Europe Programme Director

THINK EQUAL is a global education initiative with a mission to ensure that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) becomes a mandatory subject for all children in early years settings globally. SEL is the process through which knowledge, attitudes, values and skills such as emotional intelligence, empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making are developed.

To support governments and educators to achieve this mission, THINK EQUAL has developed a global SEL Programme for 3-6 years-olds. The Programme is constructed around teacher training, and the provision of narrative children’s books, lesson plans and teaching resources, which provide the concrete tools educators need to teach SEL in a low-cost and adaptable format.

The THINK EQUAL Programme has a global presence across six continents (in 30 countries) and has undergone three randomised control trials in contexts as varied as Colombia, Botswana and Australia. There is a growing demand from other countries for the THINK EQUAL Programme and the organisation is now strengthening its team to be able to respond to this demand.

Purpose of the Role

To manage the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Think Equal programmes in UK and Europe. This role has a special focus on representing Think Equal and maintaining strong relationships with local authorities, regional and national government ministries (education and health primarily), and other stakeholders, and managing a region or country team as needed. It also involves strategic planning, reporting on, budgeting and costing of programme implementation, guiding, reviewing, approving and ensuring high quality implementation including: 

• Supporting business development efforts, translations (only if needed), and evaluations. 

• Leading on partnership and government relationships, training plans and the monitoring of programme implementation. The role is one of primary oversight and responsibility for the embedding of Think Equal within the early years education system in the UK and various European countries, and the sustainability of the programme, insofar as possible.

Overall Reporting: CEO 

Line Manager: CEO

Line managing: UK Country Team & Eastern European Manager

Contract: Full time (40 hours per week - these hours are to be worked flexibly, recognising that some weeks and days will require more than others in order to meet Think Equal needs and requirements)

Work Modality: Remote 

Location: Europe – England Preferred 

Salary:  £40,000-45,000 (or equivalent)

Responsibilities

Line Management 

• Provide line management (guidance, strategy, supervision, and support as needed) to the relevant Regional and Country managers, Programme Officers and coordinators. 

• Identify the needs for additional staff to support the implementation on the ground and participate in the corresponding recruitment processes.

• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork and effective communication among team members.

Partnerships Management

• Co-lead and support the business development strategy for Europe - with a special emphasis on England - in close coordination with the CEO and the Business Development team.

• Utilise own networks to secure and nurture robust relationships with local authorities (with special focus on the UK) and other stakeholders in line with the organization’s strategy. 

• Proactively approach, present to and enrol national and local authorities for the implementation of the Think Equal programme.

• Ensure high-quality sustainable implementation within Europe, with a special emphasis in the UK.

• Maintain timely reporting and communication mechanisms with donors (in close coordination with the CEO and the Business Development Team) and other stakeholders as agreed in MOAs and as needed.

• Communicate and liaise regularly with relevant stakeholders, representing the organisation when higher-level representation is needed. 

• Coordinate with the communications and business development colleagues at Think Equal to raise the visibility of the programmes.

Programme Development and Implementation

• In line with the organizational strategy, lead and supervise the development of project proposals and programme implementation plans and ensure their correct and effective implementation in cooperation with the country’s teams.

• Ensure the budgeting of, costing, spending and reporting on programmes in alignment with the Think Equal finance policy and donor requirements. 

• Provide regular status updates on the progress of the programme’s rollout in the UK and Europe.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support the development and strengthening of Monitoring Evaluation & Learning (MEL) tools and their use by the key stakeholders in order to ensure the sustainability of Think Equal.

• Work collaboratively with the Think Equal MEL manager.

• Lead and supervise monitoring actions that provide useful information to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Think Equal concluded, pipeline and active projects.

Other

• Undertaking any other reasonable support, initiative and or activity as required (e.g., support specific projects as directed by the CEO and other appropriate members of the Senior Leadership Team). 

• Think and operate creatively and with an entrepreneurial mindset about expanding, scaling, and generally ensuring that Think Equal’s mission and strategy are successful.

Education and Experience 

• Degree or equivalent in relevant fields, preferably in project management, business, economics, international affairs or development. (Essential)

• Master Degree in relevant fields, preferably Project Management, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management or Business Administration. (Essential)

• 5+ years of experience needed in programme/project management. (Essential) 

• Proven experience of at least 2+ years in business development within the nonprofit sector (Essential) (BD experience within the education sector, especially in England ideal). 

• Proven experience of at least 2+ years in managing teams or personnel, with a demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff members. (Essential)

• Experience in administration or similar working environment. (Essential)

• Administration and development in international development organisation/charity. (Desirable)

• Experience of monitoring and evaluating programmes of change. (Desirable)

• Experience of working in fundraising & communications. (Desirable)

Competencies, Knowledge and skills:

• Ensure that at all times you take care of your health and safety and that of others by complying with health and safety obligations, particularly by reporting promptly any defects, risks or potential hazards.

• Comply with the policies and procedures of Think Equal at all times.

• Support the mission and vision of the organisation.

• Maintain confidentiality at all times and ensure compliance with data protection requirements.

• Contribute to close working relationships with all personnel and help to build an open and honest culture that facilitates learning, creativity and excellence.

• Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post.

• Understand and respond to the challenges of implementing an international programme of education.

• Carry out as directed, any other duties as required in addition to the above that will be both reasonable and within your capabilities.

• Develop and maintain accurate electronic and paper filing systems. 

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and a wide range of stakeholders. 

• Computer literacy and excellent communication skills. High proficiency in a range of PC/web applications, including but not limited to: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Google Tools, and Monday

• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Other

• Candidates must have access to a safe, quiet, and secure workspace with reliable electricity, internet and cell phone connectivity.

• Some international travel may be required.

• Some work outside standard hours might be required. 

Application Deadline: 

Deadline to Apply - Tuesday 25 February 2025 12:00pm