Job Description

Summary

U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for an Assistant Branch & Office Manager to join Johannesburg team in Gauteng from

01 June 2025. This is a full-time onsite position and will initially be offered as a one-year contract.

This position

As Assistant Branch & Office Manager for U?turn Homeless Ministries' Gauteng branch (based in Johannesburg), you will serve as second?in?charge to the Branch Manager, ensuring smooth day?to?day operations and supporting strategic initiatives. This role--in either a full?time or part?time capacity--combines high?level administrative and executive support with hands?on management of HR, finance, communications, and stakeholder relations. You will help maintain compliance with donor requirements, manage the office environment, and build partnerships that advance U?turn's mission in Gauteng. The ideal candidate is happy to work in an organization with strong Christian foundation, highly organized, adaptable, and passionate about expanding developmental responses to reduce homelessness in JHB.

Background

U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to equip homeless people with the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe that every homeless individual is intrinsically valuable and should have access to an effective pathway to address their physical, spiritual and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term productive member of society.

To help people overcome homelessness we operate a phased approach that includes addiction rehabilitation, counselling, life-skills training and sheltered work placement in one of our social enterprises. Through this process, the programme inculcates a healthy work ethic, furnishes modern job skills and gives 18-24 months of real work experience so that individuals can be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy.

Our graduates enter the open market employment and show an above 85% long term success rate! We are actively working to expand to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.

Service Centres

U-turn's Service Centres provide services to people living on the streets in order to prepare them for and to support them on a journey of change. This includes providing food and clothing (and in some cases access to a shower and a bed for the night), therapeutic and development based interventions, and recovery support for those struggling with addiction. The ultimate aim of the Service Centre is to prepare individuals to participate in our work-based rehabilitation programme.

Work-readiness programme

The work-readiness programme provides work-based rehabilitation and skills development training to prepare clients for integration into employment and the community. One day per week, each client attends a training day where they access group therapy delivered by an interdisciplinary team, individual counselling and input using a specially designed curriculum. This cycle of learning and application continues for as long as needed (average 18 months). Case-managers coordinate the intervention programme for the clients and work in close-collaboration with the worksite managers.

Transitional Accommodation

We run transitional accommodation enabling clients on Work-readiness to move into group homes when leaving homeless shelters. These homes are managed by a house-manager who, along with therapeutic staff and works-site managers assist clients along the full Life Change journey.

Social Enterprises

Actual work-experience largely takes place within our social enterprises. U-turn's social enterprises comprise an extensive retail network connected to our Charity Stores as well as other companies owned by, or in partnership with, U-turn.

Key areas of responsibility

Operational leadership:

Act as second?in?charge, support the Branch Manager in planning, decision?making, and staff oversight and deputise when required.

Human resources management:

Oversee recruitment, on boarding, performance tracking, staff welfare, and adherence to U?turn's HR policies for staff in the Gauteng branch.

Office finance & administration:

Manage the Gauteng office budget, petty cash, expense tracking, and reconciliation in coordination with the U-turn Finance Department.

Donor relations and fundraising:

Cultivate relationships with potential funders for U-turn's work in Gauteng including DSD, corporate partners and high net worth individuals. Prepare business plans and draft proposals where required - in particular for Gauteng DSD.

Donor reporting and compliance:

Coordinate completion of reporting for donors - in particular Gauteng DSD - and ensure compliance with donor requirements.

Supply & facilities management:

Ensure the timely procurement and maintenance of office supplies, equipment, and facilities.

Partnership development:

Identify and nurture strategic partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and community groups to expand U?turn's reach and resources in Gauteng.

Systems & continuous improvement:

Use and enhance existing planning, record?keeping, and project?management systems to drive efficiency and quality across all areas of responsibility.

Experience and Skills

Minimum of 5 years of office or operations management experience, preferably in an NPO. Demonstrated experience in HR administration and financial oversight. Financial qualification or certification (desirable) Experience working with government funders such as DSD Strong IT proficiency

Personal attributes

Integrity & Discretion:

Upholds confidentiality, exercises good judgment, and models U?turn's values in all interactions

Organizational Excellence:

Highly organized, detail?oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines

Communication & Interpersonal Skills:

Clear, professional communicator with strong relationship?building ability across staff, donors, and government partners

Proactivity & Initiative:

Anticipates needs, identifies process improvements, and drives tasks to completion with minimal supervision

Adaptability & Resilience:

Comfortable in a fast?paced, mission?driven environment and able to pivot in response to changing priorities

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

Supports colleagues, fosters a positive team culture, and steps into leadership when needed

Empathy & Cultural Sensitivity:

Demonstrates compassion for people experiencing homelessness and respect for diverse backgrounds

Organisational Fit (where applicable)

If in recovery - actively engaged in own ongoing recovery, accessing accountability support and practicing recovery behaviour If employed as a Professional - affiliation with professional board, continued personal development and accessing supervision Gospel orientation - connected to a local fellowship of believers, reading the Bible and grounded in Gospel-motivated Social Action

Next Steps

Candidates interested in this position should apply online at https://homeless.org.za/career-form. The letter of motivation should be approximately 1 page in length and include information on why you would like to work at U-turn and how you fulfil the required knowledge skills set outlined above. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered.

IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US WITHIN 4 WEEKS, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION UNSUCCESSFUL.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person