Join Us in Advancing an Empowered and Inclusive Southern Africa

The Southern Africa Trust is committed to realising a region where all people live empowered and fulfilled lives. Guided by our mission to amplify the voice and influence of impoverished and excluded people in southern Africa by supporting them to access their full rights, we work to drive meaningful, people-centred change across the region. As we strengthen our impact, we are seeking a dedicated and dynamic professional to join our team. To learn more about our organisation and our mandate, go to:  https://southernafricatrust.org/  

Operations Manager Role

As our Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the Trust. Your leadership will help ensure that our programmes, partnerships, and operations are aligned to the vision of an integrated southern Africa free from exclusion and inequality.

Role Purpose

Reporting to the CEO and serving as a member of the Management Team, the Operations Manager contributes directly to the delivery of the Trust’s strategy. The role leads the development and implementation of the operational strategic plan and ensures that systems, processes and services across the organisation support the achievement of our mission.

This role oversees key organisational functions including:

1. Grants management,
2. Research and Learning
3. Outsourced business services (i.e governance, HR, IT)
4. Facilities, office management and asset management
5. Operational support to country teams to ensure seamless cross-country operations

This is a key leadership position for someone who thrives in a mission-driven environment and brings a strong track record of operational leadership, innovation and collaboration. To learn more about the role and specifications; Click here (access to the job descriptions).

Classification: Three year Fixed term contract (with possibility for renewal).

Remuneration: The Trust provides a competitive remuneration package.

Location: Regional office in Johannesburg, South Africa.

We are looking for candidates who embody the Trust’s values of integrity, compassion and empathy; humility, agility and adaptability and accountability;demonstrate achievement in operational leadership; bring competencies aligned to the role requirements; are committed to advancing sustainable change in Southern Africa. Hold the legal right to work in South Africa.

The Southern Africa Trust is an organisation that promotes inclusivity and particularly encourages young people and women to be part of the team. To apply please submit a cover letter that illustrates your suitability for the role and your curriculum vitae as a single PDF document and email to recruitment@southernafricatrust.org.  Please include the full position title you are applying for in the email subject line. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The Southern Africa Trust reserves the right to modify this job advert or not to make an appointment.

Closing date: 9 January 2026