EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Gun Free South Africa (GFSA) is a national NGO working to build a safer South Arica by reducing gun violence. W ith almost three decades of experience in public policy advocacy, public education and awareness raising, and community mobilisation w e are one of the only organisations in South Africa tackling gun violence. A dynamic, agile organisation, responsive to evidence and new information on what works to prevent gun violence we are committed to strengthening the capacity of community members, in particular women and young people, to engage with and hold the state accountable to uphold its constitutional duties, thereby ensuring a strong functioning democracy.  

Based in Cape Town or Johannesburg – GFSA seeks to appoint an

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The successful candidate will   combine an understanding of the key elements of successful policy advocacy with grassroots mobilisation, media advocacy and strategic partnerships to strengthen the case for reducing and preventing gun violence within government, in communities and across society as a whole. They will also   be familiar with the social justice landscape in South Africa and appreciate the need for evidence-led interventions. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the organisation. 

The  Executive Director  will be responsible for the following tasks and duties, among others:

Leadership and strategic management

1. Develop and oversee the implementation of a strategic vision for GFSA in consultation with the board.
2. Build strategic alignment across the organisation, its programmes and activities.  
3. Report to and work with the board of directors. 
4. Develop, retain and recruit staff, through conducting regular organisational and staff performance reviews.

Fundraising and Financial Management

1. Ensure organisational sustainability and growth by developing and implementing a resource mobilisation strategy.  
2. Ensure effective and transparent financial accountability systems are in place which includes a clear system for tracking and fulfilling donor reporting requirements (both financial and narrative).

Organisational development and institution building

• Build institutional policies and practices to ensure efficient organisation of work, including delegation of responsibilities amongst staff, with 
• clear reporting and accounting lines.
• Build institutional knowledge and memory through the development of appropriate recording and archiving systems.
• Ensure GFSA complies with all legal and labour requirements as a registered NPO.

Programmes and Community relations

1. Promote the vision of the organisation across diverse constituencies and build the profile of GFSA and its work nationally, regionally and globally.
2. Build strategic partnerships at both policy and programming levels.

The  Executive Director   must have the following qualifications, experience and skills:

1. A relevant university degree.
2. At least 10 years’ work experience in the non-profit sector, with a minimum of five years in a managerial role.
3. Experience working in the public policy arena including a thorough understanding of local, regional and global legislative frameworks and an appreciation of how a poor legislative framework specifically in firearms control management can significantly impact levels of public safety.
4. Significant experience in lobbying and advocacy within the social justice sector, with deep knowledge of the workings of parliament and its role in holding the state’s executive to account.
5. Fundraising and resource mobilisation skills and experience.
6. Experience in developing and implementing a strategic plan and the ability to provide leadership in doing so.
7. Experience in and understanding of integrating a gender lens in conceptualising the organisation’s mission and the implementation of its programmes.
8. Experience in sustaining the structure and functions of an organisation including efficient administrative and financial management systems, as well as performance management systems.
9. Ability to work across diverse contexts and with a variety of constituencies in a collaborative fashion.
10. Excellent written and spoken English. The ability to speak other South African languages will be an advantage. 
11. Good media engagement skills, including the ability to publicly represent the organisation.

View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at www.actionappointments.co.za 

Email your application by Monday 7^th October 2024 to  callum @actionappointments.co.za