PROGRAMME DIRECTOR

Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)  

PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
 

Opportunity closing date:                                        23rd February 2025
 
Opportunity type:                                                     Employment    

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is an Africa-wide think tank which provides an inclusive platform for dialogue, information dissemination and networking. Our programmes are underpinned by rigorous research into all aspects of African Heritage, to shape policy and practice on critical issues of governance, integrated economic development and the evolution of African institutions. Through our programmes we seek to address the short, medium, and long-term developmental challenges facing Africa in a holistic and comprehensive manner.  

JOB PURPOSE
        
 

The Programme Director is responsible for the implementation, oversight and success of MINDS programmatic areas ensuring programme delivery, quality control, evaluation, advocacy and stake holder management. The Director will also be part of the fund raising effort for the organisation, as well as formulating and monitoring of programme budgets.  

COMPETENCY PROFILE
 
Qualifications
• A degree in relevant discipline such as politics, law, development studies, pre-post-colonial African history, anthropology, sociology or related studies with             substantial experience.       
 Experience
• At least 5 years previous experience in programme and project management
• previous working experience in Africa (beyond South Africa)
• demonstrated writing products in the public domain
• At least 2 years general management experience (budgeting, financial and HR management)
• Knowledge of Theories of Change as a technique for articulating programme strategies and experience in developing and critiquing them
• Experience in managing staff and working successfully as part of a small team  

Key Skills & Attributes Required
 
This is a senior management position and will play a significant role in shaping the research and strategy for MINDS, driving its effective implementation and contributing towards building the organisation. The position requires an individual with substantial content and management experience with advanced level of competence in the following:
• Programme and Project Management skills
• Stakeholder management & engagement – ability to manage relationships at highest levels in corporate and public sectors
• General management (strategic, finance, project, admin and HR & programme)
• Communication management capability (knowledge of social media, web management, and knowledge dissemination)
• Familiarity with civic society organisations and/or government processes;
• Advanced verbal and written communication capability
• Extensive networks in appropriate sector/s
• Reputation and standing in appropriate sector/s
• Advocacy capability
• Advanced Research Skills & policy exposure
• Resilience & flexibility – ability to be self-sufficient, self-motivating, and willing to undertake all tasks irrespective of level
• Leadership & strategy – conceptual capability and experience in strategic envisioning. and planning processes
• Entrepreneurial – ability to identify strategic opportunities and to implement these into programmes
• Ability and willingness to travel
• Multi-cultural management competence
• Political nous    

Programme Conceptualisation
   
Initiate and assess programmes by:
• Scanning and monitoring the appropriate programme sector/s, including key stakeholders to keep abreast of developments
• Updating team regularly on key findings
• Identifying gaps and opportunities for MINDS and developing concepts / research areas/ for proposals
• Shaping research questions
• Conceptualising and scoping programmes and present to ED
• Drafting proposals for submission to Board
• Developing ToRs
• Appointing service providers
• Finalising contracting requirements  

Programme Management   
• Developing annual programme plans to ensure that the various programmes deliver on time and in budget, and to the required standard
• Ensuring work is appropriately assigned and distributed amongst programmes team and/or external consultants
• Assessing programme performance against key deliverables by:
          - guiding programme delivery and ensuring quality outcomes.
          -  assisting programmes in identifying problem areas and identifying appropriate solutions
• Identifying programme risks and escalating to senior management
• Following up with service providers to ensure that reports are submitted in accordance with the original agreement
• Authorising programme approved payments
• Reporting on budget deviations and expense allocations
• Providing team travel plans for budget monitoring activities
• Monitoring and managing project budgets and financial reports
• Authorising changes to the programme schedule when required
• Managing relationships with key programme stakeholders
• Updating and amending contracts as required on an annual basis  

Programme Reporting
  Generate standard reports:
• Programme Close Out Reports
• Programme Status Reports
• Stakeholder Engagement Reports
• Evaluation Reports        

Programme Evaluation       
• Monitor evaluators’ performance outputs against contracts & budgets
• Manage programme evaluation, resolving problems, managing, challenges and stakeholder expectations
• Manage dissemination to project stakeholders
• Produce a report for the Board summarising evaluations  

Stakeholder Relationship Engagement
• establish information sharing networks and fora, meetings and events
• communicate MINDS strategy at stakeholder meetings and fora.
• Oversee and quality control research by researchers/consultants
• Consolidate lessons from research and integrate into future strategy and operations.
• Keep abreast of strategic and new innovations in the relevant sectors, and identify areas of opportunity for direct engagement or by stakeholders  

Strategic Engagement & Advocacy
• Oversee research publications, presentations, attendance at conferences, and other knowledge dissemination fora
• Provide input into MINDS communication strategy & implementation, in conjunction with MINDS Communications and Media Officer in respect of web management, social media and other communication tools
• Convene strategic engagements and dialogues with key stakeholders such as relevant national, regional and international civil society organisations, governments, academics and multi-lateral  bodies as necessary  
General Management          
• Conduct routine one-on-one staff consultations, and formal performance management reviews as required per the policy
• Ensure effective and open communication channels are maintained across organisation
• Ensure staff are trained and fully developed to deliver on their roles; and to grow in the future
• Ensure staff transgressions are dealt with in accordance with MINDS policies and values

Fundraising
 
• Identify potential funding opportunities
• Engage with potential funders / donors and promote MINDS
• Support Chief Executive in securing funding to meet programme objectives
• Manage on-going relationships with funder/donor
• Ensure compliance with funding agreement and reporting requirements      


To apply, submit a CV and motivation letter with salary expectation to recruitment@minds-africa.org stating ‘MINDS Finance Officer ’ in the subject line.
 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

MINDS reserves the right not to appoint anyone for this position  

For more about the Mandela Institute for Development Studies, refer to www.minds-africa.org                  
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Ad Overview
  • Category

    Employment

  • Location

    South Africa

  • Apply Before

    23 Feb, 2025

  • Date Posted

    Posted 1 week ago