Program Manager, Economic and Climate Prosperity

Role Overview

The Program Manager will shape and deliver Economic and Climate Prosperity’s work in South Africa and Senegal, while contributing to selected regional and pan-African initiatives. The role combines policy research, political-economy analysis, grant and contract oversight, and partnership building to advance work on green industrial policy, international finance, and trade. A strong grasp of South Africa’s political and policy landscape will help the Program Manager identify practical opportunities for reform and support partners to influence policy decisions and implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop country work plans that reflect policy opportunities, political conditions, and realistic routes to reform in South Africa and Senegal.
• Assess how institutions, interests, incentives, and power relationships shape policy choices and implementation.
• Turn technical research and evidence into clear policy options, briefing materials, and engagement approaches for partners and decision-makers.
• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, development finance institutions, civil society, researchers, businesses, and regional bodies; represent the program in relevant forums.
• Bring stakeholders with differing perspectives together and support partners working to influence policy design, delivery, and accountability.
• Coordinate grant processes, including proposal requests and review, grant documentation, processing, payments, reporting, and ongoing communication with grantees.
• Prepare and oversee consultant contracts, contribute to wider program strategy, and coordinate with colleagues across Economic and Climate Prosperity and Open Society Foundations.
• Track implementation, risks, budgets, and other developments; keep the Associate Director of Programs informed and collaborate on learning across country and regional work.

Requirements & Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent practical experience.
• Substantial experience in program or grant management, climate policy, sustainable finance, or a closely related area.
• Strong expertise in green industrial policy, international finance, and trade systems.
• Experience engaging national governments, national development banks, or other development finance institutions.
• In-depth understanding of South Africa’s policy and political environment, including the ability to navigate policy processes and assess political feasibility.
• Demonstrated success building trusted relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders, including across countries and sectors.
• Ability to develop policy analysis and communicate technical evidence through concise briefs and practical engagement strategies.
• Experience with strategy and work-plan development, research, budgeting, and coordination of complex projects involving multiple teams or stakeholders.
• Knowledge of effective grant-making practices and philanthropy. Experience designing requests for proposals, assessing local civil society applications, structuring grant agreements, or overseeing a substantial disbursement portfolio is an advantage.
• Familiarity with theories of change and logical frameworks is desirable.
• Experience connecting community-based organizations, climate advocates, and public institutions to develop shared policy positions is an advantage.
• Excellent English; additional language skills are welcome.
• Ability to work independently, build consensus across diverse groups, and operate with cultural sensitivity. The role requires international travel and flexibility to work across time zones.
• Commitment to continued learning in diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and social justice, and to working in line with Open Society Foundations’ values of humility, collaboration, respect, inclusion, integrity, and commitment.

What We Offer / Why Join

The organization offers professional development support, including an annual learning allowance, onsite training, and opportunities to learn from visiting experts. Benefits include flexible work arrangements, generous leave, employer-paid health insurance for employees and families, a non-contributory retirement savings plan, life insurance, and paid parental leave alongside reproductive and family-planning support. Employees are expected to work from an Open Society office for 50% of working days each month. The organization also emphasizes an inclusive workplace where staff can contribute as themselves.