Southern Africa Trust is Hiring Professionals in Johannesburg for Development Social Justice and Poverty Reduction – Apply by 25 May 2026

The Southern Africa Trust has officially announced new career opportunities for experienced professionals passionate about advancing inclusive development, social justice, and poverty reduction across Southern Africa.
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the organization is recruiting for two senior-level positions aimed at strengthening programme delivery, operational efficiency, and long-term regional impact. The vacancies present an opportunity for qualified professionals to contribute to people-centred development initiatives that empower marginalized communities and promote social inclusion.
The Southern Africa Trust continues to play a critical role in amplifying the voices of impoverished and excluded populations across the region by supporting equitable policy engagement and sustainable development.
Southern Africa Trust Expands Leadership Team
As part of its organizational growth and strategic strengthening efforts, the Southern Africa Trust is seeking to appoint:
- A Head of Programmes & Impact
- A Senior Operations Officer
Both positions are based in Johannesburg and are offered on a three-year fixed-term contract with a competitive remuneration package.
The organization is specifically looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- Integrity and accountability
- Professional competence
- Collaboration and humility
- Commitment to inclusive and feminist development
- Passion for people-centred social change
Applicants must also possess the legal right to work in South Africa.
Head of Programmes & Impact Role
The Head of Programmes & Impact position is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The successful candidate will oversee strategic programme implementation and ensure measurable impact across the organization’s regional initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
The role includes leadership and oversight of:
- Multi-country programme management
- Grantmaking portfolios
- Research and learning initiatives
- Strengthening civic infrastructure
- Country-level programme coordination
- Monitoring and evaluation systems
- Strategic programme alignment
The position requires a highly experienced development professional with expertise in managing complex regional programmes and driving sustainable social impact.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The Southern Africa Trust is seeking a strategic leader who has:
- Strong experience in development programming
- Proven grantmaking expertise
- Experience managing regional or multi-country projects
- Knowledge of impact measurement and evaluation
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
The successful candidate will help shape the organization’s long-term development agenda while ensuring programme effectiveness and accountability.
Senior Operations Officer Position
The Senior Operations Officer role focuses on strengthening organizational systems, governance, and operational efficiency.
Reporting to the CEO, the successful applicant will help create a compliant and enabling organizational environment that supports the Trust’s mission and strategic objectives.
Core Responsibilities
The position involves oversight of:
- Corporate governance systems
- Risk management and compliance
- Organizational operations
- Internal coordination mechanisms
- Oversight of outsourced services
- Administrative and operational support functions
The role is ideal for professionals with strong organizational and governance experience in the non-profit or development sector.
Desired Skills and Experience
Applicants should possess:
- Strong operational management experience
- Knowledge of governance and compliance frameworks
- Organizational systems expertise
- Excellent coordination and communication skills
- High attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
The organization seeks a highly organized and dependable professional capable of supporting operational excellence across all functions.
About the Southern Africa Trust
The Southern Africa Trust is a regional organization dedicated to reducing poverty and inequality through inclusive policy engagement and social justice initiatives.
Its work focuses on:
- Strengthening civic participation
- Supporting marginalized communities
- Promoting inclusive economic and social policies
- Enhancing community voices in decision-making processes
- Driving sustainable regional development
Through grantmaking, research, advocacy, and partnerships, the organization works to build stronger and more equitable societies across Southern Africa.
Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
The Southern Africa Trust actively promotes inclusivity within its workforce and development programmes.
The organization particularly encourages applications from:
- Young professionals
- Women
- Individuals committed to social justice and inclusion
This commitment aligns with the Trust’s broader mission of empowering underrepresented communities and advancing equitable opportunities throughout the region.
Job Location and Employment Details
Employment Information
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Contract Type: Three-year fixed-term contract
- Industry: Development and Non-Profit Sector
- Salary: Competitive remuneration package
The positions offer experienced professionals the opportunity to contribute to high-impact regional initiatives while working within a respected development organization.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the official closing date.
Important Application Information
- Application Deadline: 25 May 2026 at 23:59 GMT +2
- Applicants may submit applications online for their preferred role
- Queries regarding the recruitment process can be directed to:
The Southern Africa Trust has also noted that it reserves the right to amend the recruitment process or not make an appointment.
Why These Opportunities Matter
As development organizations increasingly focus on inclusive governance, social accountability, and community-led solutions, leadership roles within institutions like the Southern Africa Trust are becoming increasingly important.
These positions offer professionals the chance to:
- Influence regional development policy
- Drive meaningful social impact
- Support vulnerable communities
- Strengthen governance and accountability systems
- Advance inclusive development practices
For professionals passionate about social transformation in Africa, the vacancies represent an opportunity to contribute directly to sustainable regional progress and equitable development.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.


