OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

The Programme Manager plays a pivotal role in the implementation of our place-based strategy. The Programme Manager oversees the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives aimed at achieving positive outcomes for children, youth and families within the targeted communities.

Minimum requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as education, social work, public administration, or community development.

We are seeking a dynamic Programme Manager who is committed to community development. The ideal candidate will have a track record of:

• Working in community development, including insights into what has previously worked and what hasn’t.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in programme management, preferably in a community-based or educational setting.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing complex projects or initiatives, particularly those focused on child and youth development.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and motivate teams and stakeholders towards shared goals.
• Experience with data analysis, monitoring and evaluation methodologies, and using data to drive decision-making and improve programme outcomes.
• Familiarity with child development theories, education systems, and social services, with a commitment to creating meaningful impact.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset in navigating complex challenges and changing environments.
• Competence in making accurate and insightful assessments of community needs, projects, and programmes.
• Discovering and assessing existing and new NGOs as service providers in fulfilling a programme’s mandate.
• Project management, including the development of comprehensive project plans, managing resources, and timelines efficiently.
• Deployment of grant funding and related management processes.
• Managing people, including hiring, performance managing team members and NGOs to ensure outcomes and planned impacts are realised.

Additional qualifications or experience that will be an added advantage

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and motivate teams and stakeholders towards shared goals.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset in navigating complex challenges and changing environments.
• An affinity with the project area is an advantage. Fluency in isiZulu to effectively engage with community members is essential.
• Proven ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including community members, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and funders.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and refine the strategic vision and goals for the Initiative. Align programme objectives with the organization’s mission and values.
• Partnership Management: Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and community stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise in support of programme goals.
• Grant Management: Source implementing partners and service providers, conduct due diligence, prepare grant funding proposals, negotiate and contract with partners, and oversee implementation.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage programme budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize impact and sustainability. Monitor expenditures and financial performance.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track programme outcomes and impact. Utilise data-driven insights to assess programme effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions.
• Advocacy and Public Relations: Serve as a spokesperson for the place-based initiative, advocating for policy changes and systemic reforms to address barriers and inequalities affecting individuals’ development outcomes. Represent the organization in public and community forums and engagements.
• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare regular reports, presentations, and other communications to stakeholders, including donors, board members, and community stakeholders, to update them on programme progress, achievements, and challenges.