Job Title: Executive Director
Reports to: Board of Directors
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Contract: 5 years (renewable)
Start Date: 1 August 2026 or soon thereafter.

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) is seeking an Executive Director to lead one of the continent’s premier pan-African think tanks. The Executive Director provides institutional leadership and strategic vision to the organisation. He/She/They will drive the realisation of the organisation’s new 5-year strategic plan, and ensure the long-term sustainability and relevance of the Institute. The role requires a visionary leader with strong administrative and fundraising skills who can advance IJR’s reputation as a leading voice in transitional justice, reconciliation, and peacebuilding across Africa and in transitional societies globally.

Key Requirements

Institutional Leadership and Strategy

• Ensure IJR has clear strategic direction and is successfully managed to achieve its mission and goals.
• Raise and safeguard the public profile of the organisation
• Lead the implementation of IJR’s 5-year strategic plan in consultation with the management teams, staff, and stakeholders.
• Communicate IJR’s vision, mission and areas of work clearly to all staff and relevant external stakeholders.
• Provide executive oversight and control of Institute-wide affairs, policies, and operations.
• Ensure regular performance discussions, assessments, and appraisals.
• Guide leadership on deliverables required from the respective eco-systems and departments.
• Ensure effective succession planning and organisational resilience.
• Provide regular executive reports to the Board.

Programme Oversight and Thought Leadership

• Champion the development of research projects and interventions that align with IJR’s vision and mandate.
• Contribute to and help shape international debate around justice, reconciliation and peacebuilding.
• Oversee research, convening and accompaniment of the strategic eco-systems.
• Establish, maintain and monitor initiatives and partnerships with Intergovernmental organisations, governments, academic institutions and NGO’s.
• Investigate and promote new areas of work for the Institute.
• Deliver or oversee well-researched papers for publication, conferences, and workshops.
• Ensure project implementation is guided by clear M&E indicators and frameworks.

Fundraising and Business Development

• Ensure the Institute has adequate and diversified funding to secure its long-term financial sustainability.
• Provide strategic guidance and leadership on proposal development and submission to potential funders.
• Maintain regular senior-level liaison with existing donors to strengthen relationships and explore further funding opportunities.
• Lead efforts to diversify the funding base, including earned income and social enterprise opportunities.
• Oversee and approve major funding proposals and business development strategies.
• Represent IJR at funder convenings, donor forums, and high-level networking events.

Financial Management and Governance

• Ensure ethical, effective, and transparent financial management of the Institute.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of IJR’s financial status and work closely with the Finance Manager for accurate and timely reporting.
• Oversee the development of annual budgets and ensure budgetary controls are in place across all departments.
• Ensure cost-effective and responsible financial management of the Institute.
• Ensure financial reporting to donors is completed according to grant agreements.

Stakeholder Relations

• Provide executive oversight to media liaison and public statements.
• Lead the development of a comprehensive communications strategy in collaboration with the Communications team.

 Operations and Compliance

• Work closely with the Deputy Executive Director to oversee daily operations across all departments, including finance, HR, communications, and office management.
• Ensure effective and current policies and procedures are implemented and monitored across the organisation.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, including labour law, NPO regulations, and donor requirements.
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess programme effectiveness and impact.
• Report regularly to the Board on organisational performance, risks, and programme outcomes.

People Management

• Directly manage the leadership team and foster an organisational culture aligned with IJR’s values.
• Actively manage the performance and development of direct reports through regular one-on-ones and bi-annual appraisals.
• Work with management to oversee general HR management across IJR.
• Direct and oversee the annual remuneration review in consultation with the Remuneration Committee.
• Encourage staff participation in their own professional development and provide mentorship and ongoing support.
• Foster an inclusive, high-performance culture that reflects IJR’s values of integrity, equity, and excellence.
• Ensure staff are included in project management and informed of decisions that affect them.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent financial acumen and experience in managing large budgets.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity and commitment to IJR’s mission and values.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven experience in securing grant funding and business development.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Board of Directors, Management team, and other key stakeholders.
• Excellent strategic planning and analytical depth.
• Provide intellectual leadership to the organisation
• Ability to influence policy and accompany its implementation
• Engage stakeholders and the diplomatic community
• Well networked across the continent
• Adaptability and sound judgment in complex environments
• Experience handling a heavy workloads under pressure.
• Ability to travel frequently

Qualifications & experience

Education

• PhD in a relevant field (Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Transitional Justice, Peace Studies or a related discipline).
• Formal training or certification in leadership, governance, or executive management is advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience in transitional justice, reconciliation, peacebuilding, human rights, or a closely related field.
• At least 7 years in a senior leadership or executive management role, ideally within an NGO, research institute, or civil society organisation.
• Demonstrated track record in strategic leadership, fundraising, stakeholder management, and organisational development.
• Experience working on the African continent and in transitional or post-conflict contexts is strongly preferred.
• Experience engaging with boards, donors, governments, and international organisations at a senior level.

Application Process:

• Submit a letter of motivation, CV with two contactable references to Gaynore Clarke, email: vacancies@ijr.org.za
• The deadline for applications is close of business on 15 April 2026.
• Shortlisted candidates will participate in an interview process
• If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
• We encourage applications from historically disadvantaged individuals

Institute for Justice and Reconciliation