Program Officer – 4 positions

About the roles

The Judith Neilson Foundation is seeking four passionate and driven individuals to join us as Program Officers. In these roles, you will support our Program Directors in driving impactful work across four portfolios:
• Australia
• East Africa
• Southern Africa
• Innovation & Ideas

This is an exceptional opportunity to join an organisation focused on advancing equity and making a real difference in people’s lives. As a Program Officer, you will join the Foundation on a two year fixed term contract commencing mid-January 2025.

Program Officers will have the opportunity to rotate across different portfolios, allowing them to gain experience in two out of our four portfolio areas during their time with the Foundation. This rotation is designed to provide successful candidates with broad exposure to a range of issue areas, including the opportunity to travel internationally at least once over the course of the two years.

These junior positions are designed for those who are eager to grow, learn and make a difference. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds, including “career changers”.

About the Judith Neilson Foundation

The Judith Neilson Foundation, established by Australian philanthropist Judith Neilson, works to advance a more equitable society through strategic partnerships that empower vulnerable communities in Sub-Saharan Africa and Australia.

Our work in Africa focuses on addressing critical health challenges, promoting educational and economic equity, and supporting community development and environmental stewardship. In Australia, we prioritise tackling disadvantage for women and girls in Sydney, investing in First Nations-led initiatives in Northern Australia, and providing legal support for vulnerable women. Beyond these regional priorities, the Foundation is deeply committed to fostering innovation and ideas. We champion novel approaches to solving social problems, support innovative business and scaling models, and explore new technologies with the potential to transform lives.

Position summary

Each Program Officer will report directly to one of our Program Directors for one year, swapping to a different portfolio in January 2026 for a further year.

Responsibilities

The key duties will be varied and will adapt as circumstances require, but will include:
• Filtering enquiries and assisting in the due diligence process for evaluating prospective opportunities
• Administration of program management requirements including drafting funding agreements and overseeing reporting
• Maintaining and updating our Grant Management System
• Performing desktop research
• Assisting with the preparation of reports
• Creating infographics and visuals for inclusion in board reports
• Managing correspondence and meetings with partners and other stakeholders
• Assisting with events and travel

Key skills and attributes

• A demonstrable curiosity and interest in philanthropy, social justice or development
• An ability to communicate confidently and concisely with a strong attention to detail
• At least three years’ experience in a field requiring relevant, transferrable skills (this need not be the charitable or philanthropic sector)
• Ability to produce high quality written presentations
• A natural learner with the ability to quickly grasp unfamiliar concepts and issues
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Flexible and professional manner
• Receptive and open to giving and receiving feedback
• Ability to be proactive and effectively manage deadlines
• Demonstrated research and analysis skills
• Proficient in using software including Microsoft Office and managing a CRM

Qualifications

While any academic background will be considered, the right candidate will have a demonstrated track record of relevant work or academic experience that aligns with the key skills and attributes outlined above.

Values and behaviours
• Team focused with a “can do” attitude
• Ability to work autonomously
• Ethical, professional, and respectful behaviour
• Results driven
• Ability to perform within a “start up” environment

Eligibility

Vacancies are only open to those with the right to work in Australia. Please do not apply if you do not currently have the right to work in Australia.

Other information

• Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an in person selection day at our offices in Sydney on 6 November 2024. Domestic travel costs will be reimbursed by the Foundation.
• The roles are expected to commence on Monday 13 January 2025.
• These positions are based at the Foundation’s offices in Chippendale, Sydney. We are not able to accommodate remote working for these positions.
• Some domestic and international travel may be required.
• Due to the international nature of the work, occasional flexibility in working outside of core hours may be required to accommodate different time zones.
• The salary package for these positions is $110k inclusive of superannuation.

How to apply

Please apply via email to [email protected] with the following two documents in PDF format: An up to date CV (maximum of four pages)and a one-page response to the following four questions:

1. How would you demonstrate your interest and curiosity in philanthropy, social justice or development?
2. If successful, what would you most like to achieve during your time with the Judith Neilson Foundation?
3. Which of our four portfolio areas interests you most and why?
4. What do you consider to be a highlight of your career that best demonstrates your ability to meet the key skills and attributes outlined above?

An additional cover letter is not required. Do not apply via LinkedIn. Applications close on 9 September 2024.

Selection process and timetable

Applications open: 16 August – 9 September 2024
First stage interviews held via zoom: 23 September – 4 October 2024
In-person selection day in Sydney: 6 November 2024
Offers extended to successful candidates: 8 November 2024
Deadline for acceptance: 15 November 2024
Anticipated commencement of role: 13 January 2025

Unsuccessful candidates will be informed at each stage. Due to the large number of applications, unfortunately we are unable to provide feedback. Full details of the selection day will be made available to candidates prior to attending. The day will include interviews, research tasks, group exercises and presentations. For more information visit https://www.judithneilsonfoundation.org/jobs/ or email [email protected]