Director of Sector Networks

African Leadership Academy; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative organization is seeking a dynamic Director of Sector Networks to lead and empower various career networks across Africa. This pivotal role involves collaborating with program managers to enhance recruitment efforts for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, while ensuring alignment with educational initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, a deep understanding of Africa's challenges, and a passion for talent development. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to transforming the continent through impactful leadership and community engagement.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Networking events

Travel opportunities

Health and wellness programs

Qualifications

• 7-10 years’ experience in organizational or talent development sectors.
• Strong partnership builder with grant-making or fundraising experience.
• Proficient in project management with clear outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead sector programs to improve career outcomes and manage resources effectively.
• Collaborate with teams to create campaigns and leverage AI for performance tracking.
• Build relationships with universities and youth networks to attract participants.

Skills

Partnership building

Project management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Team building

Event facilitation

Software proficiency (AI, LMS, Salesforce CRM)

Education

Post-graduate degree

Tools

Salesforce CRM

AI tools

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Job description

About African Leadership Academy

African Leadership Academy (ALA) seeks to transform Africa by identifying, developing, and connecting a new generation of young leaders who will lead the continent towards lasting peace and shared prosperity for all. Since 2008, we have worked to lay the foundations of this mission by nurturing exceptional young leaders committed to shaping Africa’s future.

About Africa Career Networks

Since 2012, the Africa Career Networks (ACN) program at ALA has enabled students and alumni of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and ALA to access early-career opportunities, accelerating their impact. Through partnerships, ACN has built 7 pan-African career networks focused on sectors like Education, Health, The Arts, Agribusiness, Infrastructure, Governance, and Professional Services. Our network-based approach has facilitated over 5,000 internships and job placements, fostering impactful collaborations among young leaders. We have also launched an Affiliates Program to expand our reach geographically and demographically.

Position Overview

We seek a dynamic Director of Sector Networks to oversee 6 career networks (Health, Governance, The Arts, Professional Services, Infrastructure, and Agribusiness). The role involves supporting program managers, providing strategic guidance, and aligning efforts with ALA’s Education initiatives. The director will empower sectors with resources to recruit 8,200 Mastercard Foundation Scholars over five years and facilitate job and internship opportunities, including training and support.

The role includes implementing sector success and challenge programs on our new platform, developing relationships, enabling fellowship programs, managing grants and budgets, securing funding, recruiting team members, and overseeing reporting and marketing efforts.

Position Responsibilities

• Own and lead sector programs within the leadership pillar, guiding teams to meet grant targets and improve career outcomes, while resource allocation is managed effectively.
• Drive recruitment within the ALA community, Mastercard Foundation scholars and alumni, and other youth leadership programs, using network theory.
• Foster community, shared learning, and ensure policies on placement, youth safeguarding, wellbeing, and DEI are met, with impact data collection aligned to strategy.
• Collaborate with communications, learning, and tech teams to create campaigns and leverage AI for performance tracking.
• Implement sector success and challenge programs on the new platform to achieve targets within budget.
• Build and maintain relationships with employer engagement, affiliate teams, universities, and youth networks to attract participants.
• Participate in program design, delivery, coaching, and event facilitation to ensure success and engagement.
• Lead and develop your team, model ALA values, manage budgets, and ensure timely reporting.
• Act as an ambassador for ALA and ACN, advocating for support and resources to advance Africa’s prosperity.

Profile of the ideal candidate

• Strong partnership builder with grant-making or fundraising experience.
• Effective project manager with clear outcomes, planning, and organizational skills.
• Visionary strategist, proactive, independent, and communicative.
• Experienced in designing and leading impactful programs within budget.
• Existing extensive African network, passionate about building relationships continent-wide.
• Excellent communication skills, report writing, stakeholder engagement.
• Proven team builder and developer.
• Proficient with software tools, AI, LMS, Salesforce CRM; familiar with automation and digital tools.
• Collaborative mindset, sharing best practices across networks.
• Event facilitation and management skills.
• Willingness to travel.

Desired Experience

• Post-graduate degree in a relevant field.
• 7-10 years’ experience in organizational, talent development, or education sectors; multi-industry experience preferred.
• Deep understanding of African challenges and opportunities, commitment to Africa’s future.
• Talent development expertise, team-building skills.
• Knowledge of future of work, AI, and career pathways.
• Partner management and relationship-building experience.
• Competency framework, assessment, grant management, and reporting skills.
• Community network-building and multilingual skills (French, Portuguese, Arabic) are advantageous.

Reporting: Reports to the Senior Director of Career Programs

Start Date: 1 June 2025

Location: Johannesburg