Programme Officer: Impact Network & Partner Relations

• Hlanganisa Community Fund

Programme Officer: Impact Network & Partner Relations

Deadline: 25 April 2025

Region: Johannesburg

Type of employment: Full time

Job Description

Duration: This position is a 12-month renewable contract, subject to performance and availability of funding.

Location: Hlanganisa Community Fund Office, Rosebank, Johannesburg

Hlanganisa has recently launched the Hlanganisa Community Impact Network, an impact network initiative designed to reconnect former grantee partners, foster collaboration, and continue driving social change.

The Programme Officer for Impact Network and Partner Relations will be responsible for fostering strong connections with Hlanganisa Community Impact Network alumnus and key partners. This role will focus on engagement, network building, mentorship and collaborative initiatives to enhance alumni involvement and strengthen partnerships that align with the mission of Hlanganisa Community Fund.

Key Responsibilities

The Programme Officer: Impact Network & Partner Relations will play a vital role in strengthening relationships with current and former partners, enhancing our impact network, and contributing to broader programme objectives.

Roles and Responsibilities

Alumni Engagement and Network Building

• Develop and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy to maintain and deepen relationships with former grantee partners.
• Plan and coordinate networking events, mentorship programmes, and capacity-building initiatives tailored to the needs of the network.
• Manage and continuously update an alumni database, ensuring accurate tracking of engagement levels and long-term impact.
• Foster vibrant communication within the network through regular newsletters, engaging social media content, and other digital or in-person platforms.

Partnership and Stakeholder Relations

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key partners, including funders, CBOs, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and community organizations.
• Identify collaboration opportunities to support network members in their professional growth and community impact.
• Represent the organization at external meetings, events, and conferences.
• Facilitate regular communication between partners to ensure alignment of objectives and activities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop joint initiatives, ensuring mutual benefits and long-term sustainability of partnerships.
• Support the negotiation and drafting of partnership agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs).
• Develop and manage a stakeholder engagement plan to effectively track and measure partnership outcomes and impact.

Programme Support and Coordination

• Work closely with internal teams to integrate network members and partners into ongoing programmes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with network members, alumni, and partners to create a supportive and engaged community.
• Provide ongoing support to network members and partners to facilitate active participation and engagement in programmes.
• Assist in the development and implementation of programme activities to ensure successful execution.
• Monitor and evaluate engagement initiatives, providing reports and recommendations for improvement to ensure the highest impact.

Capacity Strengthening & Mentorship Support

• Identify and lead the design of learning and development opportunities for network members, ensuring that the programs align with the evolving needs of the network and the sector.
• Facilitate skills-building workshops, coaching sessions, and peer-learning platforms aimed at enhancing the professional growth and competencies of network members.
• Develop and manage mentorship programmes that connect network members with seasoned professionals, industry experts, and peer mentors to foster knowledge exchange and career development.
• Track mentorship outcomes and adapt the programme for continuous improvement, ensuring that the goals and expectations of both mentors and mentees are met effectively.
• Evaluate learning programs and mentorship success through feedback and impact assessments, ensuring that outcomes align with the network's overall mission and objectives.
• Create and maintain a resource library of best practices, tools, and guides to support network members in their professional development.
• Cultivate a community of practice by fostering open communication and collaboration among members through regular meetings, newsletters, and virtual forums.

Qualifications And Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate for the Programme Officer: Impact Network & Partner Relations position will possess the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Communications, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in alumni relations, stakeholder engagement, partnership management, programme coordination, capacity development, or a related area.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of effective stakeholder engagement and relationship-building across diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to design, coordinate, and manage events and initiatives that support network growth and deepen partner collaboration.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail in a dynamic environment.
• Prior experience in the community development, social justice, or education sectors is highly desirable and will be considered an asset.

Skills & Competencies

The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical expertise, creativity, and interpersonal finesse to this dynamic role. Key skills and competencies include:

• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong writing and storytelling abilities for crafting compelling content in newsletters, reports, and partner communications.
• Collaborative spirit and self-motivation, with the ability to work independently while thriving in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.
• Digital fluency, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, grants management systems, and key social media platforms for professional engagement and visibility.
• Detail-oriented mindset paired with a strategic approach to relationship-building and stakeholder engagement.
• Adaptability and cultural sensitivity, essential for working across diverse contexts and partner organizations.

Additional Information

• No relocation assistance will be provided.
• Applicants who have not been contacted by 31 May 2025 should consider their application unsuccessful.
• We reserve the right to withdraw the position or not make an appointment.
• All personal information submitted will be processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
• Foreign nationals applying for this role confirm that they are in possession of a valid South African work permit.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter to info@hlanganisa.org.za by Friday, 25 April 2025.

Date posted: 14 April 2025