About the Organisation
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is one of Nelson Mandela’s three official legacy organisations, founded in 2003. Our purpose is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa. We find, fund, and empower young Africans who aspire to use their talents to serve their societies and our continent. We do this by providing a postgraduate scholarship for young leaders to study in South Africa and participate in a residential Leadership Development Programme. Our programmes are built on Nelson Mandela’s belief that leadership begins with inner transformation, and our founding principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Over the past 23 years the MRF has awarded 760+ Mandela Rhodes Scholarships to young leaders from 38 African countries.
About the Job
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth, effective functioning of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF). As a custodian of the organisation’s financial health, governance systems, and operational infrastructure, the CFO assists in ensuring that the MRF remains sustainable, compliant, strategically resourced, and able to deliver on its mission. The CFO is a key partner to the CEO and provides strategic and operational support across the Foundation’s activities, contributing to long term financial stewardship, risk management, organisational and operational excellence. This role includes but is not limited to finance, budgeting, investment portfolio liaison, compliance, relevant sub-committee inputs, operational areas like IT oversight, property/building management, and selected donor administration.
Key Responsibilities
Leading financial management processes, including monthly reporting, reconciliations, budgeting, forecasting, payroll oversight, and cash flow management.
Managing the Foundation’s investment portfolio liaison function, including coordinating with the Investment Committee on redemptions, reporting, and portfolio strategy.
Overseeing governance and compliance obligations, including audit coordination, SARS and NPO submissions, insurance management, FICA compliance, and trustee documentation.
Supporting Board and committee operations, including Fincom, Investcom, Remcom, EXCO, and Board of Trustees reporting and administration.
Managing donor administration and relationships, including donor agreements, reporting, scholarship allocations, and BEE-related matters.
Providing strategic and operational oversight for IT systems, building management, insurance, and organisational infrastructure.
Participating in organisational projects and leadership activities, including scholarship selection processes and alumni initiatives.
Managing and supporting staff, while providing broader strategic and operational support to the CEO and Foundation leadership.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
MBA, CA qualification, or Master’s in Finance considered advantageous.
Minimum of 10 years’ progressive experience in finance or accounting.
Several years’ experience in a CFO or senior financial leadership role.
Professional certifications such as CPA, CA, or CFA strongly preferred.
Technical & Sector Knowledge
Strong expertise in:
o Financial reporting
o Budgeting and forecasting
o Financial modelling
o GAAP/IFRS compliance
o Risk management
Proven track record in financial management.
Ability to work independently within a small team environment.
Strong multitasking and operational management skills.
Some understanding of the NGO sector in South Africa would be beneficial.
Interest in postgraduate education and working with young African leaders.
Behavioural & Leadership Competencies
Inspirational and values-driven leadership.
Ethical judgement and professional integrity.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.
Calmness and adaptability under pressure.
Strategic thinking with disciplined execution.
Collaborative management style and strong team leadership skills.
Commitment to personal growth and development.
Co-lead culture champion role as part of the senior leadership team for the organisation.
Conflict resolution, negotiation, presentation, and change management capabilities.
Additional Requirements
Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required.
Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
Ability to manage stakeholder relationships across trustees, donors, auditors, service providers, and internal teams.
To apply
Candidates of all African nationalities, including non-South African citizens, are encouraged to apply.
To apply, email your application (completed AA bio form, one page motivation letter and updated CV) [all in MS Word format]) by Tuesday, 30th June 2026 to melissa@actionappointments.co.za
