Director of Programmes

Location: Johannesburg
Reporting to: Executive Director
Contract: Full-time

About OLICO Maths Education

OLICO Maths Education is a leading South African non-profit organisation working to improve mathematics outcomes for learners and teachers in under-resourced communities. Our work spans across primary and high school and includes in-person and digital programmes with strong, evidence-based impact.

In recent years, OLICO’s work is increasingly extended beyond direct delivery into systems-level engagement by partnering with government, research institutions, and NGO-partners to share evidence, strengthen practice, and support the adoption of effective, structured approaches to maths teaching and learning.

The Role

The Director of Programmes is a senior leader responsible for the strategic oversight and operational excellence of programmes. The role will ensure that all programmes are aligned with Olico’ mission, well planned and managed, financially sound and continuously improving.
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to educational equity and ensure that learner outcomes, instructional quality and measurable impact are kept at the centre of programme delivery.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Programme Leadership

Accountable for overall programme strategy, performance and outcomes. Lead annual and quarterly planning, translating strategy into clear delivery plans and milestones. Ensure alignment between programmes, priorities and resources. Monitor performance, identify risks early and drive corrective action.

  2. Programme Quality & Systems

Ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across all programmes. Strengthen systems and operational processes to improve efficiency and impact. Maintain alignment with OLICO’s mission, values and evidence base.

  3. People Management

Lead and develop Programme Managers, holding them accountable for delivery across workstreams. Ensure strong coordination and decision-making across programmes. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Provide strategic direction and practical problem-solving support.

  4. Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

Align instructional quality, systems and learner progress tracking with academic and M&E teams. Embed evidence-informed decision-making into planning and execution. Keep learner outcomes central to operational priorities and reviews.

  5. Scaling & Partnership Delivery

Support operational readiness for responsible scaling. Translate partnership agreements into clear implementation plans and accountability structures. Ensure quality assurance and disciplined delivery in government and multi-stakeholder initiatives.

  6. Finance & Governance

Lead programme budgeting and resource allocation in line with strategic priorities. Monitor expenditure and address financial risks proactively. Ensure compliance with financial policies, controls and reporting requirements.

  7. Senior Leadership

Contribute actively to the Senior Management Team. Contribute to decisions on growth, priorities and long-term sustainability. Partner with the Executive Director on programme strategy, risk management and organisational learning.

Person Specification

  Essential Experience & Skills

• Relevant tertiary qualification, ideally in Education
• Minimum 5 years’ senior leadership programmes experience within the education sector, ideally working with high schools.
• Proven track record of building and managing high-performing teams and systems.
• Experience managing multiple programmes/portfolios within complex environments.
• Successful track record of managing government and donor-funded programmes.

  Competencies & Attributes

• Working knowledge of monitoring, evaluation and evidence-informed practice.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into operational execution.
• Strong planning, prioritisation and problem-solving capability.
• High levels of integrity, emotional intelligence and accountable leadership.
• Calm, decisive and resilient under pressure.
• Ability to operate strategically while being hands-on when required.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, incl. report writing

Why Join OLICO?

• Be part of shaping the future of maths education in South Africa.
• Play a pivotal role in strengthening an organisation with proven impact & ambitious plans.
• Work with a committed, values-driven team & engaged partners in the education ecosystem.
• Contribute meaningfully to systems-level change while staying grounded in real classrooms.

Remuneration & How to Apply

OLICO offers a market-related salary benchmarked against comparable leadership roles in the South African education and non-profit sector.

Follow this link to submit your application  https://olico.org/progdirector.

If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

OLICO Maths Education is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to be a diverse and equitable organisation. Preference will be given to South African black candidates as defined by the B-BBEE Act.