About the role:

DGMT is a node of public innovation for South Africa driving towards a flourishing South African people, economy and society. Our approach focuses on identifying key opportunities to shift the trajectory of human development; and tackling the underlying social and structural dynamics that shape the outcomes of our programmes.

We operate by supporting and drawing on the grounded innovations of civil society; identifying and incubating breakthrough strategies; engaging in policy processes, and developing strategic coalitions and public advocacy.

We are recruiting for an Innovation Manager to work in the An Innovative and Inclusive Society (IIS) portfolio. The Innovation Manager will focus on developing the strategy, projects and civil society partnerships for our work in opportunity 1, focused on developing leadership potential and strengthening civil society organisations.

• Support the Innovation Director in strategy development for DGMT’s approaches to key strategy areas
• Leads and/or supports grant making that will fulfil the strategy
• Building and driving initiatives and identifying emerging opportunities and gaps relating to portfolio strategy
• Take a leading role in strategy processes and engagement on the development of identified strategies
• Supporting internal flagship projects and/or incubated projects/ initiatives.
• Work with potential grantees to conceptualise and/or refine proposals.
• Commission and lead key research projects and programme design
• Working with the DGMT team, support the success of the strategy by connecting key stakeholders, partners, and ideas towards our goals
• Engage and develop partnerships with key sector groups and communities of practice
• Manage stakeholder relationships in ways that support organisations to implement effectively, and learn from their implementation
• Proactively engage with the literature emerging from academia, government partners and civil society to strengthen growth and implementation strategy
• Draw on learnings emerging from key stakeholders, internal and incubated projects and initiatives, and where possible share learnings with DGMT and the sector.
• Develop key communications products that support the strategy (e.g. Op-Eds, blog posts, policy submissions, learning briefs, case studies)
• Produce high quality reporting for internal monitoring and assessment of progress
• Provide input to reports for the Board Project Committee
• Support project and grants administration management
• Review grant reports and financial expenditure

• A minimum honours degree (masters preferred) in sociology, psychology, organisational psychology and related social science subjects

• At least 4-6 years of full-time work experience in organisational development, leadership development, advocacy, grants management programme design and project management
• Experienced and skilled in:
  • Engaging and supporting senior officials, civil society organisations and communities
  • Supporting organisational development processes
  • Designing organisational and leadership development programmes
  • Project Management
  • Planning and Coordination
  • Grants Management
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Writing
  • Microsoft Office

• Self-motivated, and can work independently
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, as well as a team player
• Ability to engage and manage a wide range of work
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good facilitation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.

Special Requirements:

To apply, please submit your CV and 1 page motivation in a single PDF document. Closing date: 7 June 2024.