Director of Operations & Systems

Our Common Home; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Ilifa Lethu, a South African organisation within the Our Common Home network, is seeking an Operations Director to become the Executive Director's operational partner. The role builds the organisational backbone with financial stewardship, governance and compliance, people operations, systems and disciplined planning to enable sustainable growth.

The position leads budgeting, board coordination, policy compliance, contract management, data protection and external service coordination while

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in business, finance, operations, governance or a related field; a postgraduate or professional qualification is advantageous.
• At least 8 years’ relevant experience with responsibility for organisational operations, finance, governance or business management; experience in a small, growing or evolving organisation preferred.
• Strong track record of building or improving systems, policies, processes and operating routines, not just maintaining existing structures.
• Experience with budgets, financial controls and external finance providers is essential.
• Experience with grant-funded or donor-restricted budgets in civil society, foundations, research or similar organisations is advantageous.
• Strong financial management capability: budgets, management accounts, cash flow, controls and audit readiness; translate financial data into practical decisions.
• Broad operational judgement with systems mindset and confidence in fit-for-purpose digital tools and processes.
• Understanding of South African NPC/NPO governance and compliance; experience with boards and external advisers.

Responsibilities

• Finance and resource stewardship: Lead budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow management; produce monthly finance packs and oversee procurement controls and grant reporting.
• Governance, compliance and risk: Manage governance calendar and board cycle; maintain registers and coordinate advisers; address key risks early.
• Systems and operating rhythm: Review tools and processes; establish routines for planning, reporting, approvals and document management; oversee IT, data protection and insurance arrangements.
• People and organisational capacity: Build HR processes; advise on structure and workforce planning; promote accountability, care and high performance.
• Organisational planning and executive support: Translate leadership decisions into actions; provide concise recommendations to the Executive Director; support organisation-wide planning.

Skills

Financial management

Governance

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

People leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Risk management

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in business, finance, operations, governance, law, management

Postgraduate or professional qualification advantageous

Tools

Budgeting software

ERP systems

MS Office

Grant management tools

Job description

Ilifa Lethu, a South African organisation within the Our Common Home network, is seeking an Operations Director to become the Executive Director's operational partner. The role builds the organisational backbone with financial stewardship, governance and compliance, people operations, systems and disciplined planning to enable sustainable growth.

The position leads budgeting, board coordination, policy compliance, contract management, data protection and external service coordination while