Rebecca Ward leads technical design and implementation of higher education and workforce programs in IREX’s Global Impact Hub. In this global role she works with donors, partners, and program teams to strengthen the performance of universities, teacher educators and TVET institutions to create the conditions for learners to thrive. 

Rebecca brings more than 24 years of experience in international higher education policy, management, and institutional development. At IREX, she has led large-scale, multi-country initiatives across the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe, supporting partnerships between universities, TVET institutions, industry, and government to improve graduate employability and research-led solutions, and advancing research management through professional exchange. Prior to joining IREX, she managed transnational education partnerships across southern Africa with the University of Greater Manchester, led university–industry collaboration and policy initiatives in the UK, as well as evaluation work for national research and innovation programs. 

Rebecca holds a PhD in innovation management and policy from the University of Manchester and a Postgraduate Certificate in teaching and learning in higher education. She is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy and serves as a co-opted governor at Settle College.