WE ARE HIRING: OPERATIONS AND FINANCE MANAGER

Closing date: 28 February 2026

The Centre is seeking a highly organised and motivated Operations and Finance Manager to oversee its financial management, operational systems, and organisational compliance. The ideal candidate will combine strong financial acumen with practical experience in nonprofit administration, budgeting, and reporting. They will play a key role in ensuring the Centre’s sustainability and efficiency by managing financial processes, human resources, donor reporting, and office operations. The role requires excellent attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to support a small, purpose-driven team working at the intersection of law, biodiversity conservation, and social justice.

The role is a part-time role (approximately 20 hours per week) to start. The intention is for the position to expand to a full-time role as the organisational needs and funding evolve.

This role is essential for creating a supportive, well-organised environment that enables efficiency and accountability within the team and to the Board of Directors. The role will report directly to the Executive Director, as well as providing quarterly updates to the Board.

Qualifications, skills and experience

  • A relevant tertiary qualification in accounting, finance, business administration, or nonprofit management (e.g. BCom, BAcc, or equivalent).
  • At least 4 years’ experience in financial and / or operations management, ideally in the NPO sector.
  • Experience in managing grants, donor reporting and audits.
  • Financial expertise, including budgeting and forecasting.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement organisational policies, systems, and budgets.
  • Strong financial management and analytical skills, with proficiency in accounting software (e.g. Xero)
  • HR experience including recruitment, onboarding and policy management.
  • Sound understanding of governance principles, internal controls, and risk management.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with auditors, donors, and the Board.
  • High level of integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.
  • Strong people skills and interpersonal awareness, with experience supporting both senior and junior team members.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.

Key responsibilities

Finance Management

  • Working with the Executive Director to manage the Centre’s financial systems including migration to Xero accounting in the financial year commencing 1 March 2026.
  • Lead annual budgeting processes and monitor expenditure against budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director.
  • Maintain accurate financial records and prepare clear, actionable monthly reports.
  • Coordinate annual audits and ensure compliance with statutory and donor financial requirements.
  • Track income and expenditure per project, ensuring accurate allocation of funds and adherence to donor budgets.
  • Assist with payroll, donor funding allocation, and cashflow in collaboration with the Centre’s bookkeeper.
  • Provide financial data and insight to support donor reporting and funding applications.
  • Issuing section 18A certificates and liaising with the Centre’s accountants to ensure timely reporting to SARS.

Operations and Structure

  • Manage certain HR functions: recruitment; contracts; leave and performance record-keeping.
  • Office management: Oversee day-to-day operations, including office systems, supplies, facilities, and IT support.
  • Manage service provider relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure proper procurement practices.
  • Oversee digital systems, cloud storage, and data protection processes.
  • Maintain insurance, legal compliance, and adherence to risk management matrix.
  • Provide logistical and administrative support for events, meetings, and fieldwork.
  • Develop and maintain internal policies, procedures, and operational manuals to ensure efficiency, transparency, and compliance.

Governance and Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and NGO governance obligations (including reporting to CIPC, SARS, Department of Social Development, Legal Practice Council).
  • Assist the Executive Director in preparing board packs and financial updates for quarterly Board review.
  • Keep accurate and up-to-date statutory records, including registers of directors, members, and key decisions.

Salary

The salary range for the position is between R25 000 to R30 000 per month (total cost to company). The salary offered will be dependent on factors that include the qualifications, level of expertise, and experience of the successful candidate. The position is a contract position for a fixed 2-year term (renewal subject to funding).

How to apply

Please send the following documents to kate@biodiversitylaw.org by 28 February 2026 with the email subject line: “BLC Operations and Finance Manager Application”:

  • A cover letter setting out your skills and relevant experience, as well as why you want to work at the Centre;
  • A copy of your CV;
  • Contact details of 2 to 3 referees.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CLOSING DATE: 28 February 2026