Senior Associate

The Unlimited Child is a high scale and high impact non-profit foundation that has been borne out of a for-profit company The Unlimited (a leading financial services provider). This organisation is a leader in early learning, having supported in excess of over 2 million children and ensuring that the value of micro entrepreneurship in marginalised communities is unlocked. We unlock the potential in existing childminding facilities by training and coaching childminders to become ECD practitioners and transforming their spaces into learning-through-play environments, ensuring that ALL children 0-6 have a proper foundation for school and life.

 

ROLE PROFILE:                        SENIOR ASSOCIATE

                       

 

A Senior Associate at The Unlimited Child will play a key role in the execution of the organisation’s strategy.

Reporting into the executive team with an accelerated career progression plan, that will provide learning opportunities for organisational wide exposure and executive accountability.

Their personality and skill profile ought to reflect a blend of passion for social impact, professional competence, and leadership qualities.

 

1. Strategic Thinker with Problem-Solving Skills:

• Strong analytical capabilities, able to assess people, process and resource effectiveness and recommend solutions to complex issues.
• Proactive in identifying areas of improvement within the organisation’s programmes and strategic goals.
• Balances short-term needs with long-term goals, contributing to the organisation’s strategy and decision-making processes.

1. Collaborative and Team-Oriented:

• Works effectively in a team environment, collaborating with colleagues, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Acts as a bridge between junior team and senior leadership, providing mentorship while also ensuring smooth communication and workflow.
• Skilled at coordinating cross-functional teams, often in multicultural or diverse settings.

1. Detail-Oriented and Organised:

• Thrives on managing multiple projects simultaneously and ensuring all operational details are handled with precision.
• Comfortable with developing, managing, and reporting on strategic objectives, often working with budgets, timelines, and performance metrics.
• Strong ability to meet deadlines and oversee programmatic or administrative tasks.

1. Resilient and Adaptable:

• Thrives in fast-paced environments where resources may be limited, but creativity and innovation are essential.
• Able to adapt to evolving challenges, whether due to funding issues, changes in local contexts, or emerging needs in the community.
• Stays calm and focused in high-pressure situations, with the capacity to adjust plans as necessary.

1. Strong Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, crucial for drafting proposals, reports, and presentations to donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Can effectively advocate for The Unlimited Child’s goals in meetings, workshops, and public forums.
• Comfortable representing the organisation in external engagements, such as conferences or donor meetings.

1. Leadership and Initiative:

• Demonstrates leadership qualities, often stepping into leadership roles in projects or initiatives.
• Takes the initiative to improve internal processes or suggest new programmatic ideas.
• Acts with a high level of autonomy, but knows when to seek guidance from senior management.

1. Culturally Sensitive and Ethical:

• Understands the importance of cultural competency, particularly when working with diverse populations or in international settings.
• Committed to ethical practices in program implementation, ensuring transparency and accountability in all actions.
• Ensures the rights and dignity of the communities served are respected at all times.

1. Growth-Oriented:

• A continuous learner, staying informed about trends and best practices in the NGO sector.
• Engages in professional development, seeking out training or networking opportunities to better serve the organisation’s mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Senior Associate works closely with the CEO and the executive management team to ensure that the organisation’s goals align with its mission and values, while also promoting sustainability, impact, and growth.
• High accountability in leading and overseeing strategic aspects of the organisations exponential growth.
• Lead efforts to secure funding through diverse revenue streams including grants, donations, sponsorships, and partnerships. GOAL= Raise R50 million in one year
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and foundations.
• Ensure financial sustainability by maintaining a balanced budget, overseeing financial planning, and optimising resource allocation.
• Impact Investment by unlocking partnership funding & social investment on a local & global scale
• Involved in the exponential growth of the organisation to continue with high impact
• Securing investment that is unrestricted
• Driving longitudinal studies and impact assessments to test the influence the program has had in target communities
• Establishing and managing corporate governance processes that will increase in complexity as external funders are sourced
• Advocacy and engagement on public policies with input to the necessary stakeholders
• Thought Leadership Engagement
• Ensuring excellence in feedback to the executive boards of our different local and global partners.

 

QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Honours/Masters degree in Science, Engineering, Accounting or Business disciplines.
• At least 5 years relevant experience, with a proven track record of success.
• Experience creating and implementing Investment strategies.
• Strategic experience with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to inspire and motivate staff, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong networking, relationship-building, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to confidently work with high net worth individuals, family trusts and philanthropists and the corporate sector.
• Knowledge of the non-profit sector’s legal, compliance, and ethical standards an advantage.
• Fundraising and Resourcefulness: Proven capacity to raise funds and ensure financial stability.
• People Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams.
• Community Engagement: Strong presence and engagement with community stakeholders.
• Financial Acumen: Proficiency in financial management and understanding of non-profit accounting.