ABOUT STiR EDUCATION
We are an international NGO that supports education systems to reignite intrinsic motivation so that every child, teacher and official is motivated to learn and improve. We believe that education systems today must prepare every child, everywhere, to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Our vision of is a world where teachers love teaching and children love learning. Since 2012, we have reached 200,000 teachers and 6 million children across more than 100 districts in India and Uganda.
OUR MODEL
Our work is about changing behaviours and attitudes across education systems by reigniting intrinsic
motivation. We work with our government partners to define the desired behaviours that they want to see at each level. We then help them to promote these through strong role-modelling and positive relationships.
Behaviour change takes time. So our programme enables incremental improvements at every level that contribute to a system shift. Our termly learning improvement cycles each focus on a different theme. In peer networks, teachers and officials learn new strategies to embed into their professional practice. We reinforce this learning through monthly coaching and support. We also offer training in the use of data to inform better decision making.
No NGO intervention can last forever. And STiR understands how difficult it can be to achieve true
sustainability. So engaging governments is critical if we are to achieve our vision. They provide the best opportunity to ensure sustainability of our approach over the long term.
We establish deep learning partnerships with each government. We agree clear time-bound milestones of progress to build strong ownership. We work with existing officials to deliver every activity. We also ensure strong alignment with existing policies and priorities. Ultimately, we aim to show that our approach can increase the effectiveness and impact of each government’s overall investment in education. Over time, we expect to step back our own involvement with governments increasing their contribution to the costs of delivery. We’re also exploring partnerships with other implementing entities to amplify our approach.
STiR Education is now at an important point in its journey. Having developed a new strategy, re-organised our internal structure and introduced a Co-CEO model, we are now looking for a Chair ready to take STiR forward to deliver its mission.
How we approach our work is as important as what we do and our core values guide the way:
Humility – We don’t have all the answers upfront.
Ownership – We empower each other with high expectations & support.
Openness – We will listen, learn and improve, and lead through obstacles.
Purpose – We’re united by a shared vision we’ll build & achieve together
The Chair of the Board works closely with the Co-CEOs and fellow Trustees to guide STiR Education’s long-term vision, uphold its values, and strengthen its impact. The Chair provides strategic leadership to STiR Education’s Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance, oversight, and support for the organization’s mission.
Lead the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
Ensure effective Board performance, including recruitment, on boarding, and development of Trustees.
Chair Board meetings and facilitate strategic discussions and decision-making.
Collaborate with the Co-CEOs and leadership team to shape and monitor strategic priorities.
Ensure alignment between STiR’s mission, values, and operational execution.
Provide high-level guidance on risk management, financial sustainability, and organizational performance.
Act as a key ambassador for STiR Education.
Cultivate relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
Support fundraising and advocacy efforts and actively using pre-existing networks to support STiR.
Serve as a trusted advisor and sounding board to the Co-CEOs.
Lead the Co-CEOs annual performance review and succession planning.
Experience working in or with education systems, international development, or public sector reform.
Proven experience in a senior leadership or governance role, ideally as a Chair or Trustee within a non-profit or mission-driven organization.
Demonstrated commitment to STiR’s values of Openness, Humility, Purpose and Ownership.
Commitment to improving the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion of organisations
Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
Experience gained from leading transformation across strategy, organisation structure and people.
Ability to foster collaboration, challenge constructively and coach to encourage the growth of the Co-CEOs and fellow Board members
Familiarity with STiR’s operating contexts.
Experience and willingness to commit time to support STiR’s fundraising efforts
Understanding of systems change, behavioural science, or motivation theory.
The term of appointment is 3 years with the possibility of renewal for a period of up to 3 more years. The Chair is asked to give 3 days a month to STiR Education. The Chair will establish their own preferred check-in cadence with the Co-CEOs and Trustees. These are the primary commitments, but there are of course additional meetings or ad-hoc engagements when required. The position is not remunerated (beyond expenses).