Job Description

Job Summary
Role Purpose
The Programme Manager plays a central role in delivering the mission of the Fellowship. This role requires operational excellence, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to transformation in higher education.
The Programme Manager will:

• Lead and support Fellows' journeys, ensuring meaningful engagement, mentorship, and development.
• Manage effective delivery of the programme across all focus areas.
• Contribute to the programmes' strategic agenda by supporting institutional expansion, strengthening partnerships, and shaping research and reporting outputs.
• Align programme delivery with the values of transformation, inclusivity, excellence, and global engagement.

Key Responsibilities * Programme Design - Fellowship Development & Institutional Expansion (10%)

• Support the development of institutional onboarding frameworks for universities joining the programme.
• Assist the CEO in replicating and scaling the Fellowship to additional South African universities.
• Contribute to the design and roll-out of developmental programmes aligned with the mission and host institutions.
• Programme Management - Fellowship Implementation, Coordination & Support (25%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Fellows, providing responsive and solution-oriented support.
• Lead onboarding, orientation, and ongoing Fellow engagement.
• Track Fellows' progress toward leadership and professorship pathways, maintaining updated records of milestones and support needs.
• Collaborate with the Alumnae Association and institutional partners to nurture Fellows' aspirations.
• Coordinate workshops, seminars, and events, supporting Fellow- and alumni-led initiatives.
• Research & Impact Evaluation - Strategic Reporting (20%)

• Conduct programme reviews using feminist, decolonial, and intersectional frameworks.
• Implement the longitudinal study in collaboration with researchers.
• Lead data collection, interviews, and analysis for monitoring and learning.
• Produce high-quality reports, academic publications, and presentations to showcase outcomes.
• Support research chairs in areas such as Gender-Based Violence, entrepreneurship, and gender equity.

• Funding Support - Programme Funding & Risk Management (10%)

• Assist the CEO in securing, managing, and reporting on funding.
• Liaise with finance teams and research offices to ensure compliance and accountability.
• Engage with Fellows on grant allocations and escalate risks as required.
• Relationship Management - Internationalisation & Global Partnerships (15%)

• Support the management of partnerships with international institutions.
• Facilitate Fellow participation in mobility programmes, joint initiatives, and collaborative research.
• Track and report on international engagement and outcomes.
• Use data insights to strengthen global partnerships and programme expansion.
• Data Management & Administration (15%)

• Maintain secure and accurate records of Fellow progress and programme documentation.
• Lead the fellowship application process with transparency and fairness.
• Manage scheduling, correspondence, and submissions to the Board throughout the Fellowship lifecycle.
• Social Media & Communications (5%)

• Oversee the implementation of the social media and digital strategy, supervising the Social Media Officer.
• Review and approve campaigns to ensure alignment with the programmes vision and brand.
• Work with partners to ensure the website remains current, engaging, and impactful.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in Education, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years' experience in programme management within higher education, development, or philanthropy.
• Strong grounding in feminist and intersectional frameworks, with a demonstrated commitment to transformation.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and impact reporting.
• Proven ability to manage programme data systems and international partnerships.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong project and operational management capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong writing and presentation abilities for diverse audiences.
• Ability to thrive in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Passion for inclusive leadership, academic transformation, and social justice.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience working across multiple universities or academic institutions.
• Exposure to international academic mobility or partnerships.
• Demonstrated involvement in programmes or research advancing gender equity.
• Familiarity with donor relations and philanthropy.

Palesa Mbali Group
Recruiter

Skills Required