In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the Project Manager, Children's Right Unit vacancy. The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Responsibilities

The incumbent of this position is responsible for the overall management of the Children’s Rights Unit of the Centre for Human Rights, which is one of the Centre’s research, education, training, capacity building and advocacy units. The incumbent will be responsible for the following key responsibilities:

Unit Project Activities

• Manage the implementation of existing projects;
• Grow the project portfolio of the Unit by identifying and developing new project areas in the unit’s focal area in South Africa, Africa and globally;
• Manage the existing, and establish new partnerships for the work of the Unit, including collaborations with civil society organisations working on the relevant rights in Africa;
• Represent the Centre in various forums related to human rights including regional meetings and sessions of relevant treaty bodies;
• Manage partner and donor relations in relation to all the Unit’s projects;
• Coordinate and facilitate the hosting logistics of annual training, courses and events within the unit;
• Manage the relevant clinic within the Centre.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Develop and improve monitoring, evaluation plans for the Unit;
• Develop monitoring and impact indicators for project activities;
• Monitor all project activities, expenditure and progress towards achieving project outputs;
• Report on progress on all project activities to the Director, relevant donors and funders;
• Report to the funders in accordance with the terms specified in the grant agreements;
• Formulate strategies for improving efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of project activities;
• Provide input and participate in the organisation of the annual project reviews and planning workshops;
• Monitor and evaluate the long-term effects and impact of the activities of the Unit and sustainability of project results.

Fundraising and Financial Oversight

• Create a sustainable and diverse fundraising portfolio for the Unit’s activities;
• Develop a comprehensive and coherent fundraising strategy for the Unit’s work;
• Research and approach potential donors in line with the Unit’s focus areas;
• Create a database for potential donors;
• Write grant applications to grant makers and handle all administrative aspects of fundraising
• Lead all interactions and communication with project donors and funders with the aim of sustaining long term funding collaborations;
• Raise awareness of the Unit’s work on a continuous basis in the donor community in order to form new donor relationships;
• Develop new methods to raise funds for the Unit’s work;
• Manage the Unit’s budget;
• Liaise with the Finance Manager to ensure the Unit’s financial sustainability e.g. through careful utilisation of resources and realistic fundraising targets.

Communications and Media Engagements

• Implement an information and communications strategy for the Unit in consultation with the Centre’s Communications Manager;
• Update the Unit’s web page with the work of the Unit;
• Develop publicity materials to raise awareness of the Unit’s work and events;
• Develop media contacts and publicise the achievements of the Unit;
• Raise awareness and maintain the profile of the Unit through different platforms including social media;
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with relevant role players in the Human Rights movement and networks;
• Prepare press releases as well as undertake media advocacy as and when necessary.

Research and Capacity Building

• Undertake and oversee research and publish on aspects of human rights related the unit’s focus area;
• Design and facilitate delivery of training and capacity building for various stakeholders;
• Effectively and efficiently respond to requests for interventions/training.

Human Resources Management

• Manage Unit staff to ensure delivery of Unit objectives.
• Implement development and training needs for all staff in the Unit.
• Managing the performance of all the staff in the Unit.
• Oversee disciplinary and grievance matters in liaison with

Minimum Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Human Rights, or related field
• A minimum of 4 years’ working experience in the following:
• Project management;
• Research, advocacy and capacity building;
• Working with non-governmental organisation(s);
• Experience and understanding of relevant issues in an African context;
• Fundraising and donor report writing.

Added Advantages And Preferences

• A doctoral degree in human rights or a related area
• A professional qualification in project management
• A total of 3 years of experience in high-level stakeholder engagement in an African context, including UN and AU officials

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.
The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.
Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

• A comprehensive CV;
• A motivation letter indicating how the applicant meets the requirements for the position;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE:03 November 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
ENQUIRIES: Carole Viljoen Tel: (012) 420 3810 or carole.viljoen@up.ac.za for application-related enquiries, and Nkatha Murungi Tel: (012) 420 4684 or nkatha.murungi@up.ac.za for enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 January 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from underrepresented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information, including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.