AJWS's Grants Department supports non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) undertaking grassroots community development and human rights initiatives in select countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. In the context of the communities where we work, grassroots refers to the organized poor, who undertake the planning, implementation and evaluation of projects and mobilize to seek access to power and resources for their own development.  AJWS supports organizations working in the areas of sustainable livelihoods and development, community health, education for all, community engagement in conflict and emergencies, and community-led human rights campaigns.

The Senior Program Officer for Africa will be responsible for shaping and implementing the strategic direction of AJWS's grantmaking in Africa and directly managing grants in Southern Africa. S/he will represent AJWS's Africa program at international forums as well as AJWS Board and donor meetings. S/he will manage the work of the two Africa Program Officers, one Africa Program Associate and consultants in the field. S/he will also work as part of a closely knit Grants Department and with other AJWS programs including advocacy, volunteer service, education, communications and development.

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for AJWS's grantmaking in Africa that incorporates relevant and current human rights and development issues;
• Manage two Program Officers, one Program Associate and in-country consultants;
• Manage existing grants in Southern Africa (South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe) and deepen AJWS's funding relationships in the region through new grants, capacity building, partner exchanges and strategic networking;
• Develop and monitor the Africa budget in conjunction with grants administration team;
• Travel extensively throughout Africa conducting site visits for evaluation and relationship building, approximately 9 weeks in the field per year;
• Collaborate with all grants department staff on articulation and implementation of overall grantmaking strategies and practices;
• Remain up-to-date on issues, strategies and funding within the international human rights and development communities;
• Develop and network with external strategic allies, including donors and advocacy organizations, to increase opportunities for grantees across Africa;
• Represent AJWS at key conferences, grantmaker affinity groups and donor meetings; write abstracts for panels and workshops featuring AJWS's work;
• Collaborate with AJWS's service department to share country strategies and develop host sites in Africa for AJWS volunteers; and,
• Coordinate with AJWS's development and communications departments to provide content for fundraising, PR initiatives and campaigns and the organization's website

• BA/BS required, Masters strongly preferred;
• Minimum of five years of experience working at a foundation, international development  or human rights organization;
• Experience in grantmaking, strategic planning and other organizational development skills;
• Minimum of two years of staff management experience;
• Minimum of two years living and working in an African country, preferably in South Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe;
• Ability to work in and with diverse communities;
• Excellent writing and analytic skills;
• Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English; proficiency in French or a Southern African local language preferred;
• Working understanding of human rights norms and practices, global development theory and grassroots social movement building;
• Familiarity with current political, social and economic trends  in Southern Africa and across the continent;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Self starter and independent thinker;
• Strong interpersonal skills and team player; and,
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

Additional Qualifications:

• Flexible work style and an interest in being a part of a dynamic and evolving organization;
• Highly organized, with the proven ability to prioritize and complete multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain consistent attention to detail;
• Experience with, and commitment to, social justice and human rights movements; and,
• Commitment and passion for the work of AJWS.

For immediate consideration, please forward your resume and cover letter to opportunities@ajws.org and indicate your name and "Senior Program Officer for Africa" in the subject line.