Africa Programme Officer

About the role

Open Society Foundations (OSF) has a long-standing Africa programme supporting human rights, democratic governance, justice reform, economic justice, and equality. The Programme Officer manages grants across one of these portfolios across Sub-Saharan Africa. Application deadline 31 August 2026.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage a grant portfolio of USD 5 million to USD 20 million annually within your thematic area.
• Source new grantees and lead due diligence on prospective grants.
• Author grant memos and present to OSF Africa Strategy Group.
• Provide strategic support to grantees during implementation and crisis-response moments.
• Coordinate with peer foundations, civil society networks, and African human rights mechanisms.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in social sciences, law, public policy, or related field.
• Seven or more years of relevant professional experience including grant-making, civil society leadership, or African public sector.
• Demonstrated commitment to OSF values (open society, human rights, accountable governance).
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; French, Portuguese, or Arabic an asset.
• Authorisation to work in South Africa.

Nice to have

• PhD or JD in a relevant discipline.
• Prior philanthropic, NGO leadership, or grant-making experience.
• Existing network across Sub-Saharan African civil society.

How to apply

Open the Open Society Foundations jobs page at the apply link, search for “Africa Programme Officer”, and apply through the OSF recruitment portal. CV review, hiring manager interview, technical interviews, and panel with the Regional Director follow. Closing date 31 August 2026.