Head of Education - Global 100 %

About the Suyana Foundation

The Suyana Foundation is a Swiss non-profit organization committed to the sustainable empowerment of individuals and rural communities through three core pillars: Health, Livelihoods, and Education. We run holistic development programs in Bolivia and Peru, and collaborate with trusted local partners in Uganda, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and beyond - promoting local ownership and lasting impact.

To strengthen and expand our impact in the education sector, we are seeking a dynamic, field-oriented

Head of Education

to lead and further develop Suyana’s global education strategy. In this pivotal role, you will shape our educational vision, coordinate implementation across countries, manage a multicultural team, and ensure alignment with grassroots realities and international standards—while staying grounded in Suyana’s core values.

Education in Suyana is both a standalone focus and a cross-cutting component of our holistic programs. Our initiatives include:

• Educational components embedded in holistic community development programs
• Scholarship programs for disadvantaged youth
• Tertiary education pathways
• The Suyana School in Cusco, preparing students for university, entrepreneurship or vocational careers

Beyond a desk job, this role requires a significant presence in the field, adaptability, strong engagement with local communities, and readiness to research and solve problems in real time — all of which will be crucial for the success of this position

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Lead and evolve Suyana’s global education strategy, ensuring alignment with our values and development model
• Guide the strategic direction and development of the Suyana School in Cusco, in close collaboration with the designated Suyana Perú school leadStrengthen and expand scholarship programs and tertiary education initiatives
• Identify, replicate, and scale best practices across regions
• Drive innovation, relevance, and scalability in all education programs
• Ensure effective coordination between country teams, Headquarter, and strategic partners
• Continuously research, adapt, and respond to local educational challenges

Team Management & Capacity Building

• Lead and mentor a small international and local education team
• Guide and support teams in adapting educational interventions to local needs and systems
• Foster a collaborative, impact-driven, and innovative culture
• Facilitate internal training and knowledge exchange

Field-Based Implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation

• Supervise and support education activities across all countries of operation and in close collaboration with local teams
• Maintain a strong field presence to support implementation and problem-solving
• Ensure solutions are grounded in first-hand insights from schools and communities
• Build sustainable local ownership in all education-related activities by developing strong networks with local entities, involving them actively, and potentially empowering them to manage specific programs in the future
• Support the Impact Team in the definition of education-specific indicators and monitoring tools
• Collect and analyze data and feedback to inform strategic adjustments
• Collaborate with Impact and Communications teams to document results and success stories

Partnership Development

• Contribute to funding proposals and strategic donor engagement with the Partnership team.
• Close cooperation with the Partnership team to identify collaboration and co-financing opportunities

Your Profile

• Minimum 5 years of leadership in education programs, preferably in rural or underserved contexts in South America and/or Sub-Saharan Africa
• Proven track record managing school operations, scholarship programs, and vocational or tertiary education
• Skilled at leading multicultural teams and engaging diverse stakeholders
• Degree in Education, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related fields
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate local realities into effective programs
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural, and organizational communication skills and adaptability
• Expertise in Project Cycle Management, MEAL, and inclusive pedagogical methods
• Willingness and ability to work independently in semi-remote areas (up to 70% field time)
• Fluent in English and Spanish
• Skilled in digital tools (MS Office, communication platforms, education-related applications)
• Swiss/EU passport or valid Swiss work permit required

What We Offer

• A purpose-driven leadership role with tangible, long-term impact
• A high-trust environment with autonomy and space to shape your role
• Dynamic and highly motivated teams across continents
• Space for professional growth and long-term contribution
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial culture
• Competitive compensation and benefits

Join Our Mission

Help us strengthen education where it matters most—on the ground, in classrooms, in partnerships with communities and students. Be part of Suyana’s sustainable vision for change.

Send your complete application (CV, cover letter, and certificates) in English to:hr-schweiz@suyana.ch.