Vacancy: GL Director of Programmes, apply 15 Nov

JOB TITLE: Director of Programmes

LOCATION: Johannesburg, South Africa
The post is based in Johannesburg and requires flexibility to travel. Flexible arrangements may be motivated, as long as these are within Southern Africa.

SALARY: A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered, commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate.  The offer will be subject to three months’ probation.

JOB PURPOSE: The Director of Programmes is responsible for overall leadership and implementation of core programmes, fundraising, research, monitoring, evaluation and learning, communications and sustainability. The organisation’s proposed organisational chart for 2026/2027 is attached at Annex A.

REPORTING LINES:

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:  Reports to the Gender Links Board, working closely with the Director, Regional Hub, as part of GL’s Co-Director feminist leadership model.

Oversight of regional programmes, grants and fellowships, monitoring, evaluation, learning and communications, in close coordination with country directors.

CONTRACT PERIOD: The post is for an initial period of one year, with scope for growth and promotion as part of GL’s succession planning and performance management system. GL is committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders of the women’s movement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversight of GL’s SRHR, GBV, Economic and Climate justice, Gender and Media and Women’s Political Participation Programmes, delivered through the Grants and Fellowships Unit; the Southern African Gender Protocol Alliance and the Local Action for Gender Justice models.
• Management and reporting of regional grants relating to these programmes.
• Oversight of GL’s Results for Change framework that includes Monitoring, Evaluation, Knowledge, Learning and Value for Money.
• Oversight of GL’s communications for social change strategy and channels.
• Strengthening and building partnerships nationally, regionally and globally in GL’s areas of work.
• Preparing papers and presentations and representing the organisation at strategic forums and events.
• Leading new and innovative ways of working that create multiplier effects and leverage off GL’s networks and knowledge bases.
• Fund raising to create synergies and sustain the work.

Required Qualifications:

• A relevant post-graduate social sciences degree
• Gender studies would be an advantage

Experience

The post requires:

• A strong background in Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
• At least five years’ experience of results-based management, preferably in an NGO environment.
• Proven track record of feminist leadership.
• Significant management experience with at least three  years working at a senior leadership level, ideally with a proven track record of managing cross-functionally.
• Prior experience of leading programme specific units – with financial accountability
• A proven track record of raising funds from bilateral, multilateral and philanthropic organisations.
• Knowledge of, and work experience in, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Skills

The post requires:

• Strong strategic, conceptual and operational skills
• Excellent verbal, analytical, writing and editing skills, including public presentation
• Strong skills in teamwork and facilitation.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions, and to exhibit independent judgment in the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, procedures and policies
• Research, advocacy and training skills;
• Proven financial, fund raising and report writing skills;
• Excellent networking and inter-personal skills.
• Facility with IT and its strategic applications in research and advocacy.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

Personal Qualities

• Committed to gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Persuasive, dynamic, determined and strategic
• Able to travel.

Key Requirement

Candidates have to be nationals of Southern Africa, and have experience of working in the region. Facility with the languages spoken in the region other than English, and residence status in South Africa will be an advantage.

Equality Statement
Equality, inclusion and diversity are at the core of Gender Links values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

How to Apply
Using the online platform at the following link, interested candidates should;

• Submit their CV (An up-to-date curriculum vitae (of no more than 3-4 sides of A4);
• References with the relevant contact information;
• Letter of motivation – a detailed statement (of no more than 2-sides of A4) explaining why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you suitable.
• A piece of written work that you have authored recently – a report, a proposal, etc.

Closing Date
Applications are welcome until the deadline of  5pm South African time on Friday 15 November 2025. Only applications submitted online will be considered. Late applications will not be considered.

Next Steps
The selection committee will together review all candidates’ applications and agree on a longlist for the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to discuss the position with Gender Links in greater detail. The selection committee will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist to be invited to the formal interview stage to be conducted during the week of 30 November. Interviews will involve a presentation, written proposal and budget exercise.  The successful candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible and preferably by 1 April 2026. GL reserves the right to re-advertise, should a suitable candidate not be found.

For more information on GL go to www.genderlinks.org.za or contact hr@genderlinks.org.za

ANNEX A: GL ORGANISATIONAL CHART 2026/ 2027