Director

Africa Evidence Network (Aen); Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A pan-African evidence organization is seeking a Director to provide strategic, operational, and representational leadership. You will lead the implementation of the strategic plan and manage the Secretariat, ensuring effective program delivery. The ideal candidate will have a master’s degree and at least five years of experience in leadership roles, along with a strong track record in governance, partnership management, and fundraising. This role focuses on strengthening stakeholder engagement and fostering evidence-informed decision-making across Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ leadership experience in a pan-African or international organisation.
• Proven experience with governance, strategic planning, and team management.
• Demonstrated success in managing donor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the AEN's Strategic Plan.
• Oversee governance and provide strategic guidance to the Council of Chairs.
• Manage the Secretariat and ensure effective programme delivery across Evidence Initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Fundraising

Governance

Multilingual Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Public Policy or related field

Job description

The Africa Evidence Network (AEN) was established in as a broad pan-African community, which now has grown to over 5, members.

It is open to anyone living or working on the continent and spans six broad dimensions to foster collaboration, share capacity, improve the enabling context and advocate for Africa's evidence-informed decision-making voice.

About the Role

The Director provides strategic, operational, and representational leadership to the AEN. This visionary leader brings strong governance, partnership, and programme management experience to support the Council of Chairs, lead the Secretariat, strengthen funding partnerships, and drive AEN’s mission to champion Africa’s leadership in evidence-informed decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the AEN’s Strategic Plan
• Oversee governance and provide strategic guidance to the Council of Chairs.
• Manage the Secretariat and ensure effective programme delivery across Evidence Initiatives.
• Strengthen stakeholder engagement, partnership, and fundraising, including proposal development and fund diversification.
• Oversee communications, advocacy, bilingual content production, and membership engagement.
• Ensure compliance with governance, financial management, HR, procurement, and reporting requirements.
• Represent AEN regionally and globally.

Qualifications and Experience

Master’s degree (or higher) in Public Policy, Development Studies, Evaluation, Management, or a related field.

At least 5 years’ leadership experience in a pan-African or international organisation, preferably within an EIDM, research or policy environment.

Proven experience with governance, strategic planning, and team management.

Demonstrated success in fundraising and managing donor relationships.

Strong understanding of EIDM in the African context.

Multilingual communication skills (English essential; French highly desirable).

How to Apply

Submit a single PDF containing :

• Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining motivation and alignment with the role.
• CV (max 5 pages) highlighting relevant leadership and EIDM-related experience.
• Two professional references (name, title, email, phone).

Email your application to: Subject line: Application: AEN Director – (Your Full Name)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

AEN is committed to diversity, inclusion, and multilingual engagement.

Women, young African leaders, applicants from under‑represented regions of Africa and individuals passionate about strengthening evidence‑use across the continent are strongly encouraged to apply.

Period: 24 months, ideal start date 01 February

Location: Virtual within Africa with frequent continental travel

Annual Remuneration: R, – R1,,

Languages: English (essential); French (highly desirable)

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full-time

Industries: Research Services