The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) Current Job Opportunity

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent, non-governmental, development and foreign policy think tank, focusing on South Africa’s and Africa’s international relations. Its goal is to contribute to the achievement of a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable, and globally engaged Africa. It has been consistently ranked among the top think tanks in Africa.

 

 

 

 

Job Title: Director of Operations
Location: South Africa
Opportunity type: Employment

Job Summary:
This critical role is wide-ranging, requiring a high-level of general management experience covering operational planning and management (Finance, IT, Database), maintaining the organizations’ legislative compliance, risk management, human resources management, as well as strategic planning and implementation. The Director of Operations takes the lead in reporting to the Finance Committee and participates in meetings of SAIIA’s Executive Committee, a subcommittee of the National Council. This position acts as the overall Governance Officer of the Institute.

Key Responsibilities:

Business sustainability:
Provides high-level direction on the Institute’s business model to ensure financial sustainability. Is a key player in realising the Institute’s growth potential and defining economic strategy.
Operational planning and management: Oversee the financial management function, ensuring high-quality reports are submitted and presented to the executive team and governance structures, steers the annual financial audit process in conjunction with the Head of Finance and ensures that appropriate systems and controls are in place to efficiently manage the Institute’s resources.
Risk Management: Oversees the risk management policy, including the development and implementation of the risk register and manages the Internal Audit function in conjunction with the appointed service provider and the executive team.
Contracts management and compliance with legislation: Negotiates and manages legal contracts needed to support the Institute, ensures compliance with all relevant legislation and that donor due diligence requirements are met.
Human resource management: Ensures compliance with all relevant legislation and internal policies, updates existing policies and develops new policies as required, oversees HR matters, including performance management, recruitment, salary benchmarking and well-being policies.
Essential experience, skills, qualifications:

Minimum Educational And Experience Requirement:
Professional qualification (e.g. Internal audit, financial, legal) preferred
At least 10 years’ experience in operations (finance, IT and database), governance and risk, strategy implementation and human resource management
Experience and understanding of the non-profit sector and working knowledge of the think tank sector strongly preferred
Resourceful problem-solving, analytical and strong leadership skills
Excellent communication and writing skills
Exemplary people management and inter-personal skills
Strong work ethic, ability to prioritise and multi-task
Adaptive and flexible to situational demands
Ethical behaviour, leads by example
Commitment/personal accountability
Attention to detail

Preference will be given to South African citizens and employment equity candidates. SAIIA reserves the right not to make an appointment.

For more about South African Institute of International Affairs, refer to www.saiia.org.za

To Apply:

[email protected].

Application Deadline: Friday, 3 September, 2021

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be called in for an interview. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.