About the Organisation
The Community Just Transition Fund is a recently established re-granter to support community networks and initiatives working towards a just transition at local level. The Fund encompasses a supporting accompaniment structure, the Just Transition Hub, which will serve to resource and strengthen community groups and movements in their just transition work and towards the establishment of Just Transition Centres across South Africa. The Fund seeks to support a strategic and diverse selection of projects, monitor their progress and present to government and bigger financing institutions that can roll out at scale if appropriate.
About the Job
Remotely based, the Fund seeks to appoint a suitable qualified and experienced Executive Director in a fulltime position. This individual needs to have at least 7-10 years’ experience in working in the social justice arena and with global funders. The Executive Director will deliver on the organisation’s strategy and have the exciting opportunity to set up and staff the Fund. This work is supported by core grants that have been secured.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and strategic vision
Develop and oversee implementation of the organisation’s strategic plan, activities, objectives and campaign strategies
Ensuring that the work of the Fund advances its Theory and Change and Strategic Plan
Serving on the Board
Designing and implement a Monitoring and Evaluation framework for the Fund
Lead with clarity and determination through the start-up period of the Fund
Leading the creation of a workplace culture which reflects the values of the Fund
Fundraising, donor relations and financial management
Develop and implement fundraising strategy and build and maintain funder relationships to secure long-term sustainability
Manage budgeting, financial reporting, funder reporting, and regulatory compliance
Identifying potential donors and preparing fundraising proposals
Negotiating contracts with donors and ensuring implementation of contract requirements
Preparing narrative reports to donors
Participating in donor site visits and workshops
Organisational management
Responsible for recruitment of operational staff
Ensuring that the work of the Fund complies with all relevant policies
Developing and amending policies where required
Managing relationships with partners providing accompaniment including drafting Memoranda of Understanding
Communication
Working with the Coordinator to develop website content
Representing the Fund externally
Requirements
Experience in the funding non-profit leadership or a related sector, managing multi-disciplinary teams and complex projects
Proven ability to secure funding through grants, donations, and partnerships
Excellent written (publication level) and verbal communication skills
Integrity and resilience, and the ability to thoughtfully navigate complex external relationships
Confidence to engage diplomatically with diverse stakeholders, inspire action and navigate uncertainty
Proven ability to establish, nurture, and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with funders and partners
Ability to initiate and nurture a creative working environment, respond positively to setbacks, and balance competing priorities
Knowledge of climate justice and just transition relevant advocacy, policy and legislative frameworks (local and international)
Insight into how complex governance and societal relationships define local development and democratic practices to challenge inequality and ensure accountability at a local level
Ability to distil research and analysis into actionable recommendations and complex issues into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
Openness to learning from both successes and failures, and to adopting innovative tactics and strategies.
To apply
To apply, email your application by Sunday, 18th January 2026 to tracy@actionappointments.co.za
