About the Suyana Foundation
The 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:
1. Educational components embedded in holistic community development programs
2. Scholarship programs for disadvantaged youth
3. Tertiary education pathways
4. 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
5. Lead and evolve Suyana’s global education strategy, ensuring alignment with our values and development model
6. 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
7. Identify, replicate, and scale best practices across regions
8. Drive innovation, relevance, and scalability in all education programs
9. Ensure effective coordination between country teams, Headquarter, and strategic partners
10. Continuously research, adapt, and respond to local educational challenges
Team Management & Capacity Building
11. Lead and mentor a small international and local education team
12. Guide and support teams in adapting educational interventions to local needs and systems
13. Foster a collaborative, impact-driven, and innovative culture
14. Facilitate internal training and knowledge exchange
Field-Based Implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation
15. Supervise and support education activities across all countries of operation and in close collaboration with local teams
16. Maintain a strong field presence to support implementation and problem-solving
17. Ensure solutions are grounded in first-hand insights from schools and communities
18. 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
19. Support the Impact Team in the definition of education-specific indicators and monitoring tools
20. Collect and analyze data and feedback to inform strategic adjustments
21. Collaborate with Impact and Communications teams to document results and success stories
Partnership Development
22. Contribute to funding proposals and strategic donor engagement with the Partnership team.
23. Close cooperation with the Partnership team to identify collaboration and co-financing opportunities
Your Profile
24. Minimum 5 years of leadership in education programs, preferably in rural or underserved contexts in South America and/or Sub-Saharan Africa
25. Proven track record managing school operations, scholarship programs, and vocational or tertiary education
26. Skilled at leading multicultural teams and engaging diverse stakeholders
27. Degree in Education, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related fields
28. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate local realities into effective programs
29. Strong interpersonal, intercultural, and organizational communication skills and adaptability
30. Expertise in Project Cycle Management, MEAL, and inclusive pedagogical methods
31. Willingness and ability to work independently in semi-remote areas (up to 70% field time)
32. Fluent in English and Spanish
33. Skilled in digital tools (MS Office, communication platforms, education-related applications)
34. Swiss/EU passport or valid Swiss work permit required
What We Offer
35. A purpose-driven leadership role with tangible, long-term impact
36. A high-trust environment with autonomy and space to shape your role
37. Dynamic and highly motivated teams across continents
38. Space for professional growth and long-term contribution
39. A collaborative and entrepreneurial culture
40. 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.