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Global Development Incubator Hires a Head of Programs in Kenya Early 2026

AfricanBy Updated:5 Comments6 Mins Read
GDI Core hires a Strategy and Build Manager in Nairobi
GDI Core hires a Strategy and Build Manager in Nairobi
The Global Development Incubator Hires a Head of Programs
The Global Development Incubator Hires a Head of Programs

Global Development Incubator and Head of Programs

  • Head of Programs – NurtureFirst
  • Hybrid – Kenya Preferred

Profile of NurtureFirst

NurtureFirst works to build and strengthen the systems that support home-based childcare (HBCC) providers globally, enabling them to deliver evidence-based, affordable, and culturally relevant childcare wherever they are. We believe that when childcare policies and programs actively invest in the capabilities, financial sustainability, and well-being of HBCC providers, they can deliver higher-quality care that improves child development outcomes and meets the needs of families — particularly working mothers.

 

Our work operates on two interconnected levels:

In-country systems change: We partner with governments, funders, and communities to design and scale policies and practices that uplift HBCC providers and transform early childhood outcomes. Currently operating in Kenya as our first country of focus, we plan to expand to additional countries over the next decade.
Global movement-building: Alongside our country-level work, we are building a Global HBCC Alliance with partner organizations to elevate the visibility of home-based childcare worldwide, share evidence and best practices, and accelerate adoption of supportive policies across contexts.
NurtureFirst is currently incubated by Global Development Incubator Africa (GDI Africa). We expect to exit incubation and establish ourselves as an independent organization in mid- to late 2026. This transition will include determining the optimal types and locations of legal entities, as well as their relationships.

Key Responsibilities of Global Development Incubator

NurtureFirst is seeking a Head of Programs (Director Level) to lead the design, delivery, and learning agenda across our portfolio. This role will ensure program quality, implementation integrity, and evidence-based outcomes, while stewarding country leads and building systems to test and refine interventions.
The Head of Programs will be a strategic partner to the CEO, responsible for operational excellence in program delivery and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL). While others lead the expansion strategy, this role will contribute insights from program evidence and country experience to inform future growth.
This is a director-level leadership role, currently overseeing implementation in Kenya and responsible for preparing for and supporting entry into additional countries in the coming years. The Head of Programs will interact with NurtureFirst’s Global HBCC Alliance to share evidence and learning, but will not be responsible for leading or managing the alliance.

Level: Director

  • Location: Kenya is preferred. A different location that allows frequent travel to Kenya can be considered.
  • Reports to: Chief Executive Officer, NurtureFirst
  • Contract Type: Full-time

Key Responsibilities of the Program Design & Delivery

  • Lead the design and execution of NurtureFirst’s programs, ensuring alignment with organizational vision and caregiver-centered values.
  • Integrate early childhood development science and cultural context into program architecture.
  • Translate strategic priorities into actionable program plans with clear milestones and accountability structures.
  • Oversee program implementation in Kenya, supporting country leadership in delivering with integrity and impact.
  • Oversee program design and implementation in new geographies in collaboration with various partners.
  • Prepare systems and processes to support expansion into new countries.
  • Support resource mobilization by contributing to proposal design, program concepts, and donor engagement.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

  • Build and oversee robust MEL frameworks to track outcomes, test interventions, and generate actionable insights.
  • Ensure evidence is systematically captured, analyzed, and shared to inform decision-making and external learning.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and adaptive learning across teams and with and among partners, including setting up a partner learning framework.

Program Quality & Integrity

  • Establish and maintain standards for program quality, safeguarding, and ethical implementation.
  • Ensure interventions are rigorously tested and responsibly scaled, with fidelity to caregiver dignity and maternal agency.
  • Provide technical guidance and operational support to country teams.
  • Lead the development of a learning-oriented culture that normalizes honest reflection, supporting teams to identify what is not working and adapt accordingly.

Leadership & Collaboration

  • Supervise and mentor Country Leads and/or teams (currently Kenya), enabling strong local leadership and accountability.
  • Collaborate closely with the CEO and leadership team to align program delivery with organizational strategy.
  • Contribute programmatic evidence and insights to expansion discussions while respecting others’ ownership of strategy.
  • Engage with the Global HBCC Alliance to share program evidence and learning without assuming responsibility for alliance leadership.

Candidate Profile Essential in Global Development Incubator

  • Master’s degree in Early Childhood Development, Public Health, Education, Development Studies, or Social Policy.
  • Deep understanding of early childhood development science, caregiver dynamics, and systemic factors shaping early years outcomes.
  • Proven experience in program leadership and implementation, ideally in early childhood, maternal health, education, or development sectors.
  • Strong expertise in program design, delivery, and MEL systems, with the ability to translate evidence into practice.
  • Demonstrated ability to oversee multi-country or complex program portfolios.
  • Commitment to ethical stewardship, caregiver dignity, and evidence-based practice.
  • Exceptional leadership, mentoring, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
  • Lived or professional experience in the Global South, with deep appreciation for local contexts and caregiver realities.

Desirable

  • Advanced experience, training, or certification in MEL or Implementation Science.
  • Experience working in or with Global South contexts, particularly Kenya.
  • Familiarity with testing and scaling interventions in early childhood or maternal health.
  • Ability to synthesize research and technical evidence into actionable insights for diverse audiences.
    Based in Kenya

The Reason to NurtureFirst on Global Development Incubator

  • Mission-driven team with a strong culture of care and excellence.
  • A defining moment: play a central role in shaping NurtureFirst’s independence as we transition out of incubation and establish our own operational foundation.
  • Opportunity to shape both the strategy and operations of a high-impact global initiative

How to Apply to the Global Development Incubator

If this post on Global Development Incubator sounds exciting to you and you meet the qualifications above, please submit a single PDF containing a one-page cover letter and your CV/resume, outlining your interest in this position and why you would be a good fit. Please note that the cover letter is an important part of the application and will be evaluated against the qualifications listed above. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications take place on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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