Our client, a grant-making foundation registered in Switzerland and operating in Southern Africa, is focusing on the achievement of two goals: improving access to education; and improving the quality of education in rural areas of Lesotho, South Africa and Eswatini (Swaziland).
The foundation is currently seeking to appoint a new
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
to take on the implementation and development of all grant making activities in Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa.
Based in South Africa with flexibility about location, the key responsibilities for this exciting and challenging role include:
Responding to and evaluating all requests for funding which relate to the preferred focus areas, priorities and approach of the foundation, and visiting all prospective applicants before making recommendations to Trustees
Implementing grant making decisions in collaboration with Trustees
Monitoring individual grantee activities based on grant purpose as agreed in each case (scrutinising reports, visiting and working closely with grantees during the grant period to evaluate the success of each grant)
Reporting regularly to Trustees in a variety of ways and ensuring that reports and the Annual Financial Statements are submitted to Switzerland
Undertaking regular support, monitoring and evaluation visits to all active and potential grantees in the region to ensure that grant funds are used as agreed
Overseeing administrative costs and supervising the finance manager
Maintaining database of all grants
Key attributes for the Executive Director will include:
Appropriate tertiary qualifications and extensive working experience within the development sector at a senior management level
An interest in and an understanding of the challenges facing the education sector in Southern Africa and the support needed to improve and enhance what is currently offered
Grant making experience will be a major advantage
Highly articulate and able to communicate with stakeholders across the board
Excellent writing skills
An ability to develop strong relationships and build trust with grantees
Experience working in a rural area
High levels of self-motivation ability to work alone and communicate the situation on the ground clearly to the trustees (Be able to paint an accurate picture)
An experienced driver with the ability and confidence to travel extensively in deep rural areas
Flexible and able to deal with shifting priorities
Interested applicants are invited to view the full job description and application instructions on the vacancies page at www.actionappointments.co.za and email your application by Friday 4th March 2022 to [email protected]