Chief Executive Officer

About United World Schools (UWS)

We believe that when you educate the future, you change 
the future

UWS’ vision is a world with zero education poverty™

A world in which every child can reach their full potential through education. UWS works to ensure children have access to quality, inclusive education in remote and marginalised communities. We build and run schools, we train teachers and we strengthen education systems.

UWS works in partnership with communities; the public; governments and international institutions; private sector organisations; foundations and philanthropists; and, above all, with children and families to create lasting change.

UWS is a fast-growing NGO with a mission to empower every child in marginalised rural communities to reach their full potential by ensuring foundational learning. With a historical reach since 2008 of working with 70,000 children in 320 communities, UWS today educates 25,000 children in 180 schools, which it has funded and built in Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal and Madagascar. UWS trains teachers and operates schools until they are ready for transition to local government and communities – to date, 140 schools have been transitioned to serve future generations of children.

UWS has recently embarked on a new partnership model to improve the quality of education for children in government schools, and is being requested by governments to strengthen education systems at local and national level. UWS is now poised to scale its impact at pace. The organisation has developed a low-cost model for growth, supported by a diverse and robust income mix. The organisation currently operates on a budget of c. £4.5m and employs 500 people directly, with a further 700 Government teachers working in our schools.

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Role Summary

The Board is now seeking to appoint a Chief Executive Officer to lead this dynamic and fast-growing NGO into its next phase of impact and growth. This is a compelling opportunity for a strategic, ambitious, and visionary leader with substantial experience in the international development, NGO/INGO, and institutional sectors. The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record of delivering impact in low-income and culturally diverse settings, coupled with deep, hands-on expertise and lived experience in programme implementation and partnership development. As the public face of the organisation, they will embody the mission of UWS, inspire stakeholders, build profile and drive forward an ambitious strategy for the future.

The successful candidate will be accountable for safeguarding the financial and operational health of the organisation, ensuring it is supported by strong internal systems, effective governance, and rigorous controls. Working closely with a highly committed board, they will bring a deep understanding of leading diverse, multi-location teams internationally, building organisational capacity, and navigating the complexities of scaling impact while maintaining high standards of compliance and operational excellence. While experience in the education sector is advantageous, it is not essential.

This is a unique opportunity to take the helm of a high-impact NGO at a transformative moment, shaping its future direction towards a vision of Zero Education Poverty.

Specific responsibilities include:

Leadership and Strategic Direction

• Strategic group leadership focused on strengthening global and in-country teams through capacity building, while providing visible, clear, and accessible leadership across all areas of the organisation.
• Sharing ownership of the Strategic Plan, in close consultation with the Board, and leadership of its execution and ongoing development in a way that gives the organisation a strong sense of direction and focus.
• Advising and informing the Board, so that it can take timely and well-informed decisions on key strategic issues, including those relating to its financial, legal and statutory duties.

Stakeholder Engagement, Management and Resource Mobilisation

• Building UWS’ profile and reach with donors and other key partners and stakeholders
• Engaging with diverse partners, from local communities, governments to global institutions, to advance children’s rights and well-being.
• Representing and promoting UWS externally through attendance at, and participation in, key events and fora, and through building UWS’ media profile.
• Acting in partnership with the fundraising teams, playing a supportive role in the execution of the fundraising strategy.

Management of Resources

• Developing, mentoring and coaching key members of staff, ensuring that they have clearly defined roles with appropriate objectives, monitored by rigorous performance management processes.
• Accountability for managing the financial and operational activities of the organisation, ensuring robust internal processes and controls and risk management.
• Ensuring that UWS’ approach to issues such as Human Resources, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Procurement, Tax, and Facilities Management are in line with regulatory and statutory requirements and continually improving in accordance with best practice.
• Championing innovative approaches, bringing challenge to the status quo to fulfil the charity’s ambitious goals.

The Board seeks an individual with the following skills, capabilities and experience:

Essential

• Demonstrable passion for UWS’ mission and purpose.
• Senior Leadership experience in international development/ the NGO and INGO arena, with practical programmes and partnerships experience in lower income countries.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to inspire, engage and influence diverse stakeholder  groups.
• An accessible, empowering and approachable leadership style, demonstrating strong cultural sensitivity, openness to constructive challenge and debate, with a willingness to listen, consult widely, and seek advice.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and a hands-on approach, readily rolling up their sleeves to drive innovation and support teams in achieving impactful results
• Financial and operational acumen, including the ability to develop budgets, and analyse and interpret financial data and ensure robust internal processes.

Desirable

• Funding experience with foundations and institutional donors.
• Experience in the education sector is preferable but not a requirement.

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At UWS, we are committed to ensuring our leadership reflects the diverse communities we serve. We believe that different perspectives and lived experiences strengthen our governance and decision-making.

We encourage all who share our mission to apply and help us build a more inclusive and representative organisation.

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