ELMA Ongoing Recruitment – Apply Now!

From locations in New York, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Kampala, ELMA Philanthropies develops and manages strategies, investments and partnerships for The ELMA Group of Foundations. ELMA invests globally, with an emphasis on improving the lives of children in Africa.

Based in Johannesburg, the Programme Officer will develop and manage grant investments primarily in the areas of early childhood development in Southern Africa and constitutional rights in South Africa. The Program Officer will report to the Director, Programs and will work closely with ELMA’s program, finance, legal and measurement and evaluation teams across ELMA’s offices. The ability to be an active and collaborative member of a dynamic global team is essential to success in this role.

Job Title: Programme Officer – Early Childhood Development
Job Location: Johannesburg

Job responsibilities:

• Identify programs and organizations in Southern Africa that fit with the ELMA Foundation’s early childhood development and constitutional rights strategies and ELMA’s broader approach to philanthropy
• Conduct thorough due diligence including critical analysis of proposals, budgets, work-plans, measurement and evaluation frameworks, organizational strengths and weaknesses, and external risk factors
• Review, and where appropriate, support the development of program designs and theories of change with potential grantees
• Develop, write, and present concise, critical and analytical investment recommendations
• Critically monitor programmatic effectiveness and financial management of grantees
• Analyze grantee reports and prepare documentation to facilitate timely grant payments and other grant actions
• Support the success of grantees in the portfolio, including connecting them to appropriate resources
• Assess performance of the Southern Africa early childhood development and constitutional rights portfolios
• Manage and grow strategic relationships with grantees, co-funders, government, and other key stakeholders
• Contribute to cross-office learning and strategy development
• Other duties, as assigned

Required Skills and Experience:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Strong technical background with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in managing programs, grant making, or equivalent private sector experience
• Ability to source, synthesize, and effectively present information and data
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to write effectively in English for a variety of audiences
• Excellent Excel skills and ability to analyze and present data in a highly organized manner
• Quick learner and self-starter with ability to take initiative and work in a fast-moving, team orientated environment
• Strong work ethic and ability to prioritize and multi-task
• A good understanding of organizations and best practices in early childhood development in Southern Africa
• Excellent relationship-building skills and ability to collaborate on internal teams as well as with external stakeholders and partners
• Experience developing and managing partnerships and complex programs
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work non-traditional hours and travel locally and internationally as needed
• A valid passport, and ability to travel in Southern Africa approximately 25% of the time
• South African citizenship or legal authorization to reside and work in South Africa
• A passion for early childhood development or social justice issues

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications with attractive benefits.  The ELMA Philanthropies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

How to Apply

If you meet the above requirements and feel equipped for this challenging position please submit to [email protected] with the subject “JHB Program Officer” by 11 January 2019:

• A cover letter
• Your CV