Vacancy: Co-Executive Director-Programmes

About Sonke

Established in 2006, Sonke Gender Justice is a multi-award winning South African NGO working globally, and especially across Africa, to strengthen government, civil society and citizen capacity to take action to promote gender equality and children’s rights, prevent domestic and sexual violence and to reduce the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS, in this way contributes to social justice and the elimination of poverty.

Sonke recognises that effecting sustained change to gender roles and relationships requires addressing the forces that shape individual attitudes and community norms and practices, traditions and cultures, government policies, laws and institutions, civil society organisations, the media and the family, as well as underlying economic, political and social pressures.Sonke uses multiple social change strategies to advance its ambitious goals, including:

1) Community education and mobilisation

2) Legal and policy advocacy,

3) Impact litigation,

4) Media advocacy,

5) Research and M&E, and

6) Addressing the social and structural drivers of gender inequality.

We are currently seeking to appoint a Co – Executive Director – Programmes who is a visionary with exceptional leadership skills, to drive the organisation forward as we build on over a decade of achievements and face new strategic challenges. You will be responsible for leading an exciting strategic plan, developing and guiding Sonke’s strategic vision through managing internal and external processes that seek to deepen the objectives of the organisation.

You will be the key spokesperson for Sonke and will lead high-level networking dialogues and will represent Sonke through participation in key events at regional and international levels. Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will be responsible for managing staff from the full management team, as well as developing and implementing a long-term funding model.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Developing and guiding Sonke’s strategic vision through managing internal and external processes that seek to deepen the objectives of the organization.
  • Managing the strategic development on a three to five-year basis, and the implementation of the strategic objectives of the organisation at a macro level.
  • Developing and championing new areas of work and managing strategic projects of the organisation.
  • Developing and implementing a long-term funding model, overseeing fundraising and providing ongoing support to the Resource Mobilisation Manager.

Strategic direction and oversight

  • Together with the Co-Executive Director (Operations), provide accurate and timely information to the Board of Directors to support them in their governance role.
  • Provide effective leadership on the continuum of programming through oversight of the work of the senior management team, as well as the full management team to ensure that the programmatic and operational objectives of the organisation are achieved.

Programme impact and oversight

  • Regularly reviewing and observing the design and implementation of programmes to ensure that it is of a high standard and in line with the strategic objectives of the organization.
  • Work with the management team to establish an effective M&E system to oversee the implementation and impact of Sonke’s programmatic work.

Communications oversight

  • Sustain the credibility and legitimacy of the organisation through managing the communications function, its media image and its use of media advocacy, including the completion of an annual report.

Resource mobilisation

  • Work closely with the Co-Executive Director (Operations) and the Resource Mobilisation Manager to develop and implement a multifaceted strategic fundraising model to ensure that Sonke has the resources necessary to support its goals and objectives and actively seek out fundraising opportunities. 

Financial oversight and management of Sub-Awards grants

  • In consultation with the Co-Executive Director (Operations), ensure the financial health of the organisation with particular attention to audit preparedness and management.
  • Oversee the development of budgets and spending patterns, to include monthly reviews of programme budgets and plans, reporting regularly to the Audit Sub- Committee of the Board. 

Human resources oversight & people management

  • Support the management team to build an organisational culture that promotes commitment, productivity, growth, learning, transparency and serves to deepen transformation and internal democracy.

Educational requirements:

A post graduate qualification i.e. a Master’s Degree in public health, law, education, development studies and/or  business science qualifications.  A PhD will be advantageous.

Experience required

  • Minimum of ten years’ experience in a senior management position and in a similar size or larger organisation.
  • Significant experience working to promote social equality and ideally in gender equality, preventing domestic and sexual violence and addressing HIV and AIDS, including preferably an understanding of work with men, and preferably in Southern Africa.
  • Significant experience with operations, finances, HR, fundraising, donor liaison and strategy,  as well as proposal development, is essential.
  • Excellent writing skills in English and preferably, but not required, the ability to speak another SA language, as well as the ability to travel extensively. 

Skills required

  • Strong ability to lead legal, policy and advocacy work.
  • Proven track record in social change campaigns and communications.
  • Proven ability to interpret budgets and financial statements and the ability to use this information to contribute to strategic decision making.

Job Location

South Africa (Johannesburg or Cape Town)

Salary

R2 056 575.60 pa.

To Apply

  • Interested applicants should submit their CV, a motivational letter that details of experience, the contact details of four referees via email to Sonke’s Human Resource Unit at hiring@genderjustice.org.za  closing date 13  January 2026. 
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • For non-South Africans, it is the responsibility of the applicant to attain a work permit from the Department of Home Affairs, and employment will depend on a valid work permit being in place.
  • Sonke is committed to racial and gender transformation and encourages previously disadvantaged individuals to apply.
  • If you do not hear from us by 31 January 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful.
  • The organisation reserves the right not to make an appointment.