users.
- Monitor contract compliance by grantees and ensure timely settlement of obligations.
- Oversee all procurement processes, including contracting, evaluation, and issuance of agreements.
- Ensure adherence to policy and best practices in all administrative activities.
III. Financial Management & Fundraising
- Spearhead HERI Africa’s fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Technical Leadership Team and other senior staff.
- Develop and manage mechanisms for multi-funder pooling and institutionalization within government agencies.
- Lead the preparation of annual budgets and work plans while conducting in-depth financial analyses for decision-making.
- Monitor compliance with funding contracts and ensure timely and transparent financial reporting.
- Facilitate internal and external audits and ensure adherence to national and international financial regulations.
- Champion the implementation of a value-for-money (VFM) framework and provide fiduciary training for staff.
IV. People Management
- Build and motivate a strong team capable of delivering HERI Africa’s ambitious goals.
- Develop talent management and recruitment plans aligned with HERI’s strategy.
- Implement fair and effective performance management systems.
- Promote employee engagement, organizational culture, and leadership development through coaching, mentorship, and recognition.
- Manage people-related risks through robust risk mitigation strategies.
V. Strategic Communication and Advocacy
- Lead HERI Africa’s advocacy and corporate communications functions.
- Maintain transparent communication with staff, donors, policymakers, and the public.
- Showcase HERI Africa’s vision, achievements, and impact to diverse audiences.
- Leverage digital platforms, reports, and publications for knowledge sharing.
- Adapt communication strategies to different cultural, regional, and sector-specific contexts.
Desired Profile
The ideal candidate will be an innovative and ambitious leader with the ability to manage complexity while inspiring others to deliver excellence. Specifically, the candidate should demonstrate:
- A post-graduate degree in Education, Research, Economics, Business Administration, Financial Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 10 years of senior-level experience in organizational management, leadership, or research.
- Proven membership in professional networks, associations, or proactive communities.
- Strong background in project management, development communications, and policy advocacy, particularly in the not-for-profit sector.
- A successful track record in resource mobilization and grant administration.
- Solid financial management skills, including handling large budgets and ensuring compliance.
- Familiarity with compliance regulations for not-for-profit organizations.
- Outstanding leadership and people management skills, with experience building high-performing teams.
- Strong organizational and strategic planning abilities, with capacity to manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, backed by data-driven approaches.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence policymakers and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Personal attributes of integrity, accountability, transparency, and innovation.
Work Environment and Compensation
- Competitive remuneration package including family medical cover, pension scheme, and 25 days annual leave.
- Position based in Nairobi, with flexible work-from-home options and occasional travel within and outside Kenya.
- Demanding yet flexible role requiring strong time management and work-life balance skills.
- The Director will work under full delegation from the Board, requiring a high level of self-direction and responsibility.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about education research and committed to making a lasting impact on Africa’s future, we invite you to apply for this unique leadership opportunity.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit:
- A detailed application letter expressing interest.
- A comprehensive resume and copies of academic and professional certificates.
- Contact information for three work referees.
- Indication of current and expected remuneration.
Applications should be sent by email to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected] no later than Friday, 3rd October 2025. Please indicate the job title “Director – HERI Africa” in the subject line of your email.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will be filled once a suitable candidate is identified. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.
Zizi Afrique Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
