AKF Vacancy: Project Manager to Support an EU funded project

APPOINTMENT OF A PROJECT MANAGER TO SUPPORT AN EU FUNDED PROJECT ON CIVIC ACTION FOR CHANGE TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SERVICE ACCOUNTIBILITY

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) is seeking to appoint a Project Manager, to support a three-year EU funded project on local government accountability in South Africa. The project aims to establish Civic Action groups and to engage with the three spheres of government to enhance public service accountability and good governance in South Africa through citizen-led action for greater transparency and deepened public participation. The project is primarily focused on the local government sphere and will located in 4 communities (Lenasia, Finetown, Mondeor and Makhanda) and in 2 municipalities (CoJ and Makana). The project is a collaboration between three partners, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF), the Accountability Lab South Africa (ALSA) and the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM). The Project Manager will be responsible for the management of the project, which includes leading and managing the team, coordinating all activities related to the project (planning, monitoring, and execution of deliverables), negotiating access to
institutions and assigning tasks to team members, analysing data and reporting. The Project Manager will help to adapt the methodology for the project based on ongoing monitoring of implementation, manage a small team, ensure oversight of project spending in line with the budget, work with a Community Facilitators in each of the selected communities, and
work with implementing partners on training/capacity building for citizen-based Civic Actions. She/he will be primarily responsible for ensuring sound relations with the stakeholders and the donor through appropriate reporting, attendance and engagement in relevant donor supported and stakeholder forums and presenting and making the case for the impact
of the project. The team will be based in Johannesburg, with travel to participating communities when necessary. The AKF offers a competitive salary package.

Applicants should have:
 A Post Graduate Degree in the Social Sciences, Planning, Development Studies, or related fields. NQF Level 8 or above.
 A proven track record in the fields of municipal development, planning, public participation and stakeholder engagements or related, with at least ten years’ experience in this regard, at least three of which should be in a
leadership/senior implementing role.
 Experience in capacity building and civic education.
 A proven track record of project managing large projects – at least three years’ experience in this regard.
 Some of this experience should include experience managing a team of researchers/ practitioners and overseeing a substantial budget.
 Good understanding of the socio-political context in South Africa, including a good understanding of the broad framework for government service delivery in the country.
 Preference will be given to applicants with a strong knowledge of the local government system and operating environment, including the IDP process, and planning systems within municipalities.
 Ability to build and manage relationships with institutions such as Local Municipalities, Academic Institutions, SALGA, CoGTA, etc.
 Ability to build and manage relationships with municipal public representatives and civil servants.
 Familiarity / experience with reporting procedures to donors/clients/stakeholders to ensure compliance with internal governance and controls and external reporting requirements.
 Excellent writing and analytical skills.
 Excellent communication skills. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. Familiarity with at least two of the other official languages would be a plus.
 The applicant should be willing to travel to locations outside of Gauteng as required by the role.
 Having a driver’s license is also essential.

 The applicant should be able to provide proof of having been vaccinated against COVID19.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining their suitability for the job and an approximately 4-page CV to Shaheda Seedat at email is cvsakf@gmail.com by close of business on the 10 January 2022.
The CV should include:
 Basic biographic details.
 The applicant’s educational qualifications.
 Employment history.
 Applicants should list in detail the programmes or projects they have supported, and what function/role they
have played.
 Kindly include 3 references with contact details and a note outlining the relationship of the referee to the
applicant (e.g., previous employer, or client). At least one of these references should be able to vouch for work
the applicant has undertaken in the last two years.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.