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Job Title: Programs Officer

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Reports to: Program Manager

Type: Full-time

Application closing date: 24 April 2026

About the organisation

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is a Pan-African policy think tank that provides a forum for dialogue, information dissemination and networking aimed at addressing the short, medium and long term development challenges in Africa, Its work is underpinned by rigorous research on the different elements of ‘Africanness’ to shape policy and practice on governance, economic development and the evolution of African institutions.

Job Summary

The Programs Officer supports the implementation and coordination of MINDS programmes, with a primary focus on the Scholarship Program for Leadership Development, while also contributing to the Election and Governance Program and supporting Economic Integration and African Heritage initiatives. The role ensures effective programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, and operational efficiency.

The role will support the expansion, development, and effective delivery of programs by coordinating activities, managing scholar processes, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and ensuring smooth programme operations. The Programs Officer will work closely with the Programs Manager, internal teams, and external partners to ensure the successful achievement of programme objectives and outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Coordination and Implementation

• • Support implementation and monitoring of programme activities and action plans.
  • Implement action plans to guide MINDS’ programme portfolio.
  • Coordinate programme timelines, deliverables, and activities to ensure effective execution.
  • Assist in developing annual work plans and budgets.

• Scholarship Program (Primary Focus)

• • Coordinate the full scholarship lifecycle: application, selection, onboarding, Scholars Induction and support.
  • Manage scholarship agreements and maintain scholar databases.
  • Coordinate application processes, including review and scoring.
  • Prepare and coordinate scholarship application processes, including application review, reading, and scoring.
  • Maintain and update a comprehensive database of all scholars.
  • Encourage and facilitate regular communication and engagement among scholars.
  • Support the delivery of the Leadership Development Program and scholar activities.
  • Ensure effective coordination of scholar logistics, including travel, onboarding, and programme participation.
  • Facilitate scholar communication and support leadership development activities.

• Program Events and Logistics

• • Plan and coordinate program events, workshops, and leadership activities.
  • Manage logistics for scholar programs and other events.
  • Ensure smooth execution of program activities and events.

• Cross-Program Support

• • Support Election and Governance, Economic Integration, and African Heritage programs.
  • Facilitate partnerships with stakeholders across sectors.
  • Support the implementation of program activities, including research, stakeholder engagements, and events.
  • Assist in coordinating dialogues and partnerships related to governance and elections.
  • Provide support to the Economic Integration and African Heritage programs as required.
  • Facilitate synergies with national, regional, and international stakeholders, including civil society, governments, academia, and multilateral organisations.
  • Support the development and maintenance of networks and partnerships aligned with MINDS’ work.

• Monitoring, Reporting, and Communication

• • Track programme performance and budgets.
  • Prepare donor and internal reports.
  • Draft briefs, reports, and communication materials.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• • Act as liaison between scholars, partners, staff, donors, and the public on programme-related matters.
  • Maintain regular communication with donors, scholars, and partners.
  • Support coordination of programme communications and visibility efforts.

• Resource Mobilisation and Administration

• • Support fundraising and program development initiatives.
  • Provide administrative and operational support, including procurement coordination and documentation.

• Administrative and Operational Support

• • Perform program-related administrative duties to ensure efficient operations.
  • Support procurement and financial processes in coordination with the finance team.
  • Ensure proper filing, compliance, and documentation of program activities.
  • Support any other MINDS activities as may be required from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, or related field.
• 3 – 5 years’ relevant programme support experience (NGO/development sector preferred).
• Experience in scholarship or education programs is an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong coordination and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and pan-African environment.

Key Outcomes

• Timely and effective program implementation.
• Efficient scholarship management and scholar engagement.
• Accurate reporting and compliance with donor requirements.
• Strengthened stakeholder relationships and program delivery.
• Contribution to programme growth and organisational impact.

Personal Attributes

• Professional, proactive, and adaptable.
• High integrity and accountability.
• Commitment to Pan-African values and development.

To apply, complete the online Application Form

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MINDS reserves the right not to appoint anyone for this position

For more about the Mandela Institute for Development Studies, refer to www.minds-africa.org