Associate Director - Programs. Johannesburg. Posting Date: 11/12/2025. Deadline: 12/03/2025
Role Title: Associate Director, Programs
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (7 years)
Reporting To: Director, Programs
Program/Department/Unit Name: Programs
Location: Johannesburg or Dakar
Team Name: Transformative Peace in Africa
Opportunity Description
This work will explore efforts related to resolving and transitioning from conflicts in a just and equitable way. Areas of exploration will focus on a range of different global conflicts and an analysis of potential solutions.
Role Purpose
Associate Directors support Directors of Programs and may oversee sub-set themes of the opportunity for their duration. This would include being co-accountable (with the Director) for delivering on its outcomes as well as for the management of resources at the highest level of professionalism. The expectation is that the Associate Directors will be strong managers, as well as subject matter experts for this specific opportunity.
Key responsibilities
As Associate Director, Programs you will:
- Supporting the Director of Programs, as a deputy of the opportunity, for articulating a creative and exciting opening to make impact in the world into a workable project plan for implementation according to established criteria
- Evaluate the sub-set theme within the opportunity based on established metrics for MEL and ability to pivot to ensure the required outcomes are being achieved
- Supporting the Director of the opportunity to ensure appropriate financial, risk, and legal management and control are articulated during the planning and implementation phase, and work with all relevant stakeholders to develop mitigation plans
- Oversee and manage the outcomes of the sub-set theme within the opportunity team, including external partners
- Engage with embedded staff from other OSF teams in close cooperation with senior leaders
- Monitor and regularly report on the progress of an opportunity to the Managing Director of Programs and other senior OSF leaders
- Leverage OSFโs work globally and employing the strategic capabilities of impact investment, strategic litigation, and advocacy to the opportunity
- Represent the sub-set theme of a given opportunity issue externally at all levels and grow a network accordingly that includes actors beyond the social sector into national and local governments, multilateral organizations, faith-based groups, grass-roots organizations, philanthropy, local experts, academia and think tanks, etc. to advance the opportunity. Depending on the opportunity this might include developing strong relationships with other funders and bringing them as partners into the opportunity
- Working with the Program Managers (and individually taking on) day-to-day liaison with grantees to ensure the opportunity is designed, launched, implemented, and exited according to the outcomes defined
- Overseeing the effective management of the grant-making process (for the sub-set of the opportunity) by communicating with grantees for proposal submission, assisting in grant record preparation, grants processing, payments, reporting, and other related processes
- Manage relationships with partners, in close coordination with Geographic Policy Groups as relevant, and work with them to achieve OSFโs strategic objective through the opportunity
- Deputise for the Director of Programs (as and when required); and resolve challenges and operational delivery issues with the Program team prior to required escalation to the Director of Programs
People Responsibilities
- No
Key internal relationships
Director, Programs; Managing Director Programs; Core Partners, Special Advisors, Grants Management, Operations
Key external relationships
External Partners
The ideal candidate
- Multiple yearsโ experience (in one or multiple organisations) where proficiency in the specific field or subject area has been comprehensively developed
- Extensive leadership expertise in the specific topic area as set out in the โOpportunity Descriptionโ above
- Prior financial ($5m+), legal and risk accountability at large-scale programmatic level
- Prior working experience of operating within the non-profit community (for example multi-lateral, NGO, foundation or ambassadorial working environments)
- Fluent in local language where the role is based
- Prior experience in operational resource planning (people) and people leadership experience of an internationally team (remote to the Associate Director's location)
- Conceives, designs and manages cross-department, cross-program or similarly complex projects; expected to effectively manage time, budget and stakeholders and network-wide or similarly complex coordination
- Experience in budgeting, strategic analysis and planning
- Working well with a variety of public, private and NGO stakeholders
- Building and maintaining networks of stakeholders
- Promote strategic cooperation with governmental and other sectors
- Knowledge of grant making best practices and the field of philanthropy
What we offer
Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
Employer-paid health insurance *and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
Who we are
Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
Guided by our founderโs values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.
Additional information
Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
Competitive rates of pay apply.
Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.
- No