Job Opportunity: Director of Programmes
Gender Links is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to fill the role of Director of Programmes. This position is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, with flexibility for travel within Southern Africa. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping and leading the organisation’s core programmes and initiatives.
Location and Contract Period
The post is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and requires flexibility to travel. Flexible arrangements may be considered, provided they are within Southern Africa. The initial contract period is one year, with potential for growth and promotion as part of Gender Links’ succession planning and performance management system. The organisation is committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders in the women’s movement.
Salary and Benefits
A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered, commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful candidate. The offer will be subject to a three-month probation period.
Job Purpose
The Director of Programmes is responsible for the overall leadership and implementation of core programmes, fundraising, research, monitoring, evaluation, and learning, communications, and sustainability. An organisational chart for 2026/2027 is attached at Annex A.
Reporting Lines and Management Responsibilities
The Director reports to the Gender Links Board and works closely with the Director, Regional Hub, as part of GL’s Co-Director feminist leadership model. They will oversee regional programmes, grants, and fellowships, monitoring, evaluation, learning, and communications, in close coordination with country directors.
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 related to these programmes.
- Oversight of GL’s Results for Change framework, which 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.
- Fundraising to create synergies and sustain the work.
Required Qualifications
- A relevant post-graduate social sciences degree
- Gender studies would be an advantage
- 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
- 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 interpersonal 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 must be nationals of Southern Africa and have experience 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
Interested candidates should use the online platform at the following link:
- 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 accepted.
Next Steps
The selection committee will 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. Gender Links reserves the right to re-advertise, should a suitable candidate not be found.
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