Stakeholder Manager

South African Broadband Education Networks (SABEN) is a non-profit company serving school networks and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sectors in South Africa.

SABEN works with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to supply 47 of the 50 recognised TVET colleges in South Africa. In addition, SABEN offers other digital solutions such as hosting, VOIP and WiFi services.

Our organisation values integrated communication, collaboration and innovative thinking. Education and self-advancement is at the core of what we do, and how we see the world.

Our mission

SABEN is dedicated to eliminating bandwidth poverty by connecting all South Africans to free, fast and reliable broadband fibre.

What is the digital divide?

The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals and communities who have access to reliable internet and those who don't. This divide affects many aspects of daily life, not least of which being the ability to engage with educational content. As a result, those without connectivity are at a disadvantage when it comes to skills and access to online educational resources. Providing free or low-cost internet in public areas helps narrow this gap by giving everyone a chance to connect and learn.

The NREN and SABEN partnership is enabling digital transformation of South Africa's schools & colleges.

Role Purpose

The Stakeholder Manager & Executive Assistant will play a dual role within the organisation. Approximately 60% of the role will focus on managing and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders — including funders, government partners, beneficiaries, and sector peers — to advance the organisation's mission and impact. The remaining 40% will involve providing high-level executive assistance to the CEO, overseeing general office management, and handling occasional ad hoc tasks to ensure smooth organisational operations.

Key Responsibilities

A. Stakeholder Management (60%)

• Map, identify, and prioritise key stakeholders (funders, government, beneficiaries, partner organisations, regulators).
• Develop and implement a stakeholder engagement plan aligned with the organisation's strategy.
• Build, manage, and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring timely communication and feedback loops.
• Represent the organisation in external forums, meetings, and sector networks.
• Support partner engagement through proposals and relationship management.
• Monitor stakeholder satisfaction, gather feedback, and report insights to management and the board.
• Identify and mitigate risks in stakeholder relationships, resolving conflicts with diplomacy and discretion.

B. Executive Assistant & Office Management (40%)

• Provide high-level administrative support to the CEO, including diary management, meeting preparation, and correspondence.
• Draft and format reports, presentations, and briefing materials for internal and external use.
• Coordinate board and committee meetings (agendas, logistics, follow-ups).
• Manage office operations, supplies, and vendor relationships to ensure efficient day-to-day functioning.
• Support HR functions such as onboarding new staff and maintaining personnel records.
• Assist with travel arrangements, expense reports, and event logistics.
• Undertake occasional special projects and miscellaneous tasks as directed by the CEO.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting reports and professional correspondence.
• Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Discretion and integrity in handling sensitive information.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-focused mindset.
• Strong computer literacy (MS Office, Google Workspace, CRM systems or stakeholder databases).

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in stakeholder management, partnerships, or donor relations is essential.
• Experience as an executive assistant, office manager, or similar administrative role is essential.
• Previous experience in an educational role (advantageous).
• Previous experience in a non-profit or mission-driven organisation (advantageous).
• Knowledge of the non-profit funding landscape and government relations (advantageous).

Location

This position is a full-time, hybrid position at the SABEN offices in Observatory, Cape Town.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R30 000,00 - R36 000,00 per month

Education:

• Bachelors (Required)

Location:

• Cape Town, Western Cape (Required)

Work Location: In person