Education Economist (South Africa) at Genesis Analytics

• The education team works with Ministries of Education and clients to strengthen education systems across the young world. Our deep understanding of effective strategies in enhancing teaching and learning, coupled with our insider's perspective on policy change, equips us to drive positive transformations in the educational landscape. 
• Our team has a combination of relevant experience as educators, policymakers, advisors and researchers. We work on improving strategy, planning and implementation, improving the quality and coverage of services. 

Requirements
ROLE DESCRIPTION 

Education Economist

• We are seeking a technically strong and delivery-oriented Education Economist to join the Education Team within the Human Development practice. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to analytical and advisory projects across foundational and basic education, and higher education.
• This is a consulting role – focused on applying rigorous  analysis to real-world education policy and system challenges. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of the education sector, analytical acumen, combined with commercial awareness. We are looking for someone who is a self-starter and can work independently from day one in a highly dynamic setting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Delivery and Technical Leadership

• Contribute and progressively lead the design and delivery of education projects, ensuring methodological rigour and policy relevance.
• Translate quantitative and qualitative findings into clear, policy-relevant recommendations and deliverables.
• Progressively, supervise, and mentor junior analysts and associates, fostering internal capacity for high-quality analytics.

Consulting and Client Engagement

• Engage directly with ministries, development partners, and private sector actors to co-create solutions to education system challenges.
• Communicate insights and recommendations effectively through presentations, reports, and workshops.
• Manage or co-manage project workstreams, ensuring timely, high-quality delivery and client satisfaction.

Thought Leadership and Business Development

• Support and lead business development, including proposal design, methodological framing, and client engagement.
• Contribute to the team’s intellectual leadership on education financing, efficiency, and system reform.
• Collaborate across Genesis’ Human Development practice.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s (or PhD) in Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience working in the education sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to translate technical findings into actionable policy advice.
• A proven entrepreneurial and self-starter mindset.
• Prior consulting-style experience is a plus, or experience in a setting focused on the ability to manage tasks and deliver high-quality outputs under tight timelines.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Prior experience in prestigious international development programs such as the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship, the World Bank (WB) Young Professionals Program, the African Development Bank (AfDB) Young Professionals Program, or similar highly selective programs, are desirable.
• Preferred location for this role is in South Africa, Kenya, or India. You must already have the right to work in the location you apply for. Exceptional candidates from other locations in the Young World will be considered.