Senior Programme Coordinator

Position

Senior Programme Coordinator Grant Management & Operations

Location

Cape Town, South Africa

Contract

Fixed term contract to end December

Salary

R, R, for the contract duration

Commencement date

as soon as possible

Reporting to

Head Futures Programme, Cape Town Office Manager

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 SAIIAs Futures Programme 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 projects 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.

Coordinate the collection of data and evidence for the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework, tracking progress against all outputs, outcomes, and indicators.

Draft high-quality narrative and financial reports for the donor, synthesising technical inputs from partners and clearly communicating project progress, outcomes, and challenges.

Maintain the project's central documentation system, ensuring all records are audit ready.

Act as the key liaison for consortium partners facilitating seamless communication and collaboration.

Schedule and document key meetings, including preparing agendas, recording minutes, and tracking action items.

Support the Project Lead in managing relationships with government counterparts and other stakeholders.

Track and report on GEDSI-specific indicators and outcomes as outlined in the projects GEDSI Action Plan.

Support risk management by maintaining the project risk and contributing to mitigation strategies.

Required Education

Essential Work Experience

Required Skills and Competencies

High level of numeracy and attention to detail.

Interest and Alignment

Specific thematic experience in climate change, energy policy, sustainability, or foresight.

Language Skills

Application Process

Preference will be given to South African citizens and employment equity candidates.

SAIIA reserves the right not to make an appointment.

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