Chief Executive Officer

Applicants must be based in and authorised to work in the UK.

This is a volunteer role, homebased/remote, requiring 10 hours per week.

Project Yananai invites an exceptional, visionary executive to assume the voluntary position of Chief Executive Officer, leading a dynamic and mission-driven global charity at the vanguard of education and poverty alleviation. Headquartered in the UK, Project Yananai has professional teams in India, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. As an organisation with Christian values, we are unwavering in our conviction that education is the cornerstone of sustainable transformation.

Our global initiatives empower communities, break the cycle of poverty, and cultivate long-term impact through innovative educational models and holistic development programs. With a diverse, high-calibre team already achieving significant outcomes with limited resources, we are poised to expand our reach and influence under the guidance of a transformative leader. This is a rare opportunity for a strategic executive to accelerate social impact on a global scale.

Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees and working in close partnership with the Executive Leadership Team, you will drive the development and implementation of our Strategic Growth and Impact Plan, shape organisational vision, and spearhead fundraising initiatives that underpin our future sustainability. You will leverage your networks, expertise, and insight to build strategic alliances, establish our presence in new territories, and deliver scalable solutions that catalyse systemic change.

Your leadership will be instrumental in inspiring a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation, harnessing the energy and commitment of a talented team to deliver enduring results. Your remit will include:

• The articulation and execution of a compelling strategy that advances our mission;
• The construction of Community Learning Hubs for sustainable skills training;
• The roll-out of urgent Relief Operations;
• The stewardship and growth of diverse funding streams through relationship-building with donors, grant-makers, and corporate partners;
• The oversight of programmatic excellence in education and poverty alleviation initiatives to ensure impact, sustainability, and efficacy.

As the public face of Project Yananai, you will advocate for transformative policies, represent the organisation at major forums, and champion our cause with clarity and conviction. We seek an executive of unquestioned integrity with a proven track record of inspirational leadership, ideally with experience in the non-profit, education, or social impact sectors.

You bring a deep understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, poverty alleviation frameworks, and the sustainable development agenda, complemented by exceptional fundraising acumen and the ability to foster high-value partnerships. Your communication skills are superlative, enabling you to engage and inspire stakeholders at every level.

A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree or equivalent leadership experience is highly advantageous. This voluntary role requires a level of availability and flexibility consistent with executive responsibility. It is ideally suited to senior leaders and professionals with autonomy over their schedules - whether currently employed with discretionary after-hours capacity, self-employed, semi-retired, retired, or working part-time.

Initially voluntary, the position will transition to a market-competitive, globally benchmarked remuneration package upon successful fundraising and grant acquisition. We are committed to supporting the professional and personal growth of our team, offering a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diversity, ingenuity, and resilience.

If you are a distinguished global executive, a humanitarian leader of exceptional passion and drive, and a catalyst for organisational excellence, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of Project Yananai. Unleash your potential. Empower communities. Transform lives. Lead with distinction as CEO of Project Yananai.

Project Yananai is a UK registered charity number and an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.