Senior Programme Coordinator -Grant Management & Operations

Position : Senior Programme Coordinator - Grant Management & Operations

Location : Cape Town, South Africa

Contract : Fixed term contract to end December 2026.

Salary : R520,000 - R600,000 for the contract duration

Commencement date : as soon as possible.

Reporting to : Head Futures Programme, Cape Town Office Manger

About SAIIA

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent, non-profit public policy think tank dedicated to leveraging rigorous research and policy engagement to advance a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa. For over nine decades, SAIIA has been at the forefront of shaping policy debates on Africa's international relations, governance, and economic development.

About the role

Are you a meticulous and dynamic project professional passionate about driving climate action in Africa?SAIIA is seeking a highly skilled Senior Programme Coordinator to be the operational and financial backbone of a major new climate action project with a focus on South Africa. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in a transformative initiative that will shape climate policy and implementation in one of South Africa's key provinces. Come join and help build African foresight for systemic change through coordinating partnerships needed for a just and sustainability transition.

You will be the central hub for grant management, financial oversight, and partner coordination, ensuring this complex project delivers on its ambitious goals. If you excel in managing large international grants, detailed workplans, and multi-stakeholder engagements, and you want to turn climate policy into tangible impact, we encourage you to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant and Financial Management (Core Focus) :

• Serve as the primary administrator for the research grant, ensuring full compliance with donor regulations and contractual obligations.
• Develop, manage, and track the project's complex budget, including preparing detailed zero-based budgets and conducting regular cost accounting.
• Monitor all project expenditures against the budget, investigating variances and proactively forecasting financial needs.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely financial reports to the donor and for internal management, in accordance with reporting schedules.

Programme Management, MEL, and Reporting :

Operations, Logistics, and Stakeholder Coordination :

Integration of Cross-Cutting Themes :

Required Education :

Essential Work Experience :