The Head of Sustainability and Development Programmes will hold a key leadership position, concentrating on development opportunities between businesses and governments in SA and surrounds to advance the African Union's development agenda. This role provides a chance to influence the strategic direction of the organisation and work closely with the CEO on governance and oversight. 3 year renewable contract, R1 550 000 per annum possibly negotiable for the right candidate. The position is based in Rivonia full-time hours, with expectations for regular regional and occasional international travel.
Established in 2002, this organisation acts as a development partner, mobilising private sector resources—such as finance, expertise, and information—to support public sector initiatives. Their focus is on implementing sustainable business practices that enhance trade facilitation, climate action, and digital innovation in Southern Africa, driving economic growth across the continent.
Candidates should have experience in climate change, digital transition, and trade facilitation initiatives in Africa. The Head of Sustainability and Development Programmes will coordinate various activities, identify and prepare projects, manage relationships with senior stakeholders, and ensure effective project oversight.
Responsibilities:
Business Development & Stakeholder Management:
Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities in South Africa and the SADC region.
Develop and manage key stakeholder relationships within the public and private sectors to generate project opportunities.
Lead negotiations and secure partnerships, funding, and deals to drive project success.
Support the initiative to enhance the profile of the organisation in key development areas.
Development/Leadership Forum:
Develop and coordinate a development/leadership forum for key stakeholders, including working groups.
Drive the development/leadership forums strategic direction, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s broader goals.
Present potential project proposals to the development/leadership forums, to aid securing necessary funding and support.
Build relationships with key participants.
Oversight & Strategic Development:
Oversee project development from inception all the way through to completion.
Provide management and technical guidance to various programme and project teams.
Draft, lead and implement the Programmes Strategic Plan, adapting it to evolving regional and sectoral needs.
Budget & Programme/Project Management:
Develop detailed work plans, setting milestones, deadlines, and budgets.
Build strong, proficient teams to deliver the appropriate outcomes.
Manage programme expenditure and deliver regular reports on progress to sponsors and stakeholders.
Ensure the effective use of resources across all projects.
Organisational Leadership, Strategy & Governance:
Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership to drive long-term strategic planning and decision-making.
Ensure organisational objectives align with key stakeholders.
Share responsibility for the organisation’s financial sustainability, partnerships, and overall performance.
Work closely with the current CEO to gain an understanding of the organisation’s strategic vision and operational intricacies.
Requirements
- 10+ years’ experience in infrastructure, trade, project management or related field.
- Tertiary qualification applicable to the role.
- Relevant experience in the infrastructure (water, rail, ports, gas, digital, waste management, etc. sectors in Southern Africa and/or in climate change).
- Experience in trade facilitation will be an added advantage.
- Experience in relationship and stakeholder engagement, managing workshops and stakeholder meetings.
- Public sector experience will be an added advantage.
- Proven record on programme delivery, relationship management and closing deals.
- Proven ability to develop, document, maintain and write project proposals and reports and manage project time frames/budgets.
- Ability to self-manage and meet deadlines.
- Excellent co-ordination skills across different levels of stakeholders.
- Ability to lead and to work within a team context.
- Competence of project management methodologies and tools (e.g. MS Project).
- Experience in working in Africa and dealing with governments, private sector, civil society and development agencies.
- A good understanding of NEPAD, the African Union, SADC and current initiatives/developments of the NBF and/or similar organisations.
BEHAVIOURAL QUALITIES:
- Leadership and Vision: Ability to develop and communicate a compelling vision for the organisation’s future.
- Strategic Thinking: Able to anticipate and navigate complex challenges at the highest levels.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Comfortable with the pressures of senior leadership and capable of adjusting to changing circumstances.
- Collaboration and Consultation: Able to engage and work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, internally and externally.
- Integrity and Ethics: Operates with a high level of integrity and fosters a culture of accountability.
- Adaptability: Able to recognise the material risks and opportunities arising from technological, economic, political and behavioural changes and to adapt to those changes in a suitable and appropriate manner.
- Team Orientation: Works well within an integrated team environment, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Deadline and Delivery-Oriented: Focused on delivering results within set timelines, with attention to detail and accuracy