Job Description

mothers2mothers (m2m) is a proudly African NGO that unlocks the power of women to end health inequities. We employ, train, and support women living with HIV as frontline health workers across sub-Saharan Africa--called Mentor Mothers. These women deliver life-saving health services, educate communities, and create brighter futures for millions of families. Since 2001, m2m has reached over 17 million women and children with critical health services and support, proving that when women lead, communities thrive. We have also partnered with governments on more than 10 major initiatives to scale our impact. Now, at a time of unprecedented disruption to funding models for NGOs, we are more determined than ever to achieve our dream of helping to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030, and create a future where health for all creates opportunity for all. That vision requires bold philanthropic investment -- and that's where you come in. For more information, visit www.m2m.org



Job Title
Government Relations Director
Organisation Levels
mothers2mothers -> m2m Head Office -> Programmes
Location
Cape Town - , 8000 ZA (Primary)

Type of position
Permanent
Education
Degree
Closing Date
6/2/2026

The Director: Government Relations will establish and lead a newly created government relations function at mothers2mothers. The role will strengthen m2m's partnerships with African governments, regional bodies, and relevant institutions to advance health systems strengthening, influence public health policy, and mobilise sustainable public funding and operational support.


Reporting into senior leadership and serving as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Executive Team, the role will position m2m as a critical partner to governments in delivering equitable, community led primary healthcare and in achieving national and regional health priorities.

Key Performance Areas:

1. Government Relations Strategy and Leadership

Design, implement, and continuously strengthen an organisation wide government relations strategy aligned to m2m's mission, programmes, and growth ambitions. Advise the CEO and senior leadership on political, regulatory, and funding developments affecting m2m. Represent m2m in high level policy forums, coalitions, and strategic platforms with governments and regional/international bodies. Establish governance, compliance, and risk management practices related to government engagement.

2. Policy Advocacy and Influence

Monitor, analyse, and interpret health, financing, and regulatory policy developments in priority sub-Saharan African contexts. Shape policy environments by developing evidence based policy positions, briefs, and advocacy materials. Influence policy and regulatory frameworks to advance community based primary healthcare, health equity, and health systems strengthening. Collaborate with Communications and Programmes teams to support targeted advocacy initiatives.

3. Strategic Government and Stakeholder Partnerships

Build and steward senior level relationships with ministries of health, finance, and other relevant government entities. Position m2m as a trusted, long term implementation and technical partner to governments. Coordinate strategic engagements including meetings, site visits, and convening's that demonstrate m2m's impact. Develop alliances with implementing partners, advocacy coalitions, regional institutions, and multilateral stakeholders.

4. Funding and Resource Mobilisation

Identify, pursue, and support government funding opportunities, including grants, contracts, and strategic partnerships. Work closely with the Resource Development team to align government engagement with broader fundraising and sustainability strategies. Advance public funding streams and contracting mechanisms that support m2m programmes and services. Support country teams in navigating government procurement and partnership processes.

5. Internal Collaboration and Capacity Building

Build internal capacity by training and supporting country leadership and teams on effective government engagement. Strengthen internal understanding of political and policy environments to inform programme and strategic decision making. Support programme teams in managing government compliance, approvals, and partnership requirements. Ensure adherence to applicable lobbying and advocacy regulations.

6. Organisational Leadership and Contribution

Actively participate as a member of the Senior Management Group. Contribute to organisational strategy, leadership dialogue, and culture building. Champion m2m's mission, values, and gender transformative approach internally and externally. Job Requirements

Qualification and Experience:

Must-Have:

Minimum of 7 years' experience in government relations, public policy, public sector service, advocacy, or health?focused public affairs in African contexts. Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, and public financing processes relevant to health systems. Demonstrated track record of influencing policy and/or securing government partnerships or funding. Exceptional relationship?building, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Proven ability to operate at senior political and executive levels with credibility. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex policy environments into actionable insights. Bachelor's degree in political science, law, public administration, public health, government relations, or a related field.

Nice-to-Have:

Master's degree in a relevant discipline. Experience working in or with non-profit or mission driven organisations. Experience engaging regional or international bodies (e.g., AU, WHO, multilateral donors). Background in health systems strengthening, community health, or digital health initiatives mothers2mothers is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly encourage applications from people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), people with disabilities, women and previously disadvantaged people. Competitive salary packages will be negotiable in accordance with m2m's remuneration policies.