Job Profile

Reporting to the Executive Director, this role is responsible for leading and directing all projects included in the Open Society Foundation for South Africa (OSF-SA) strategy so that programs meet their strategic objectives within time, quality and budget requirements, and in line with the mission and values of the OSF-SA. Key areas of responsibility include the following:

• develop and manage grant-making, operational and advocacy strategies to advance the designated program focus areas of OSF-SA
• oversee all grant making activities and initiatives
• oversee all research and advocacy initiatives, and provide support to initiatives that OSF-SA pursues on its own, based on its local and global philanthropic priorities and focus areas
• develop strong, sustainable relationships with grantee organisations, the donor community and other program stakeholders where required
• take responsibility for the knowledge development, management and dissemination of information relevant to the programs
• lead and develop a team of grant making programs and research staff.
• participate as an active member of the OSF-SA senior management team to facilitate the achievement of its mission and objectives

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have experience working within a global organisation and have an understanding of the regional political situation, with some background in research and strategy development.  In addition, a broad knowledge of grant making across the following OSF-SA programmatic areas is required: freedom of information and expression, accountability, justice & equality, promoting socio-economic rights & advancing civil society.  The successful candidate will be required to travel both overseas and in the region as well as locally, work on multiple projects simultaneously, liaise with the local governing Board and global thematic partners, and have a thorough understanding of corporate and not for profit governance issues.

• a Master’s degree in one of the following fields is required: Political Studies, Law, Economics, and Humanities
• at least 7 years relevant experience, 3 of which must be at a senior management level within a medium sized corporate, NGO or parastatal
• leadership skills (building relationships with a diverse team, on-the-job coaching, individual & team development)
• computer literacy (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook)
• excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong, sustainable relationships
• project management skills (high level of attention to detail, planning & organising, follow-up & deadline driven)
• preparation and monitoring of budgets
• ability to work under pressure and on multiple projects simultaneously
• ability to work effectively as part of a team
• integrity and emotional intelligence
• South African citizenship

Application Instructions: Please upload a cover letter and resume in one document when submitting an application.

Work Environment and Physical Demands: Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

We are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues across the Open Society Foundations, and we welcome and actively seek applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

DEADLINE; 3OTH MARCH 2016