About the Organisation
Columba Leadership, (Columba.org.za) is a world-class, purpose-driven non-profit organisation committed to the development of ethical leaders through values-based leadership development.
By helping South Africans transcend their personal circumstances through values-based leadership, Columba Leadership catalyses youth-led change in schools and communities – as well as activating youth enterprise and employment. The resulting impact is unique, meaningful and measurable.
About the Job
Columba Leadership is looking to appoint a seasoned, dynamic, accomplished and passionate Central Operations Hub Manager to lead operations, drive impactful projects and strengthen stakeholder relationships with the Department of Education, partners and funders.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and growing operations in the Gauteng Province as well as in Place-Based Areas in other Provinces, as identified by the organisation from time to time. In addition, the candidate will be responsible for managing the organisation’s operational, human and financial resources.
Key Responsibilities
Planning:
Responsible for planning, monitoring and resourcing of programme activities in all regions in which the Central Operations Hub works
Ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the Central Operations Hub
Provide leadership in the implementation of programmes and organisational operations in alignment with the organisation’s purpose and strategy
Quality Delivery:
Oversee and ensure consistent quality delivery in all activities against SOPS within required timeframes, within budget and to the highest quality standards
Troubleshoot timeously to resolve issues in delivery (which can include Excursion Approvals)
Communicate issues of concern and escalate these to the Central Team (Programmes, Operations and MERL) if troubleshooting has not resolved the issue
Programmes:
Facilitate learning, reflections and feeding back on responsiveness from schools in programme implementation including the core programme as well as adapted deliveries
Ensure sharing across the Central Operations Hub and with the broader Central Team (M&E, Operations and Programmes) by documenting and sharing lessons learned and best practices
Financial Management:
Manage the Central Operations Hub Budget ensuring effective, efficient and economic expenditure
Procure services at the best rate
Ensure financial accountability and efficient allocation of resources
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:
Use M&E data to ensure quality delivery, decision-making and data quality
Ensure quality reporting
Manage the timeous and complete submission of data to M&E
Stakeholder Relationships and Fundraising:
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and relationships with Department of Education officials, partners, schools, funders and venues
Facilitate PIS, Principal Meetings and SMT sessions
Contract with principals, venues and transport service providers
People and Culture:
Build a high-performance values-based organisational culture and ensure all Team Members are aligned to the vision of the organisation, its programme and its policies
Manage Team Members and ensure that they have all the necessary support and to be able to perform at a maximum level
Ensure the Team’s professional development through training, mentorship and coaching
Comms and Marketing:
Ensure Team Members share impact stories on Columba platforms such as the Columba WhatsApp Group and Funder WhatsApp Groups (under the guidance of Fund Dev)
Share most significant stories of change
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Psychology or Education or a related degree
An Honours Degree, Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s Degree in a related field will be a significant advantage
Management Qualification will be an added advantage
Coaching/Mentoring Qualification will be an added advantage
Minimum of 7 years’ experience preferably in the development sector including that of managing a Team
Understanding of the education system advantageous
Proven capability in stakeholder management and relationship building
Driver’s License is essential
To apply
In order to apply, email your application by Monday 10th November 2025 to melissa@actionappointments.co.za - send your completed AA bio form, letter of motivation and updated CV (all in MS Word format).
