Slum Dwellers International (SDI), the leading international network representing the needs, interests, and voice of the world’s urban poor, wishes to recruit a Programs Manager based in Cape Town. This is an extremely exciting and challenging position, providing an outstanding opportunity to work with a multi-national network that has been internationally recognized for its ability to mobilize and deliver grassroots leadership and innovation in cities of all sizes. Two decades of savings-driven and women-led organisations have placed SDI in a unique position to ensure that organisations representing the urban poor are recognized as a significant resource to confront global challenges such as climate change, inequality and the absence of social justice. These global challenges will not be solved without the active involvement of all citizens, especially slum dwellers.
The Programs Manager will be responsible for organizing programs and activities for SDI and they will be tasked with developing programs to support the organization’s strategic direction, as well as creating and managing long term goals. The Programs Manager will also be in charge of developing budgets and operating plans for programs and contribute to the development of program funding proposals. He/she will directly supervise Program Coordinators and Project Officers .
Reporting Structure
This is a senior role in the organization. The Programs Manager will form part of the organizations’ Management Team and will report to and be accountable to the Director of the Secretariat.
Applicants should hold a Master’s Degree (6-years of study) in a relevant discipline. In addition to formal qualifications, applicants should have a minimum of 5 years in large-scale project management, international and local team management, project finance management and reporting. Demonstrated success in developing theories of change, results frameworks, monitoring and evaluation, change management, or otherwise directly related subject areas including experience in providing technical backstopping in an NGO is preferred. A strong background in sustainable development, particularly in the thematic areas that SDI works in (Secure Tenure, Governance, Slum Upgrading, Urban Issues, Water, Energy, Cities, Climate and Youth), in the context of cities in the global South. Candidates should be proficient in English – additional languages would be an asset. Candidates should have advanced proficiency in a recognised suite of computer programmes, and be able to work remotely when required. Travel may be required.
Skills and Qualities
Strategic thinker and ability to accompany the practical implementation of a strategic plan
Strong and proven large-scale programme management technical knowledge and skills
Demonstrates a high emotional intelligence, is a team player and someone who leads by example
Highly skilled people manager
Strong understanding and compliance with the regulatory and governance structures of an international NPO
Strong grants management experience including comfort and experience with budgets and financial reports; planning and information management skills.
Experience with fundraising and ability to pitch to donors and conceptualize and write donor proposals
Ability to work in agile, fast-paced, and very collaborative team guided by principles of mutual accountability and respect and a willingness of each team member to support whatever the work requires
Experience in promoting teamwork and working collaboratively in a multigenerational, multicultural, and international context;
Ability to think critically and politically, and problem-solve. Ability to plan on the move and to respond and adjust to constantly shifting priorities;
Proven ability to operate in a virtual, global organisation where e-mail and internet based communication is paramount;
Sensitivity/awareness of difference, power, and privilege as they shape interaction with diverse staff, affiliates, and partners;
Experience in organising and facilitating multi-sector workshops and events.
Key perforamace areas on the Programs Manager include:
Structuring programs and activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the organization.
Developing new programs to support the strategic direction of the organization.
Lead in ensuring clear organisational arrangements for the oversight and implementation of programmes
Creating and managing long-term goals.
Developing and managing program budgets and, monitoring expenditure and costs against planned activities and realised benefits over the lifespan and the organisation’s programs
Develop or adopt a cutting edge value creation (M&E) framework for donor reporting purposes and to assess program strengths and the real value added to individuals, communities and organisations; and identify areas for improvement.
Interface with the organisation’s business development / fundraising capabilities in order to ensure the development and vetting of a coherent and uninterrupted funding pipeline for SDI’s programs.
Facilitate the appointment and organisation of programs staff to projects and sub-programs
Managing a team with a diverse array of talents and responsibilities.
Ensuring goals are met in areas program delivery, quality, and team member performance.
Implementing and managing organisational changes and interventions to ensure project goals are achieved.
Manage relationships with and inputs by stakeholders making contributions to SDIs programmatic work, making communication easy and transparent regarding project issues and decisions on services.
Producing accurate and timely reporting of program status throughout its life cycle.
Managing program risks.
Grant management
View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at www.actionappointments.co.za and email your application by Friday 25th February 2022 to [email protected]