ILIFA LABANTWANA – REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 

Ilifa Labantwana is calling for expressions of interest in joining or working with our team. We are looking for people who have expertise, experience, and an orientation toward systems-change work. The aim of this request is to build a database of individuals with the qualifications, expertise, and experience which we will require either now or in the future. 

Ilifa’s Mission 

Ilifa Labantwana works towards a South Africa where everyone realises their contribution to children reaching their full potential. We use our technical expertise and deep understanding of government alongside evidence, collaboration and advocacy to strengthen the early childhood development ecosystem.   

Our Vision 

Quality early childhood development for all children that also supports caregivers, creates sustainable livelihoods for women, and builds an equitable and prosperous South Africa.   

Who are we looking for? 

People who embrace long-term systems-change work… 

The early childhood development eco-system is particularly complex. The pathway to success is non-linear and riddled with thorny challenges, requiring actors to embrace complexity, be able to view their work in the context of a larger system, and to understand that change is incremental and often slow. 

People committed to addressing socio-economic issues in South Africa… 

Alongside a strong rights-based approach, Ilifa locates its work on early childhood development within a broader mission to build human capital development, address economic and gender inequality in South Africa.  

People dedicated to evidence-based solutions… 

Ilifa is both a producer and a user of sound evidence on what works to shift outcomes for children and caregivers. This means we consume and produce research; we design and test new ideas; we share our learnings with others; and we are open to being challenged.    

People who value relationships… 

Ilifa works in close partnership with a range of partners both within and outside of government. Our relationships with individuals are central to our ability to achieve success. This requires empathy and an ability to connect with partners on a human level.    

We are open to part-time and full-time appointments, contracts and permanent positions, preferably based in Cape Town, Pretoria or Johannesburg. 

Qualifications, skills and competencies: 

We are open to a range of qualifications - depending on your disciplinary background, your qualifications should reflect the range of ways in which you have acquired skills and expertise. Currently, we are especially interested in candidates with expertise in multiple of the following skills areas: 

1. Data science, statistics or mathematical statistics, with capabilities in statistical software packages such as Stata or R 
2. Cost modelling using MS Excel or other relevant software 
3. Public policy, law and legislative expertise 
4. Implementation Science 
5. Economic analysis and modelling 
6. Research translation and report writing  
7. Survey data analysis 
8. Partnership and stakeholder engagement and management 
9. Early Childhood Development 

Experience:

Our team is growing fast to meet the needs of our ambitious goals. While it would be beneficial, deep knowledge of ECD is not a requirement. Instead, we are looking for people with  at least 8 years of working experience, a strong track record of excellence in their area of expertise, and an ability to quickly translate and apply that knowledge to the ECD sector. We are open to candidates from the private, public or civil-society sectors. Experience in or an orientation toward systems-change work would be advantageous.

Key attributes: 

We are looking for organised, curious, critical-thinking and solution-oriented people to help us in working toward our vision. 

Candidates should be comfortable with complexity and ambiguity, be willing to cross disciplinary boundaries and work with partners and service providers to deliver on activities towards Ilifa’s strategic goals. 

Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment, and a strong work ethic will all be valued. 

Values: 

Equity/Inclusivity – Ilifa recognises South Africa’s apartheid history and continuing inequality. We support the distribution of resources towards building an equal South Africa; emphasising the needs of marginalised women and children so that they may also thrive. We appreciate that to help build an equal South Africa, we must be a diverse organisation with diverse leadership and governance. 

Integrity – Ilifa acts with honesty and takes responsibility for our actions. We stand by our principles and hold ourselves, and our work, to a high standard. 

Agility – Ilifa is solution-orientated and opportunistic. We are willing to try new approaches and adapt to changing contexts. We hone our strengths, reflect and build new knowledge so that we can act quickly. 

Tenacity – Our goal is difficult and long-term, but is worthwhile. We work towards it with persistence, determination and grit – even in the face of adversity.   

Humility – Ilifa recognises that we cannot achieve our vision alone, and we do not have all the answers. We ask for help, and we value and learn from the contributions, thoughts and experiences of others. 

Our hiring will be cognisant of multiple facets of diversity, of which race is a key consideration. 

How to apply: 

If it sounds like you might be a good match for Ilifa, please  complete the following EOI form. The deadline for applications is 28 March 2024. Please direct   any queries to  recruitment@ilifalabantwana.co.za