Interim Head of EMEA, Partnerships

The Head of Partnerships, EMEA is responsible for shaping, leading and growing the Foundation’s partnerships and impact across Europe (excluding UK), the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), building the relationships, ecosystems and opportunities that enable more children and teachers to access high-quality digital education.

This 12 month maternity cover role will have a specific focus on our partnerships in Spain and developing our insight and relationships in Africa, while acting as a point of contact for the Middle East. Responsibility for partnerships in the UK sits separately and is not part of this role.

Reporting to the Chief Partnerships Officer and as part of the Global Partnerships Team, this is a strategic leadership role focused on developing sustainable partnerships that accelerate the Foundation’s mission and global growth ambitions. You will lead the delivery of country strategies, identify opportunities to expand reach and impact, secure investment and funding, cultivate strategic relationships, and oversee programmes that deliver meaningful outcomes for children, educators and the wider digital education ecosystem.

Working collaboratively across Education, Product, Marketing, Commercial and Fundraising teams, you will ensure that regional partnerships align with national priorities, strengthen the EMEA micro:bit ecosystem, and contribute to the Foundation’s ambition to inspire every child to create their best digital future.

Micro:bit is a non-profit organisation, if you want a sales and marketing role, this isn’t for you - this role focuses on partnerships, ecosystem development and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver the Foundation's partnership and programme work across EMEA (excluding the UK), with a focus on our priority country of Spain and exploring the African context, developing our insight and network with a view to establishing priority countries.

1. Strategy

Maintain Foundation strategic goals and use in-market insight to inform delivery.

• Deliver against the Foundation's existing EMEA strategy, with priority focus on Spain and developing our knowledge and contacts within Africa.

• Identify opportunities for pilot programmes and collaborations, overseeing delivery as required.

• Maintain priority country plans in identified priority markets, while scoping opportunities for future priority country focus.

• Monitor the digital education landscape in-region to flag emerging opportunities and risks.

2. Partnerships

Maintain and grow the relationships that enable the expansion of our work.

• Build and maintain relationships with governments, Ministries of Education, NGOs and partners.

• Represent the Foundation in partnership discussions and support funding conversations already in motion, working closely with the Chief Partnerships Officer and Head of Fundraising.

• Drive relationships and existing commitments across the wider EMEA region.

3. Delivery

Identify and work with key partners to further the work to reach educators and learners on the ground.

• Lead growth of the Foundation's global programmes (do your :bit, micro:bit Champions, micro:bit Live) working in collaboration with the Global partnerships team.

• Work with Operations to ensure country implementation meets local data privacy and compliance requirements.

• Share partner and educator insight with Product to inform localisation.

4. Leadership & Influence

Be the Foundation’s link internally and externally across the region.

• Represent the Foundation at key regional conferences and partner meetings, seeking out opportunities in collaboration with Marketing

• Act as the primary point of contact for EMEA matters across the Foundation during the cover period.

• Work cross-functionally with Education, Product, Marketing, Commercial Operations and Research & Impact.

Essential

Belief in the Foundations mission to broaden participation in digital creativity and coding reaching more girls and more under-represented groups.

Experience of working globally, with an existing international network and an ability to grow this.

Experience working with governments, NGOs or international education organisations.

Ability to bring people with different skills and objectives together behind a common goal.

Ability to demonstrate the micro:bit and talk about its place in education systems and curriculum.

Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.

Willingness to travel internationally.

Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to spot opportunities.

Preferred

Experience within the education sector (K12 not Higher Education)

Knowledge of the African and/or European digital and computing landscape and ecosystem.

An additional language (French / Spanish / Arabic / other)

Knowledge of the Edtech market, including hardware and software.

Desirable

Experience in working with a fundraising manager to secure funding or generating income through partnerships.

Application

Please apply by the 25th September by providing a covering letter showing how you meet the required skills and experience and a CV for consideration. Please note we may interview and appoint ahead of the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

The Micro:bit Educational Foundation is committed to equal opportunities and to building a diverse and inclusive team. We want our recruitment to be fair, and we monitor this by asking applicants to share some information about themselves via this form https://form.jotform.com/262315217292352

Completing this form is entirely voluntary, and your answers will not affect your application in any way. The information is kept separate from your application, is not seen by the hiring panel, and is used only in anonymised, aggregated form to help us understand and improve the fairness of our recruitment process. Thank you for taking the time to help us with this.

At the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, we work flexibly, collaboratively, and with a shared commitment to making a lasting difference. The Foundation offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

AI statement

At the Foundation, trust is one of our core values, and we want to keep the application process fair for everyone. While AI can be a great tool, we ask that you let us know if you've used it to assist with your application.

AI isn't off-limits, but keep in mind that overly AI-generated responses may lack the specificity needed to effectively address the key criteria outlined in the job description and might not fully showcase your unique skills and experiences.

We appreciate your effort and honesty and look forward to learning more about you.

You can read our full AI statement here .