We operate according to the principles and values stated in the Sustainable Development Goals, Maputo Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and Agenda 2063. As an organisation, SCI uses a feminist approach that draws on the following three strategic priorities:

1. Promote and amplify the voices of young women and influence change

2. Strengthen capacity

3. Resource activism

Job Purpose

The COO is responsible and accountable for overseeing the strategic development, operational procedures and protocols and overall execution of Soul City Institute’s positioning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation thereof. This includes:

• Developing and implementing strategies, policies and procedures that support the organisational growth and operational efficiencies.
• Translating the organization’s strategy into programmes, initiatives, and projects.
• Ensuring that projects are appropriately selected, prioritized, and resourced, based on the strategic priorities of the organization and available capacity.
• Positioning Soul City Institute as a sector leader through research, thought leadership and
• relevant strategies
• Providing strategic leadership and oversight to the Human Resources department.
• Providing executive leadership and strategic guidance to the different departments within the organisation to ensure that strategies are executed, and services are delivered as per agreed SLAs with different funders.
• Proactively managing risks and ensuring compliance with SCI’s policies, processes, and delegation of authority.

Key Responsibilities

Organisational strategy design and implementation

• Actively contribute towards the development of SCI’s strategic planning process
• Develop and recommend to the CEO and the Board approval of strategic plans aligned to SCI’s strategic focus.

Operational Strategy

• Develop funder specific implementation plans for approval by agreed deadline.
• Manage delivery of the relevant strategic objectives through defining targets for the team in line with the funded programmes by agreed deadlines and standards.
• Manage the allocation of resources and aligned responsibilities and accountabilities to ensure the adherence to SLAs.
• Track industry good practice standards and measure organisational performance against these, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing performance improvement strategies.
• Monitor performance, manage risks, and address issues as they arise.

Operational management

• Manage and oversee the following departments:
  • Grant management
  • Communication and material development
  • Human resources and facilities
• Develop policies, processes and procedures related to effective implementation and management of SCI programmes to support good governance, compliance, and operational efficiencies.
• Develops the right capabilities to deliver diverse projects/programmes, using appropriate frameworks, as well as the introduction of new technologies to improve project implementation.
• Ensure that the full performance targets of projects/programmes are delivered and closed out and that the value and benefits delivered are measured and evaluated.
• Ensure that all grant management processes are implemented and delivered according to SCI’s governance, policies, processes, and delegation of authority.
• Work with the CFO to develop and manage the operational budget through implementing the financial systems and tracking budget spend as defined in the policies and procedures.

Strategic implementation of programmes

• Oversee and provide direction around the implementation of all campaigns and programme interventions.
• Ensure that programming is evidence based and informed by ethical, high quality and accurate research.
• Ensure effective operational systems and processes to enable programme implementation.
• Monitor key performance indicators for all the core business units.
• Ensure consistent quality in the delivery of all programmes, in accordance with agreed indicators.
• Monitor the progress and success of programme implementation and initiate proactive changes required to achieve the strategic objectives.
• Oversee and ensure integration and coordination across all programs and integrated with feedback from monitoring and evaluation.
• Assess and evaluate the potential impact of national and global socio-political issues on programming.
• Keep abreast of relevant national and international research, trends and imperatives to inform current and future programming.
• Pioneer future programme interventions in accordance with global, national and regional sector trends.

Staff management and Leadership

• Implement leadership and management techniques and strategies to develop a motivated and optimally performing team.
• Live the SCI intersectional feminist values and lead according to SCI’s talent management and succession planning framework to deliver on the strategy.
• Monitor and support staff to perform through implementing the values, behaviours, and performance management system used by SCI.
• Build an environment that is conducive for optimal performance.
• Implement the SCI HR strategy, policies and procedures as required.

Stakeholder Engagement and Management

• Ensure and maintain strategic customer relationships, addressing issues and resolving within SLA.
• Build mutually beneficial and resilient relationships with clients and stakeholders that support long term organisational sustainability.
• Develop technical proposals for grant applications in consultation with CEO and CFO.
• Build SCI’s credibility and reputation in the sector through conducting presentations, networking with key sector leaders, publishing articles and engaging in sector debate and discussions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Postgraduate or equivalent qualification in communication, education, management, public health, social science or social work.
• At least 10 years experience in the health and/or development sector.
• At least 5 years senior management experience, including managing teams.
• At least 5 years experience managing budgets and finances in excess of R10 million per annum.
• Extensive experience and understanding of social justice, gender and broader development issues.
• Extensive experience in writing donor reports.
• Extensive experience in writing donor proposals and securing funds in excess of R10 million.
• Experience in negotiating with national government and/or global organisations at a leadership level.
• Experience in writing and presenting papers at national and global conferences.

Competencies

• Able to generate and adapt creative ideas and solutions to improve performance.
• Able to lead by example and demonstrate credible, visible leadership.
• Able to establish and maintain sound relationships with key stakeholders.
• Able to persuade, influence and make a positive impression on others to gain cooperation and commitment.
• Able to provide the inspiration, direction and incentives required for team success.
• Able to create an environment conducive to learning and development.
• Able to embrace diversity and ensure fairness.
• Able to focus on optimising own and others’ energy to drive results.
• Able to use analysis, logic, experience, skill and knowledge to solve problems.
• Able to express oneself effectively verbally and in writing in the English language.
• Communication skills in other South African languages would be an added advantage.
• Able to demonstrate strong conviction in own judgment and actions.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office – including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Valid Drivers’ license and own vehicle.

THIS IS AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ADVERT!

THIS IS AN EE POSITION. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

CLOSING DATE: WEDNESDAY, 24^TH MARCH 2023, 16h30.

PLEASE FORWARD YOUR CV AND COVER LETTER TO: recruitment@soulcity.org.za