Director, Programs. Johannesburg. Posting Date: 01/30/2025. Deadline: 02/20/2025

Role Title: Director, Programs

Contract Type: Regular

Reporting To: Managing Director, Programs

Program/Department/Unit Name: Programs

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Team Name: Resources Futures in Africa: Equity and Development

This work will focus on supporting equitable and accountable governance and development of critical minerals in Africa for a just energy transition through partnering with governments, companies, and impacted communities. and collaborate more intentionally with other Global South counterparts so that they enhance their bargaining power with buyers and move up the value chain.

Role Purpose

Directors are highly accomplished, well-networked in their field, and bring extensive experience in their geographic and/or thematic expertise. Director of Programs oversee individual opportunities for their duration and are responsible for delivering on its impact. They also serve the management of their teams at the highest level of professionalism.

Key responsibilities

• Be accountable for articulating a creative and exciting Strategic implementation plan to make impact in the areas and constituencies of focus on the Critical Minerals Opportunity according to established criteria.
• Oversee and manage the opportunity team, and internal and external stakeholders and partners.
• Articulate budgetary and workforce needs for opportunity, leveraging internal and external resources as required.
• Monitor and regularly report on the learning and progress of the critical minerals opportunity to the Managing Director of Programs and Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
• Leverage OSF’s work globally and collaborate with other internal program units such as impact investment, strategic litigation, and advocacy to the opportunity.
• Represent OSF’s Critical Minerals opportunity externally at all levels and grow a network that includes actors beyond the social sector into national and local governments, multilateral organizations, faith-based groups, grass-roots organizations, philanthropy, local experts, academia and think tanks to advance the opportunity’s objectives, including developing strong relationships with other funders and bringing them as partners into the opportunity.
• Evaluate the opportunity based on established metrics for MEL with an ability to learn and pivot to ensure the required outcomes are being achieved.
• Ensure appropriate financial, risk, and legal management and control are articulated during the planning and implementation phase, and work with all relevant stakeholders to develop mitigation plans.

Key internal relationships

Executive Leadership Team (ELT); Managing Directors of Programs; Managing Director, Network Grants (+ teams); Program Teams, Operation Teams, Grants Management; Advocacy; SEDF; Communications; Justice Initiative (JI); Office of the General Counsel, Global Security and Risk teams

Key external relationships

External partners, public and private sector leaders

The ideal candidate

• Educated to a master’s degree-level (or equivalent)
• At least 12 years experience in leading social change and systems change work in civil society, government, multilateral institutions, and/or the private sector that has resulted in positive societal impact.
• Extensive expertise in the areas of natural resources governance and policy reforms in reputable international organizations (experience should include work in policy, legal and institutional reform and transformation).
• A strong track record in regional development policy, energy geopolitical analysis and engagement with African Ministries of Mines, Industry, Environment or Justice.
• Thorough knowledge of renewable and non-renewable resources policy formulation, implementation and associated global influencing principles and practice.
• Prior financial ($20million), legal and risk management and accountability at large-scale programmatic level.
• Proven track record with networks across the global and Africa social sector, in national and local governments, multilateral organizations, faith-based groups, grass-roots organizations, philanthropy, local experts, academia, and think tanks.
• Strong people management experience in a regional or international multi-cultural environment
• Experience in managing complex external partners and cross-movement platforms and networks.
• Experience working closely with communities ,social movements, and private sector on issues of human rights and social accountability
• Prior experience leading programmatic or organizational level change within organizations and/or systems that have gone through significant transformation.
• Experience in multiple sectors and knowledge of philanthropic tools such as advocacy and communication, strategic litigation, and social impact approaches.

What we offer

• Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
• Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
• Generous time off, as well as our standard Open Society close at year-end (where vacation days are not required) and flexible work arrangements.
• Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
• Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
• Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
• A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

Who we are

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.

Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.

Additional information

Open Society Foundations is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences—particularly those from marginalized and underrepresented groups. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications, without discrimination based on race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, or any other legally protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments are available for candidates with disabilities. To request adjustments or inquire about our equal opportunity policies, please contact recruitment@opensocietyfoundations.org.

Competitive rates of pay apply.

Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements