Exciting Work Opportunities Await!

JOB PURPOSE

The Finance Officer works in collaboration with the Finance and Admin Manager to ensure that MINDS operates within a healthy financial environment and meets all of its obligations and accountabilities on time. The position supports the FM to establish, operate, and maintain good financial systems and controls. In addition, the Finance Officer provides supports in the preparation and management of audits, prepares donor and operational budgets, and facilitates procurements. The Finance Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management of financial transactions and procedures in line with organisational policies and principles.

COMPETENCY PROFILE

Qualifications

• B. Com. Honours Degree, ACCA, CIMA or the equivalent qualification experience
• Familiarity with donor funding and working within non-profit sector
• 3 – 5 years’ experience post-qualification.
• Solid knowledge of financial and accounting procedures
• Experience in using financial software like Business Central, Pastel, Quick Books etc
• Advanced MS Excel skills 
• Knowledge of financial and tax regulations 

Required competencies (skills, knowledge and behavioural attributes)

• Excellent analytical and numerical skills 
• Strong ethics, with an ability to manage confidential data.
• Attention to detail
• Potential to advance to Financial Management position
• Report writing
• Experience working in a multicultural environment

Job Description: Tasks and Responsibilities

General Accounting

• Prepare payment requisitions and follow up the approval process to ensure payments are made timeously
• Process accurate  financial transactions into the financial system and generate periodic and project financial reports
• Ensure the accuracy of all data required for processing financial transactions into assigned accounts within the Business Central financial system.
• Ensure all the financial documents are filed and kept safely and are easily accessible
• Manage Petty Cash
• Contribute to the improvement of the accounting system and internal control.

Audit, Financial Management and Reporting Support

• Assist the Finance Manager in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports ensuring required data and inputs are processed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist in preparing audit schedules
• Ensure auditors receive requested information promptly.

Forecasting & Budgeting Support

• Assist in the preparation of financial forecasts and budgets

Bank Reconciliation

• Prepare bank reconciliation statements on a monthly basis for review by the Finance Manager timely.

Statutory Returns

• Prepare Statutory reports for remitting to SARS ie VAT
• Follow up on the refunds from SARS to ensure payments are done

Fixed Asset Register

• Maintain a fixed asset register of company assets.

Programme Financial Support

• Track and monitor programme budgets to ensure spending aligns with financial plans
• Update the programme team regularly on budget performance
• Ensure programme staff submit accurate and timely accountability /donor reports
• Prepare donor invoices and acknowledge timeously
• Follow up and review project-related travel requests and programme activities expenses in line with the finance policy.

JOB PURPOSE

Responsible for marketing strategies, managing MINDS narrative and messaging, creating engaging content for various communication platforms including press releases, social media, and websites. building brand identity and online presence through the creation and dissemination of multi-media content online. Coordinating relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to ensure positive coverage of MINDS. Developing content strategies, growing online community and tracking that community’s growth.

COMPETENCY PROFILE

Qualifications

• Tertiary Qualification, ideally in media, marketing/ communications / journalism Experience 
• At least 5 years’ experience in content management
• Proficient in MS Office and appropriate Content Management Software
• Understanding of web publishing requirements
• Hands on experience with SEO and web traffic metrics
• Expertise in social media platforms
• Familiar with non-profit sector

Key Skills & Attributes Required

• Ability to predict audience / stakeholder preferences with an editorial mindset
• Digital media skills
• Project management skills
• Attention to detail
• Good writing skills
• Good editorial skills
• Copywriting
• Design
• Creativity
• Google analytics
• Customer Engagement

Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities

Marketing / PR Strategies 

• Design content marketing strategies, together with Programme Director and set short-term goals.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with media outlets, journalists,  community contacts, and internal stakeholders. 
• Work with staff, and key stakeholders to identify, research, and develop potential story ideas for use with media and/or internal communication vehicles. 
• Pitch PR stories to appropriate media on a consistent and regular basis.  

Content Creation 

• Undertake content marketing initiatives to build awareness of MINDS.
• Write press releases, articles, blog posts, social media updates, newsletters, and other communications materials.
• Oversee and create content for social media channels to engage audiences and maintain a positive online presence
• Develop scripts for videos, presentations, interviews, podcasts, or other multimedia projects to ensure messaging aligns with MINDS goals.

Content Management

• Ensure that the website is current and that content changes regularly and is of a high-quality and draws traffic
• Create an editorial calendar to ensure diversity of content
• Drive engaging content
• Edit, proofread and improve content

Content Optimisation 

• Track media coverage, public sentiment and engagement metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies
• Optimise content considering SEO and Google analytics
• Ensure strong web presence on various channels
• Generate ideas to increase stakeholder and potential clients/customer engagement

JOB PURPOSE

Responsible for developing and executing strategies to actively involve and connect alumni with MINDS, fostering a strong community by organising events, managing communication channels, and cultivating relationships to encourage ongoing support and impact through leadership programmes and mentorship opportunities. 

COMPETENCY PROFILE

Qualifications

• Honours degree. 
• Post grad management or leadership degree/diploma  
• Experience of alumni relations
• Experience of delivering communications or marketing strategies
• Experience in events management
• Experience of using social media strategically
• Experience in coaching, mentorship and leadership development

Key Skills & Attributes Required

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse alumni populations. 
• Strong project management skills to plan and execute complex events. 
• Proficiency in CRM systems and database management. 
• Marketing and communications expertise to develop effective messaging and campaigns. 

Alumni Database Management 

• Maintain accurate alumni contact information, segmenting alumni based on demographics and interests, using CRM systems to track engagement levels.  
• Track alumni as they enter employment, and monitor professional development and success

Planning & Executing Alumni Events

• Create and implement an annual alumni engagement operational plan, including meaningful engagement activities to engage alumni
• Coordinate various alumni gatherings like reunions, receptions, webinars, regional events, including logistics, marketing, and guest speaker arrangements

Communication Strategy Development

• Develop and manage a dynamic social media and digital communications plan, across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other channels as required to ensure that alumni are kept up to date with MINDS news

Leadership Development

• Identify alumni with potential for leadership development programmes
• Evaluate and qualify alumni in terms of development interests, and direct their interests to appropriate employers/ bodies/institutions etc
• Identify suitable leadership development programmes in relevant countries
• Identify suitable alumni for the alumni mentoring programme 
• Collaborate with alumni and development professionals across the Continent and identify appropriate development programmes.
• Maintain a network with a variety of leadership and mentorship programmes on the Continent
• Develop and build strong relationships with institutions / universities/ governments/ civil society organisations across Africa and enter into negotiations for their support.  
• Alumni Chapter Development
• Support the establishment and growth of alumni chapters in different geographic locations across Africa 
• Network and establish relationships with suitable Continental stakeholders to act as speakers etc.

JOB PURPOSE

The Monitoring and Evaluation Manager is responsible for designing, implementing and overseeing systems to track the progress and effectiveness of projects and programmes by tracking progress and effectiveness of a programme or project, collecting and analysing data, producing reports to inform decision-making regarding necessary adjustments to programme or projects and ensures accountability and impact assessment throughout the project life cycle. 

COMPETENCY PROFILE

Qualifications

Degree in any of the following fields; Development, Social Sciences, Natura Sciences or Statistics, Economics 

Experience 

• Familiarity and proven experience working within non-profit sector
• 2 – 3 years’ experience in M & E or research environment initiatives, methodologies and systems
• Experience in designing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis and production of reports;

Key Skills & Attributes Required

• Proven IT skills, especially in the development of MIS software using database     software
• Expertise in analysing data using statistical software for development  programmes
• Evaluation or research methodologies including planning, implementing and reporting on evaluations conducted including exposure to conducting impact evaluation
• Development of programme monitoring tools, evaluation data collection tools, and testing of tools.
• Conducting field work, data collection, data analysis, report writing and presentation of  M&E reports to stakeholder
• Statistical and Analytical skills
• Strategic thinking
• Understanding of development issues
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Exposure or knowledge of writing evaluation reports for purposes of informing    programme planners and implementers 
• Exposure or knowledge of developing evaluation protocols, proposals, ToRs to be used to conduct evaluations 

M & E

• Craft comprehensive plans that outline how M & E will be conducted, including      setting objectives, indicators and determining methodologies for data collection  and analysis.
• Develop M & E tools as well as data collection procedures (e.g. project performance tracking and monitoring, indicators, data flow chart, M & E guides).
• Compile baseline data for each project component and for all project indicators.

Data Management

• Ensure validity, reliability, precision, integrity, and timeliness of information through quality checks and implementation of corrective actions to improve data quality and accountability 

Analysis & Reporting

• Analyse data to extract actionable insights and compile findings into reports that   inform stakeholders about the programme’s progress, outcomes and impact
• Support the programme management team in coordinating and/or conducting thematic assessments.
• Regularly track and analyse progress, challenges, gaps, and lessons learned through  implementation.
• Develop terms of reference for assessments, mid-term and final evaluations and  other studies that will be conducted through the project.
• Facilitate spot-checks, implementation of assessments, mid-term and endline     evaluations, studies and research-related efforts related to the project/programme  delivery.
• Support in extracting lessons learned from monitoring, assessments, and evaluations for course adjustment and continuous performance improvement.
• Keep up-to-date with and share relevant developments including research findings, articles, etc. on themes relevant to the project with a view to ensuring the programme’s continued relevance, and applications of lessons.

Feedback & Recommendations      

• Provide evidence-based recommendations to programme manager/director and other stakeholders to refine strategies, enhance performance, and guide future decision making
• Support compliance with reporting requirements, reviewing relevant project    documents, work plans, M & E framework, and other relevant documents and  provide input as needed.

Capacity Building & Knowledge Management

• Strengthen the M&E skills of team members and stakeholders through training and support, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of M&E practices.
• Conduct a needs assessment and organise consultations to gauge capacity and  knowledge-transfer gaps. Address through tailored and systems-based learning   solutions.
• Work with communications and programme team to update and share project  information with internal and external stakeholders.
• Attend relevant meetings, participate in communities of practices, and present updates on the M & E activities when required to do so.

JOB PURPOSE

The Programme Director is responsible for the implementation, oversight and success of MINDS programmatic areas ensuring programme delivery, quality control, evaluation, advocacy and stake holder management. The Director will also be part of the fund raising effort for the organisation, as well as formulating and monitoring of programme budgets.

COMPETENCY PROFILE

Qualifications

• A degree in relevant discipline such as politics, law, development studies, pre-post-colonial African history, anthropology, sociology or related studies with substantial experience.

Experience 

• At least 5 years previous experience in programme and project management
• Previous working experience in Africa (beyond South Africa)
• Demonstrated writing products in the public domain
• t least 2 years general management experience (budgeting, financial and HR management)
• Knowledge of Theories of Change as a technique for articulating programme strategies and experience in developing and critiquing them 
• Experience in managing staff and working successfully as part of a small team

Key Skills & Attributes Required

This is a senior management position and will play a significant role in shaping the research and strategy for MINDS, driving its effective implementation and contributing towards building the organisation. The position requires an individual with substantial content and management experience with advanced level of competence in the following: –

• Programme and Project Management skills
• Stakeholder management & engagement – ability to manage relationships at highest levels in corporate and public sectors
• General management (strategic, finance, project, admin and HR & programme)
• Communication management capability (knowledge of social media, web management, and knowledge dissemination)
• Familiarity with civic society organisations and/or government processes;
• Advanced verbal and written communication capability
• Extensive networks in appropriate sector/s 
• Reputation and standing in appropriate sector/s
• Advocacy capability
• Advanced Research Skills & policy exposure
• Resilience & flexibility – ability to be self-sufficient, self-motivating, and willing to undertake all tasks irrespective of level
• Leadership & strategy – conceptual capability and experience in strategic envisioning and planning processes
• Entrepreneurial – ability to identify strategic opportunities and to implement these into programmes
• Ability and willingness to travel 
• Multi-cultural management competence
• Political nous

Programme Conceptualisation

Initiate and assess programmes by:

• Scanning and monitoring the appropriate programme sector/s, including key stakeholders to keep abreast of developments
• Updating team regularly on key findings
• Identifying gaps and opportunities for MINDS and developing concepts / research areas/for proposals
• Shaping research questions 
• Conceptualising and scoping programmes and present to ED
• Drafting proposals for submission to Board
• Developing ToRs
• Appointing service providers 
• Finalising contracting requirements

Programme Management

• Developing annual programme plans to ensure that the various programmes deliver on time and in budget, and to the required standard
• Ensuring work is appropriately assigned and distributed amongst programmes team and/or external consultants
• Assessing programme performance against key deliverables by:
• – guiding programme delivery and ensuring quality outcomes. 
• – assisting programmes in identifying problem areas and identifying appropriate solutions
• Identifying programme risks and escalating to senior management
• Following up with service providers to ensure that reports are submitted in accordance with the original agreement
• Authorising programme approved payments
• Reporting on budget deviations and expense allocations
• Providing team travel plans for budget monitoring activities
• Monitoring and managing project budgets and financial reports
• Authorising changes to the programme schedule when required
• Managing relationships with key programme stakeholders
• Updating and amending contracts as required on an annual basis

Programme Reporting

Generate standard reports: –

• Programme Close Out Reports
• Programme Status Reports
• Stakeholder Engagement Reports
• Evaluation Reports

Programme Evaluation 

• Monitor evaluators’ performance outputs against contracts & budgets
• Manage programme evaluation, resolving problems, managing, challenges and stakeholder expectations
• Manage dissemination to project stakeholders
• Produce a report for the Board summarising evaluations

Stakeholder Relationship Engagement 

• Establish information sharing networks and fora, meetings and events
• communicate MINDS strategy at stakeholder meetings and fora.
• Oversee and quality control research by researchers/consultants
• Consolidate lessons from research and integrate into future strategy and operations.
• Keep abreast of strategic and new innovations in the relevant sectors, and identify areas of opportunity for direct engagement or by stakeholders

Strategic Engagement & Advocacy

• Oversee research publications, presentations, attendance at conferences, and other  knowledge dissemination fora
• Provide input into MINDS communication strategy & implementation, in conjunction with MINDS Communications and Media Officer in respect of web management, social media and other communication tools
• Convene strategic engagements and dialogues with key stakeholders such as relevant national, regional and international civil society organisations, governments, academics and multi-lateral  bodies as necessary 

General Management

• Conduct routine one-on-one staff consultations, and formal performance management reviews as required per the policy
• Ensure effective and open communication channels are maintained across organisation
• Ensure staff are trained and fully developed to deliver on their roles; and to grow in the future
• Ensure staff transgressions are dealt with in accordance with MINDS policies and values

Fundraising 

• Identify potential funding opportunities 
• Engage with potential funders / donors and promote MINDS
• Support Chief Executive in securing funding to meet programme objectives
• Manage on-going relationships with funder/donor
• Ensure compliance with funding agreement and reporting requirements