Established in 1980, Surplus People Project (SPP) is an independent non-governmental organisation (NGO) that stands in solidarity with activists and social movements in struggles for land, food and climate 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 seeks to appoint a Chief Executive Officer, based in Cape Town.
The incumbent should have a vison and commitment to social and economic justice, an activist orientation with a strong analytical ability in relation to the political economy and the ability and passion to lead SPP to becoming a national voice in shifting the agrarian reform narrative in South Africa and the region.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Responsibilities:
Lead the continual strategic thinking, positioning and direction of SPP and provide overall strategic management
Keep abreast of the changing socio-political context and policy environment in order to make strategic shifts when required
Guide the political orientation of the organisation through engagement and joint analysis with communities and partners
Lead in writing to change the agrarian reform narrative in South Africa and the region and influencing developmental processes.
Coordinate action research to counter hegemonic narratives
Coordinate and implement SPP’s Resource Mobilisation Strategy and ensure that adequate funds are raised to implement SPP’s strategic plan
Ensure annual budgets are drawn up in a spirit of transparency and accountability
Ensure sound and rigorous financial management and accountability based on ethical fiscal principles and integrity
Ensure effective and efficient organisational development and management and promote and advance SPP praxis and approach
Recruit the right mix of staff towards the implementation of the SPP strategy
Continually build and develop authentic and functional staff relations based on mutual respect
Oversee and coordinate staff learning & development, coaching and mentoring processes
Consciously build internal leadership across the organisation
Identify and build strategic partnerships and networks and foster meaningful relationships
Maintain effective governance and administrations systems and procedures including policy development
Support Board development and be accountable to the Board
Ensure compliance as Not for Profit Company and legislation relating to the non-profit sector
Oversee and coordinate the monitoring, planning and evaluation processes of SPP in line with SPP’s strategy
Coordinate and contribute towards the leadership and management of the Tshintsha Amakhaya (TA) national alliance
Minimum Requirements:
A tertiary qualification and at least five years’ organisational leadership and management experience in a comparable organisation
A proven record of integrity, credibility and ethical leadership and decision-making
Extensive experience in developing and leading the implementation of strategy and programmes/projects
Experience in fundraising and donor relations
A strong analytical ability in relation to the political economy
Extensive experience in planning and M&E
Exceptional interpersonal skills
Advanced writing ability, in English
Computer competency, especially in MS Word and Outlook
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Understanding of and experience in working with networks, alliances and movements
Flexibility in terms of working hours, based on organisational requirements
South African citizenship or permanent residence status
Own transport and valid unendorsed Code 8 driver’s license
Preferred requirements:
A post-graduate qualification
Experience as an Executive Director/CEO/Managing Director or similar position
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 Afrikaans and/or isiXhosa
All applications must include:
A Letter of Motivation
A detailed CV, including three contactable references
3 different writing samples: a report, a proposal and an analytical piece (this can be an op-ed/ a policy brief etc) Applications should be sent to [email protected] Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to participate in the interview process.
For more about The Surplus People Project, refer to www.spp.org.za