Executive Director

• Ndifuna Ukwazi
• Region:
  Cape Town
• Salary: R per annum (Cost to Company), inclusive of Retirement Annuity and Medical Aid contributions
• Type of employment:
  Full time

Ndifuna Ukwazi is seeking a committed Executive Director (ED) to provide strategic, political, and organisational leadership to the organisation. The ED will be responsible for advancing Ndifuna Ukwazi’s mission, strengthening its impact, ensuring financial sustainability, and representing the organisation publicly.

• Strategic leadership – Leading the development and implementation of NU’s strategy in line with NU’s vision and mission, and guiding the development of the organisational culture and ethos of NU to reflect the values of justice and equity for which we advocate.
• People – supporting, leading and building a diverse and competent team who demonstrate a commitment to NU’s mission, vision and ethos.
• Fundraising and donors – Maintaining the healthy financial management of the organisation, including fundraising, reporting and building strong donor relationships.
• Partners – Building and maintain relationships with NU’s strategic partners including community partners, social movements, civil society partners and funders.
• Key stakeholders – Maintaining and strengthening NU’s profile and reputation with key stakeholders (media, government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders), and representing NU in various forums.
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning – Ensuring consistent monitoring, evaluation and learning in relation to NU’s work, strategies and impact.
• Governance – Ensuring effective engagement with Ndifuna Ukwazi’s Board of Trustees.
• Risk management – Ensuring that financial and capital resources are efficiently managed and that the organisation is financially sustainable.

• Degree-level education (with a substantial understanding of the political, economic and socio-legal context of NU’s work).
• At least five to seven years’ experience with experience in senior management.
• A demonstrated commitment to advancing social justice.
• A record of leadership abilities, including:
  • Experience relating to financial and funder management.
  • Experience in managing projects from conceptualisation through to implementation and completion.
  • Strong human resource management skills.
  • The ability to build the internal capacity of the team and provide support in a collegial environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (fluency in other South African languages will be an advantage).
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to easily relate to, and work with people across race, class, gender and age.
• Residing in or willing to relocate to Cape Town.

Please note that Ndifuna Ukwazi is committed to transformation and equity in its recruitment processes. Ndifuna Ukwazi reserves the right not appoint.

Interested applicants must email their application to employment.za with the subject “NU Vacancy:
Executive Director 2026”. Please include the following in your application:

• A motivational letter detailing your interest for the position and;
• Updated CV reflecting your most recent experience.

Only complete applications will be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Closing Date for Applications:
Friday, 13 March 2026, 23:59

Date posted: 12 February 2026