CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

SUMMARY:
Our client situated in Ormondo Johannesburg is urgently looking for a Chief Executive Officer.

POSITION INFO:
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION Will be responsible for a group that comprises a national literacy NPC, an Institute that offers training in the Early Childhood Development sector and an Educational Publishing House. Will be required to interact at a high level with Department of Basic Education, large organisations and local and global donors and investors. Responsible for supervising and controlling all strategic and business aspects of the organisation as a whole and take responsibility for achieving the vision for success. Will be expected to promote and gain commitment from various stakeholders to the education of South African children. Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree; Bachelor of Social Sciences; Bachelor of Education - or similar Postgraduate qualification (preferable) Equivalent combination of education, experience and training. Knowledge and experience: Senior management experience in a similar position - at least 5 years. A successful track record of driving large projects and managing a diverse group of stakeholders, including multiple stakeholder capacity to handle and build multiple stakeholder relationships. Extensive (5 years min) business development experience and an ability to formulate sustainable investment\/ funding\/income stream creation\/retention strategies. Strong in public relations and building partnerships within the non-profit environment. Demonstrates a passion for education, training and development, and commitment to the belief that every single child in SA deserves access to quality education. In-depth understanding of the Educational system. Working Knowledge of King V governing principles. Experience or training in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Experience in fundraising. Experience in RFQs or tenders, whether individually or part of a consortium. Working knowledge of Finance, HR, publishing, technology and digital strategies including Artificial Intelligence. Proficiency in an African language (advantageous). Competencies \/ Abilities : Intelligent and thoughtful English communicator - both orally and in writing. High levels of technological competence in executing on duties. Strong understanding of technology and Artificial Intelligence. Know how to deploy in an appropriate and ethical manner. Able to deploy sound judgement across a range of complex and varied issues. Analytical skills to drive efficient prioritisation and problem-solving. Enthusiasm for taking on challenges. Flexible and adaptable style, responding positively to changing demands. Ability to strategise, communicate, convince, compel and execute. Able to work well with people; galvanising strong teams to deliver on mandate. Ability to oversee change management processes and culture change within the normal ambit of leadership. Strong leadership skills - ability to coach team members and develop them to reach their full potential. Strong negotiation, communication and EQ skills. Live up to and model the values of the organisation at all times. Social entrepreneurial flair, business mindset and passionate about the education of South Africa's children. Working hours: 08h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday Will be required to work extended hours from time-to-time Travel: Will be required to travel nationally and internationally on occasion. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS KEY TASKS AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2 1) Provide overall strategic direction and leadership for OUR CLIENT'S's programs. a) Consolidate and obtain sign-off from the Board of Directors on the 5-year strategy. b) Direct the implementation of all activities towards the achievement of the strategic objectives. c) Ensure efficient and effective governance and management of all projects to enable it to fulfil its objectives. d) Ensure sufficient funds and predictable funding flows to support the work of OUR CLIENT'S. 2) Ensure that the OUR CLIENT'S Management Team and BoD have the necessary, timely information for effective governance and compliance. a) Ensure that the OUR CLIENT'S Board of Directors (\"BoD\") and Management team is fully able to carry out its fiduciary and strategic responsibilities by Reporting Upwards through: i. Providing crisp, pertinent and timely project and financial management reports at regular Committee and Board of Directors meetings; ii. Overseeing management team members when and as appropriate to facilitate prompt review and decision-making and to ensure that areas of concern are dealt with expeditiously. iii. Aligning the implementation of programmes and the publishing focus to ensure streamlining of purpose and execution, across the OUR CLIENT'S Group, as a holistic provider of literacy impact initiatives. iv. Ensuring that business processes are compliant with legally prescribed accounting and monitoring standards and approved internal policies and procedures to mitigate risks. v. Maintaining good records of all management and BoD decisions and acting on these decisions timeously. vi. Sharing electronic updates with the BoD on a monthly basis to keep members informed of key developments between meetings. 3) Build and sustain a skilled, motivated team. a) Lead the Management team and staff to ensure mission alignment, commitment and efficiency in meeting the objectives of OUR CLIENT'S. b) Ensure that every staff member has a clear mandate and the necessary skills, support and delegation of authority to achieve their mandate. c) Ensure the procurement of consultants and services as necessary to support the achievement of the project objectives. d) Maintain a work environment characterised by accountability, respect, integrity, learning and continued strategic review and development. e) Ensure that staff recruitment is consistent with national imperatives with respect to gender and racial composition. f) Ensure effective performance management, retaining the options of disciplinary proceedings and dismissal of staff who persistently fail to perform. These options (of last resort) will be discussed with the Management team prior to initiating the process. 4) Oversee the management and development of operating partners and coordinate the implementation of OUR CLIENT'S's provincial programs. a) Stakeholder management at all levels, including senior government officials, local and international funders, partners and Trainers, that ensure that sufficient high-quality training is provided to Teachers. b) Develop and propose relevant government legislation tools, systems to protect the interests of pupils, Teachers and other staff involved with the project. c) Ensure efficient coordination of all provincial projects. d) Ensure that the internal monitoring and evaluation process is carried out and meets funder requirements. e) Development of the skills and expertise of local education partners with the aim of creating a \"hub\" of excellent education. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS KEY TASKS AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS3 f) Build capacity internally to effectively implement all aspects of projects, thus enabling Teachers (beneficiaries) to operate effectively and independently by the end of the project. 5) Maintain efficient and effective internal systems. a) Ensure that all staff, consultants, service providers and funders are aligned to project requirements. b) Ensure that all contracts are updated as necessary and that contractual compliance is monitored and managed, in both directions. c) Ensure proper budgeting and financial accountability for operational expenses. d) Ensure effective oversight of monitoring and evaluation of projects. 6) Ensure sound financial management. a) Develop and motivate for an annual budget, in line with the overall budget and strategic objectives of the organisation and in consultation with the Management team and BoD. b) Manage and monitor budget and spend. c) Ensure management accounts are prepared for regular Management meetings. d) Raise additional funding as may be necessary to enable the achievement of strategic objectives. e) Ensure financial reports are prepared timeously for funders \/ funding partners as per terms of agreement. f) Oversee the financial team's ability to deliver accurate financial records to ensure unqualified Audited Financial Statements (CFO perhaps). 7) Establish and maintain strategic relationships. a) Establish and nurture partnerships that will: i. Leverage additional funding for OUR CLIENT'S; ii. Facilitate effective project implementation; iii. Ensure long-term sustainability. b) Partners will include: i. Department of Education; ii. Funders; iii. The Corporate Sector; iv. Academic and research institutions; 8) Position OUR CLIENT'S as a leading partner in the creation of a literate society by improving the quality of teaching and ensuring effective school management and monitoring services. a) Ensure that the vision, mission and core objectives of OUR CLIENT'S are communicated in a way that enables it to leverage new partnerships and extend its influence in the Department of Education's decision-making and planning process related to the quality of teaching and the management of schools. b) Participate in, and contribute to, relevant policy discussions at appropriate levels of society, the private sector and government institutions \/ Department of Education. c) Make effective use of the media to present key issues and\/ or insights emerging from the work of OUR CLIENT'S Institute. 9) Improve sales and financial sustainability of publishing a) Ensure that publishing book titles are consistently in all national and provincial accreditation lists of the Department(s) of Education. b) Ongoing liaison with education and literacy experts in order to ensure constant updating of publishing titles and products. c) Maintain publishing in a financially sustainable situation.