About Company

PROGRAMME LEAD VACANCY

Established in the 1980s, Surplus People Project (SPP) is an independent non-governmental organisation that stands in solidarity with activists and social movements in struggles for land, food, climate and gender justice. With land and agrarian transformation as the overarching vision, SPP believes that systemic change can only be realised through social mobilisation and movements that advance alternatives from below. The organisation’s geographic area of operation is in parts of the Northern and Western Cape Provinces.

SPP is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse staff profile that reflects the diversity of our country. We are seeking the services of a Programme Lead based in our Cape Town office to start immediately.

To apply, please send application to info@spp.org.za as soon as possible, but not later than 12h00 Thursday 15 August 2024 and include: 

1. A motivation letter addressed to the CEO, SPP.

2. A short CV - including three contactable references.

3. Samples of writing ability e.g. reports, position papers covering issues of Land in South Africa

4. Salary will be based on our available budget matched with your expertise and experience.

Job Title: Programme Lead

Execution of SPP programmes as directed by Programme Manager in line with SPP vision, mission and strategy, ensuring relevant portfolio leadership in line with SPP’s theory of change and main objectives.

Portfolio

All portfolios, with specific accountability for Land Tenure, Water and Resources and Farm-Worker/Dweller Rights

Main Purpose

Facilitating land access, land use and management of land, access to development and resources for farmworkers, focus on community rights, empowerment of communities to advocate for sustainable land and agrarian transformation to address poverty, hunger, inequality in partnership with stakeholders, and in line with SPP vision and mission.

Main responsibilities

1. Implement SPP’s strategic priorities in all project planning and reporting.
2. Effectively lead and manage the activities under this portfolio of all field staff and support their professional development.
3. Actively contribute to the organisation’s financial and resource sustainability.
4. Contribute towards building a positive community and public profile for SPP and advance SPP’s mission through community outreach stakeholder engagement and advocacy (with, government, municipalities, etc.)
5. Personal Professional Development.

Indirect reportees

Programme Coordinators and Programme Officers in Portfolio (Responsible for specifically recorded KPAs)

Essential requirements

• Relevant post-graduate qualification and or experience of five and more years in the non-profit sector. 
• Sound understanding of SA’s socio-environmental context, gender imperatives, land policies and the role and challenges of civil society. 
• Experience within a social justice/human and constitutional rights-focused organisation. 
• Understanding of land and agrarian issues, particularly the interrelation of land, food and climate justice. 
• Ability to communicate in English and preferably also in Afrikaans (Afrikaans is the predominant language of partner communities). 
• Proven track-record in the action-research field. 
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for SPP’s mission
• English writing proficiency. 
• A valid un-endorsed driver’s license.

Skills 

• Strong Project Management skills 
• (Report) Writing skills 
• Negotiations / Mediation skills 
• Facilitation and presentation skills 
• Lobbying and advocacy skills 
• Information gathering skills 
• Strategic thinking ability
• Research skills
• Digital economy social marketing skills

Knowledge 

• Institutional knowledge of Land Tenure and Farmworker/Dweller Rights and Issues.
• Knowledge of policies related to Land and Agrarian Reform.
• Integration of other relevant policies (housing, local government, water, etc.).
• Facilitation of processes to inform communities and draw feedback for policy intervention.
• Development of submissions regarding projects to relevant policy makers.

Knowledge of the SA NGO and Social Justice sector, land, water, climate change and environmental justice linkages will also be advantageous. 

You will be a good fit with SPP if you are also:

• linked into networks in the land, food systems and environmental and related sectors.
• politically astute but not ideologically dogmatic.
• self-motivated and able to self-manage effectively.
• able to work well in a loosely structured team environment.
• able to work collaboratively with colleagues from SPP, partner organisations and community-based partners.
• committed to a non-racial and gender-equitable society.

You should be a South African citizen (or hold a valid work permit) and be able to travel and work after-hours and on weekends from time-to-time. 

Please note:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• SPP reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• SPP reserves the right to withdraw this call for whatever reasons.