Program Manager

Program Manager. Johannesburg. Posting Date: 09/02/2025. Deadline: 09/08/2025

Role Title: Program Manager

Contract Type: Regular

Reporting To: Program Director

Program/Department/Unit Name: Programs

Location: Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dakar

Team Name: Transformative Critical Mineral Resources in Africa

The opportunity will focus on Africa’s mining sector, which is central to the global green transition due to its rich reserves of critical minerals. However, weak governance and inequitable contracts have limited local benefits. Addressing power imbalances and environmental harm through stronger value chain capabilities and regional collaboration is essential for a just and sustainable future.

Role Purpose

Key responsibilities- Support the Director of Programs to deliver on the opportunity’s outcomes with professionalism- Deliver on day-to-day liaison with grantees to ensure the opportunity is designed, launched, implemented, and exited according to the outcomes defined- Work collaboratively with other members within the opportunity team and with colleagues across OSF to ensure the opportunity is effectively leveraging OSF’s capabilities to reach the agreed outcome- Effectively manage the grant-making process by communicating with grantees for proposal submission, assisting in grant record preparation, grants processing, payments, reporting, and other related processes- Build a strong understanding of the field and partnerships, in developing and designing the grant selection processes- Manage relationships with partners, in close coordination with Geographic Policy Groups as relevant, and work with them to achieve OSF’s strategic objective through the opportunity- Work collaboratively in developing, assessing, and revising program strategies- Work with leadership to maintain grant-making practice aligned with OSF's approach to grant-making and in compliance with organizational and external standards and regulations- Assist in the construction, maintenance, and assessment of grant making portfolio(s), sharing responsibility for strategy design with manager- Contribute to larger opportunity strategy- Process and oversee progress of consultant contracts- Monitor progress implementation, project risks, and other relevant status updates and communicate to Director of Programs regularly

Key internal relationships
- Director, Programs; Managing Director Programs; Core Partners, Special Advisors, Grants Management, Operations

Key external relationships
- External Partners- Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent)- Post-graduate education relevant to the types of Opportunities that Open Society Foundations will invest in.-
- Extensive expertise in the specific topic area as set out in the “Opportunity Description” above. Experience with access to justice in mining and the impact of of resource extraction in communities.- Specific technical strength and knowledge of critical minerals management and metals policy.- An understanding of the critical minerals value chains and financing- Prior working experience of operating within the non-profit community (for example multi-lateral, NGO, foundation or ambassadorial working environments)- Fluent in local language where the role is based. Proficiency in Portuguese and or French is an added advantage- Demonstrable expertise on Africa, global critical minerals landscape and the associated developmental and governance strategic opportunities for the continent. In addition, practical experience doing high level work in critical minerals rich African countries highly desired.

What we offer- Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.- Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
- Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.- Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).- Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.- Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.- A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

Who we are
- Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
- Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and pol