Job Purpose

Delivering inspirational leadership that will drive real change and make a significant impact on the human rights landscape of South Africa by growing a strong and active member base, energising activists, building transformative partnerships and creating powerful campaigns based on robust governance.

The Amnesty International South Africa Director is responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing strategies, operational plans and budgets in order to realise Amnesty International’s ambitious human rights change goals in and from South Africa.

They are responsible for developing an effective and powerful AI presence in the country, working closely with the newly established regional office in Johannesburg to create a strong strategic presence based on large numbers of committed members – donors and activists – speaking up for human rights. The Director is accountable for management of the staff, resources, office in-country and operations of AI South Africa ensuring the application of AI policy and quality standards across operations.

Externally the Director is responsible for building national relationships and Amnesty International’s profile in South Africa and within the Amnesty International movement. The Director will represent AI at a senior level with the South African government and others.

Main Responsibilities

In collaboration with relevant IS colleagues and programmes the Director is responsible for the following tasks:

Delivering Human Rights impact through organisational management and leadership:

Develop, promote and implement an organisational vision and human rights and growth strategy for AI South Africa which inspires and motivates internal and external stakeholders Ensure that AI maintains its pre-eminent position in the field of human rights legal and policy analysis by ensuring the application of AI standards of work, including AI’s human rights policy and standards, the accuracy of the analysis and application of law and policy.

Recruit, develop and manage the performance of project staff, volunteers and consultants, in order to ensure that impact oriented operational plans are delivered on time to a high standard and in compliance with AI’s Staff Terms and Conditions of Employment, related policies and local employment law.

Develop, monitor and provide internal and external reports on project budgets and financial issues in line with the Financial Policy of Amnesty International South Africa and manage the annual audit of the financial accounts in compliance with local regulations to ensure that the operational plans are delivered in line with the approved budgets and with sound financial accountability. To identify resource needs of the office and work in collaboration with the International Secretariat to ensure resource needs are met.

Establish and implement quality control systems to ensure that the activities of Amnesty International South Africa meet the organizational standards of timeliness, accuracy, consistency, balance, independence and impartiality and meet impact indicators. Ensure the identification and sharing of best practice models with the movement and timely reporting against key performance indicators of the entity.

To act as ‘Head of Office’ for the South Africa office in relation to the overall health safety and security of the office and in order to ensure that the office carries out the facilities, logistical and administrative functions required in order to effectively carry out its activities and support those of AI South Africa.

Work with the working group and advisory board (once in place) to build effective working relationships within the AI movement.

Establish a culture of engagement across the movement to model One Amnesty and its benefits.

External Representation of the Amnesty International movement within South Africa:

Develop, maintain and utilize effective working relationships with key external stakeholders including partner organizations, networks, coalitions, donors and key internal stakeholders in order to identify and take advantage of opportunities for cooperation, collaboration and information sharing which will increase the impact and influence of the work of AI South Africa.

Leverage South Africa’s influence regionally and globally by calling on the government to be a global leader promoting human rights domestically and internationally. Coordinate advocacy and lobbying work in South Africa, including building relationships with partner organizations, the media and government and working with global sections to maximise the influence of their international solidarity work.

Identify and ensure relationships are built with key donors, funding constituencies and high net worth individuals.

Represent Amnesty International in South Africa at public events, to NGOs, the media, International Organizations and the government in order to ensure that Amnesty International has a visible profile with external stakeholders in South Africa and in order to deliver impact in compliance with AI’s mission and strategy in South Africa.

As the Chief Media spokesperson in the country, interact with the media proactively and support the organization of media activities in order to support AI research and high level missions and to ensure compliance with the organizational standards for Media work.

Operational Management

Maintain an overview of the political situation, strategic opportunities for growth and mobilization and other relevant developments in South Africa in relation to civil society, human rights in order to propose strategic opportunities to leverage influence and for the for risk management of the work of Amnesty International in South Africa

Based on the Human Rights and Growth strategy, develop and implement operational plans for AI South Africa to deliver on objectives related to:

o A programme of solid campaigning, communications, mobilisation and activism linked to clear theory of change for priority human rights issues in South Africa.

o A centralized supporter engagement and constituency relationship management system capable of mobilizing activism and resources to further Amnesty International’s human rights goals in South Africa.

o Strengthening the power of right-holders and support the human rights movement through innovative options for engagement and activism.

o Creation of an AI presence in South Africa that innovates and leads new thinking and approaches.

o Development and delivery of an implementation and operationalplan for communications and fundraising strategies to create a growingconstituency of support for AI in South Africa

Identify and ensure relationships are built with key grant funding constituencies

Skills and Experience

Knowledge:

Commitment to and substantial knowledge of human rights.
Demonstrated knowledge of political, economic and social trends in South Africa and deep understanding of challenges of developing activist organizations in the country.
An understanding of the civil society landscape in South Africa.
Knowledge of Amnesty International and its mission.

Skills:

Exemplary communication skills, both oral and written, and fluency in English.
Demonstrated people management skills, including the ability to manage complex relationships with private and public sector stakeholders in the region including media, donors and high level governmental and no-governmental officials.
Strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to translate strategy and concepts into action and to review and adapt plans as required.
Excellent organization and administrative skills, in particular an appreciation for the importance of strong fiscal management.
Strong facilitation skills – the ability to listen and learn from diverse perspectives.
Demonstrated time management and organizational skills.

Experience:

Proven record of senior level leadership and management success, preferably in an international organization.
Demonstrated experience speaking to and cultivating relationships with the media and donors.
Experience of effective lobbying governments and intergovernmental agents for policy change.

Qualities:

Sound, mature judgment and integrity and understanding of both physical and political securityissues.
Self-motivation and initiative; ability to work independently as well as in teams.
Readiness to report and be accountable.

How to Apply

All application must be addressed to KM Global Consulting and sent directly to info@kmglobalconsult.com

Due to high volume of applications, only shortly shortlisted candidates will be contacted.