About the Organisation
ACT Ubumbano is a network of Southern African and European organisations working for economic, gender and environmental justice. They do this by facilitating critical reflection on our social justice practice, listening to the voices of those who are most affected by injustice, and supporting innovative and collaborative solidarity initiatives that address unjust power relations globally.
About the Job
The purpose of the role is to lead the implementation of the pilot grant-making processes for a new fund (LFI), and to ensure that the design and management of the LFI reflects the goal of political independence, sound financial and administrative practice, and a decolonial, accessible, and responsive approach to strengthening South African Civil Society organisations.
This is currently a contract position for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal dependent on review and success of the pilot phase.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Grant-Making Leadership
Lead the execution of LFI’s pilot grant cycle including targeted calls, application support, grant review and decision-making processes, disbursements, and reporting.
Ensure grant-making adheres to LFI’s core principles: political independence, decolonised practice, strong accountability, and responsive support.
Develop and refine grant-making criteria across categories—CBOs, networks, advice centres, and specialised organisations.
Oversee and ensure complete audit trails for all grant administrative actions in line with LFI’s transparency standards.
Build working relationships with civil society organisations who are grantees, including et al networks, advice centres, and community organisations.
Contribute to the design of governance development: advisory structures, oversight mechanisms, and the transition plan toward a fully independent Institute board.
Programme and Process Design
Oversee development of application forms, budget templates, reporting tools, and review processes.
Co-design and test policies for grant-making, safeguarding, financial management, and governance for the emerging Institute.
Work with BMG Partners to refine GMS processes and ensure the system supports targeted, transparent, and efficient grant flows.
Fundraising and Stakeholder Engagement
Support sustainability planning by identifying and cultivating new funding opportunities, including partnerships that align with the LFI’s core principles
Project Management
Coordinate the evaluation committee, oversight committee, and joint KT-ACT review processes.
Prepare documents for quarterly reports, mid-term evaluation, and KT board inputs.
Oversee implementation of the pilot’s desktop analysis of the civil society landscape.
Ensure alignment between ACT Ubumbano systems and LFI-specific processes.
Oversee engagement with the independent MEAL consultant and any other consultants.
Lead the development of the 6 month mid-term report and recommendations on Institute establishment.
Grants Management
With the team, review grant proposals received through the Leverage Fund Institute.
Provide accompaniment support to grant partners, including technical and strategic support where appropriate.
Conduct regular on-site visits for relationship building with grant partners where necessary.
Identify learnings and insights from the grant reports.
Identify and accompany grantees requiring organisational strengthening, particularly in financial management.
Work with ACT Ubumbano programme staff to integrate learning hub methodologies.
Lead the management of the grants portfolio to maximise support to grant partners and minimise risk to the Leverage Fund Institute.
Sign off on grant partners financial and narrative reports.
Financial and Compliance Support
Ensure compliance with approval protocols in the financial management system and GMS.
Provide coordination on documentation and administrative processes to ensure compliance and healthy, timeous reporting is maintained.
Support internal and external audit preparation.
Other organisational tasks
Provide project coordination and related support activities to new projects.
Attend and participate in staff meetings, organisational reviews and planning as well as other meetings that relate to the work of the Institute.
Contribute to team-wide communications and knowledge management and participate in organisation wide events and discussions on related topics/projects.
Requirements
Educational qualifications
Postgraduate qualification or RPL in a relevant field such as Business Development/Social Sciences/Development Studies.
Experience
5-7 years’ experience in Grant-making, Programme Management, Civil Society strengthening, or Donor funding.
Experience in Organisational Development of Non-Governmental Organisations managing multi-stakeholder initiatives and grant portfolios.
Familiarity with political dynamics, and civil society funding landscape.
Technical competencies (Knowledge, skills, and abilities)
Deep understanding of holistic grant-making approaches and accompaniment methodologies.
Strong analytical and writing skills, able to present complex ideas clearly.
Experience with financial management principles and risk mitigation in grant processes.
Strong facilitation skills for convenings, training, and stakeholder dialogues.
Competency in digital systems and GMS platforms.
Knowledge of social justice issues in South Africa, and familiarity with politics of the region.
Proficiency in MS Office and cloud-based tools.
Other requirements
High integrity, political awareness, and sensitivity to power dynamics.
Ability to work independently and manage a high level of responsibility.
Ability and willingness to travel both locally, regionally, and internationally as required.
Openness to work outside regular official working times.
Valid driver’s license essential.
To apply
To apply, email your application by 9th February 2026 to oona@actionappointments.co.za
