Overview

Executive Director Jobs in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa at Hashtag Nonprofit NPC

Title: Executive Director

Company: Hashtag Nonprofit NPC

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

  • Institute for Justice and Reconciliation

Executive Director at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation

  • Deadline:

15 April 2026

  • Region:

Cape Town, South Africa

  • Type of employment:

Full time

Job Description

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) is seeking an Executive Director (ED) to lead one of the continent’s premier pan-African think tanks. The Executive Director provides institutional leadership and strategic vision to the organisation. He/She/They will drive the realisation of the organisation’s new 5-year strategic plan, and ensure the long-term sustainability and relevance of the Institute. The role requires a visionary leader with strong administrative and fundraising skills who can advance IJR’s reputation as a leading voice in transitional justice, reconciliation, and peacebuilding across Africa and in transitional societies globally.

Roles and Responsibilities

Institutional Leadership and Strategy

  • Ensure IJR has clear strategic direction and is successfully managed to achieve its mission and goals.
  • Raise and safeguard the public profile of the organisation
  • Lead the implementation of IJR’s 5-year strategic plan in consultation with the management teams, staff, and stakeholders.
  • Communicate IJR’s vision, mission and areas of work clearly to all staff and relevant external stakeholders.
  • Provide executive oversight and control of Institute-wide affairs, policies, and operations.
  • Ensure regular performance discussions, assessments, and appraisals.
  • Guide leadership on deliverables required from the respective eco-systems and departments.
  • Ensure effective succession planning and organisational resilience.
  • Provide regular executive reports to the Board.

Programme Oversight and Thought Leadership

  • Champion the development of research projects and interventions that align with IJR’s vision and mandate.
  • Contribute to and help shape international debate around justice, reconciliation and peacebuilding.
  • Oversee research, convening and accompaniment of the strategic eco-systems.
  • Establish, maintain and monitor initiatives and partnerships with Intergovernmental organisations, governments, academic institutions and NGO’s.
  • Investigate and promote new areas of work for the Institute.
  • Deliver or oversee well-researched papers for publication, conferences, and workshops.
  • Ensure project implementation is guided by clear M&E indicators and frameworks.

Fundraising and Business Development

  • Ensure the Institute has adequate and diversified funding to secure its long-term financial sustainability.
  • Provide strategic guidance and leadership on proposal development and submission to potential funders.
  • Maintain regular senior-level liaison with existing donors to strengthen relationships and explore further funding opportunities.
  • Lead efforts to diversify the funding base, including earned income and social enterprise opportunities.
  • Oversee and approve major funding proposals and business development strategies.
  • Represent IJR at funder convenings, donor forums, and high-level networking events.

Financial Management and Governance

  • Ensure ethical, effective, and transparent financial management of the Institute.
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of IJR’s financial status and work closely with the Finance Manager for accurate and timely reporting.
  • Oversee the development of annual budgets and ensure budgetary controls are in place across all departments.
  • Ensure cost-effective and responsible financial management of the Institute.
  • Ensure financial reporting to donors is completed according to grant agreements.

Stakeholder Relations

  • Provide executive oversight to media liaison and public statements.
  • Lead the development of a comprehensive communications strategy in collaboration with the Communications team.

Operations and Compliance

  • Work closely with the Deputy Executive Director to oversee daily operations across all departments, including finance, HR, communications, and office management.
  • Ensure effective and current policies and procedures are implemented and monitored across the organisation.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, including labour law, NPO regulations, and donor requirements.
  • Oversee monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess programme effectiveness and impact.
  • Report regularly to the Board on organisational performance, risks, and programme outcomes.

People Management

  • Directly manage the leadership team and foster an organisational culture aligned with IJR’s values.
  • Actively manage the performance and development of direct reports through regular one-on-ones and bi-annual appraisals.
  • Work with management to oversee general HR management across IJR.
  • Direct and oversee the annual remuneration review in consultation with the Remuneration Committee.
  • Encourage staff participation in their own professional development and provide mentorship and ongoing support.
  • Foster an inclusive, high-performance culture that reflects IJR’s values of integrity, equity, and excellence.
  • Ensure staff are included in project management and informed of decisions that affect them.

Qualifications And Requirements

Key Competencies

  • Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
  • Excellent financial acumen and experience in managing large budgets.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
  • High level of integrity and commitment to IJR’s mission and values.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proven experience in securing grant funding and business development.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with the Board of Directors, Management team, and other key stakeholders.
  • Excellent strategic planning and analytical depth.
  • Provide intellectual leadership to the organisation
  • Ability to influence policy and accompany its implementation
  • Engage stakeholders and the diplomatic community
  • Well networked across the continent
  • Adaptability and sound judgment in complex environments
  • Experience handling a heavy workloads under pressure.
  • Ability to travel frequently

Education

  • PhD in a relevant field (Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Transitional Justice, Peace Studies or a related discipline).
  • Formal training or certification in leadership, governance, or executive management is advantageous.

Experience

  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience in transitional justice, reconciliation, peacebuilding, human rights, or a closely related field.
  • At least 7 years in a senior leadership or executive management role, ideally within an NGO, research institute, or civil society organisation.
  • Demonstrated track record in strategic leadership, fundraising, stakeholder management, and organisational development.
  • Experience working on the African continent and in transitional or post-conflict contexts is strongly preferred.
  • Experience engaging with boards, donors, governments, and international organisations at a senior level.

We encourage applications from historically disadvantaged individuals

How to apply

Please submit a letter of motivation, CV with two contactable references to Gaynore Clarke, email: [email protected]

The deadline for applications is close of business on 15 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will participate in an interview process. If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

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    • Date posted:

    18 March 2026

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