Senior Manager, Lighthouse Coalition

About the role

Global Schools Forum (GSF) is seeking a Senior Manager to guide the Lighthouse Coalition from its start-up phase into Phase II (November 2026 to January 2029). The role leads a multi-country coalition of non-state, government and funder actors across India, Kenya, South Africa and Senegal, shaping its theory of change and strategy, overseeing a budget of nearly $1 million annually and designing governance and logistics. It is a leadership position of influence and accountability, not a coordination role, and is fully remote.

Key responsibilities

• Lead coalition orchestration: co-develop the theory of change and strategy, manage relationships with government officials and funders, run annual partner retreats and bi-weekly check-ins with partners, and set up a governance framework and steering committee processes.
• Own day-to-day delivery of the Lighthouse programme across workstreams and countries, keep reporting disciplined, and hold weekly programme tracking and bi-weekly 1-1s with the line manager.
• Manage a budget of nearly $1 million: lead contract writing, oversee payments to more than 15 subawardees and contractors, and track budget changes and fund flows.
• Plan and deliver international learning trips and events, including visa and government permission support, flights, hotels, venues and translators, and prepare budget estimates for funding proposals.

Required profile

• Experience leading a complex multi-stakeholder initiative with a budget over $1 million, ideally in foundational learning or government system reform.
• Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia or Latin America; preference for a consultant based in Kenya, South Africa or India, preferably a citizen of a low- or middle-income country.
• Attention to detail, proactivity and strong written and oral communication.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Google Docs and other remote-work tools.
• Excellent Excel skills.