Job Roles at Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

Objectives of Role

Strategic advocacy planning:

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive advocacy strategy aligned with national priorities.

Stakeholder engagement:

•  Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across sectors, including government officials, civil society organizations, academia, and the media.

Flagship events coordination:

• Oversee the planning and execution of flagship events, such as the annual 2030 Reading Panel and associated activities. Ensure these events effectively raise awareness and drive action

Campaign management:

• Provide support to the Right to Read Campaign through the coordination of participating organisations, the coordination of the work plans of each of the streams, developing key campaign communication documents and driving the achievement of the campaign’s key milestones.

Continual advocacy, research and thought leadership:

• Sustain momentum beyond major events through ongoing advocacy efforts and thought leadership initiatives. Engage with policymakers, synthesise key research, produce policy briefs, op-eds, and other materials to reinforce key messages.

Monitoring:

• Establish monitoring mechanisms to track the impact of advocacy efforts. Regularly assess progress, identify challenges, and adapt strategies as needed to maximize effectiveness.
• Represent the BCL and associated initiatives in meetings, conferences, and other forums related to early grade reading advocacy.

Experience and Qualifications

Qualification:

• Honours degree or equivalent in Education, Public Policy, International Development, Law or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

•  Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in advocacy, policy analysis, research or related fields, with a focus on education or literacy issues.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful advocacy campaigns, including experience mobilizing stakeholders, influencing policy, and driving systemic change.
• Strong understanding of the education landscape in South Africa, including key stakeholders, policies, and challenges related to early-grade reading.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively in writing and orally.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Experience working with government officials, civil society organizations, and media outlets preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Stakeholder Management
• Programme Management
• Communication skills
• Research and Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and facilitate collaboration
• Adaptability and agility

go to method of application »

Objectives of Role

• Strategic Leadership
• Provide high-level strategic direction to drive BCL's mission of supporting cross-sector actors to enhance their impact on education outcomes.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve programme objectives, in alignment with BCL's mission and values.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work culture within the organisation.
• Manage risk and programme adaptation as necessary given the ever changing environment, risks and opportunities

Programme Development, Implementation and Learning

• Oversee and contribute to the planning, coordination, and execution of projects aimed at improving education systems and learning outcomes.
• Work closely with the team and partners to ensure effective implementation of projects, including advocacy initiatives, policy-level interventions, and innovative pilot programmes.
• Trouble shoot and course correct on projects as required
• Ensure programming remains impact focused, with monitoring, learning and evaluation embedded in and across all activities.   Commission and contribute to research and measurement activities.

Partnership Development

• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, philanthropic organisations, and other stakeholders. Partnerships will include stakeholders at the highest levels (such as Government Ministers and Director Generals, and leads at major Philanthropies and NGOs, as well as programme implementation staff of partners working on the ground).
• Collaborate with and support partners to leverage resources, share best practices, innovate and drive collective impact in the education sector.
• Represent BCL in external meetings, conferences, and forums to advocate for programme priorities and foster collaboration.

Advocacy and Policy Engagement

• Advocate for policy-level changes to strengthen education systems and promote improved learning outcomes.
• Engage with and convene government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders to influence policy decisions and prioritize education reform initiatives.

Fundraising and Resource Mobilization

• Develop and implement strategies to diversify funding sources and secure financial support for programme activities.
• Cultivate relationships with potential donors, including bilateral and multilateral agencies, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Prepare grant proposals, fundraising pitches, and donor reports to communicate BCL's impact and funding needs effectively.

Team Management

• Recruit, hire, and performance manage staff members, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and priorities.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Experience and Qualifications

Qualification:

• Master's degree or equivalent in Education, Public Policy, International Development, Economics, Law or a related field.

Experience:

• 10 Years+ Extensive experience in strategic leadership roles within the education sector or similar fields leading a programme of work or an organisation or with a national footprint
• Proven track record of successful programme development, implementation, and management.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain high-level partnerships with government, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Significant experience in advocacy and influencing policy at a national or international level.
• Strong background in fundraising, resource mobilization, and donor relationship management.
• Experience in managing diverse teams and fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
• Background in innovative project development and implementation, with a focus on education systems and learning outcomes.
• Exceptional communication skills, with experience in representing an organization publicly and in high-stakes environments.
• Solid financial management experience, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex, dynamic, and evolving environments, with a focus on impact and results

Competencies

• Strategic Vision and Leadership
• Programme Development and Implementation
• Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
• Advocacy and Policy Influence
• Fundraising and Resource Mobilization
• Team Management and Development
• Innovative Thinking and Problem Solving
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Financial Acumen and Budget Management